Summit Academy Akron Middle School students experience the rewards of service at Haven of Rest Ministries
On a brisk February morning, Summit Academy Akron Middle School Community Culture Coordinator Tom Fausnight and four of his students exit an Akron METRO bus at the Haven of Rest Ministries shelter. They are ready to prepare lunch trays for those in need. The weekly ritual brings students a sense of value as meaningful as it gets.
“If feels amazing to give back to my own community,” says eighth-grader Jasmine, who lived at the shelter for months when she was younger. “It was so nostalgic my first time coming here [as a volunteer]. The people [here] helped me then. I get to help them now.”
Jasmine and her three schoolmates spring into action, adding fruit cups to trays, pouring juice into cups and pitching in wherever needed, swiftly and independently. Fausnight says the students earn this volunteer opportunity. They work hard in the classroom, can be trusted off school property and are willing to make up missed classwork.
“There are many life lessons that are learned along the way,” says Fausnight, describing practical takeaways such as navigating public transportation and keeping to oneself on the bus. “They also learn that they can make a difference in their community. They are humbled as they see so many people needing their help.”
Sixth-grader Alena describes the work she does at Haven of Rest as “personally satisfying and fun.”
“They really appreciate it,” she says of those coming to shelter for meals she helps prepare.
“It’s really cool because I’m helping people without a lot,” adds seventh-grader Krisette.
Eighth-grader Madalyn, now in her third-year volunteering at the shelter, says the outreach work fits her personal values.
“I’m a helper. This is just who I am, so being here to help people feels amazing,” says Madalyn, who hopes to become a surgeon. “I always look forward to coming here.”
Likewise, Fausnight – who has led the volunteer effort for more than 11 years – says he feels privileged to help others. It’s not unusual for him to volunteer solo at the shelter on snow days and holidays, when school is closed.
The contributions made by Fausnight and his students have not gone unnoticed.
“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Summit Academy,” says Haven of Rest Volunteer Coordinator Christina Thayer.