ACCESS, Inc.

ACCESS, Inc. Emergency Shelter for Women & Children in Summit County, OH. Sheltering homeless women and children in Summit County since 1984.

We are incredibly grateful to Mighty Vincent for volunteering with ACCESS and spending time serving the women and childr...
09/25/2026

We are incredibly grateful to Mighty Vincent for volunteering with ACCESS and spending time serving the women and children in our shelter.

The Mighty Vincent Project was created in memory of Vincent William Baran, a Hudson, Ohio, boy whose life was tragically cut short in 2020 at just 7 years old. Following Vincent’s death, his family and community were surrounded by an outpouring of kindness and support. That spirit of compassion lives on through Mighty Vincent, whose mission is to bring joy and compassion to others by encouraging volunteer service and raising awareness of those in need.

We are thankful that the Mighty Vincent Project continues Vincent’s legacy by giving back to others and reminding us of the impact that even small acts of kindness can have. Thank you for choosing to spend your time supporting our residents and being part of the ACCESS community. Your service truly makes a difference. 💜

09/21/2026

✨ SAVE THE DATE: Our next annual State of the Shelter Breakfast is scheduled for May 18, 2027 at the John S. Knight Center! ✨

Take a look back at some special moments from this year’s breakfast. Can you spot yourself or your team? 👀

We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the sponsors who helped make this year’s event possible, and continue to support ACCESS and our mission. We’re already looking forward to gathering with our incredible community again and sharing the accomplishments and impact made possible by your support. STAY TUNED to hear when ticket registration opens! 💜

A big thank you to the team at SIRVA for spending time volunteering at ACCESS and helping clean up our outdoor spaces! 💜...
09/18/2026

A big thank you to the team at SIRVA for spending time volunteering at ACCESS and helping clean up our outdoor spaces! 💜

We are grateful for your hard work in helping keep our shelter grounds welcoming and safe for the women and children we serve. We truly appreciate SIRVA’s support of ACCESS and the time your team dedicated to giving back to our community!

A heartfelt thank you to Mainstream Boutique Hudson for donating clothing to ACCESS! Our team had so much fun putting to...
09/16/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Mainstream Boutique Hudson for donating clothing to ACCESS!

Our team had so much fun putting together a few outfits from the donated items and wanted to show them off in the ACCESSories boutique. Donations like these help dignify the women staying at ACCESS as they navigate their next steps toward stability.

We are grateful to Mainstream Boutique for thinking of the women and children we serve and for supporting our mission in such a meaningful way. 💜

Please join us in welcoming our new Childcare Associate, Larry! In his important role, Larry helps create a safe, engagi...
09/14/2026

Please join us in welcoming our new Childcare Associate, Larry!

In his important role, Larry helps create a safe, engaging and fun environment for our youngest residents, giving mothers at our shelter one less worry as they work toward stability and permanent housing.

We’re so grateful to have Larry as part of the ACCESS team! 💜

Please join us in congratulating Chanell, our Core Values Award recipient! 🎉 At ACCESS, our core values include being tr...
09/09/2026

Please join us in congratulating Chanell, our Core Values Award recipient! 🎉

At ACCESS, our core values include being trauma-informed and being good stewards of resources at the shelter and in the community. Chanell was recognized for the meaningful way she embodies these values in her everyday work.

Her compassion and commitment to the women and children we serve reflect the heart of what we strive for at ACCESS. Congratulations, Chanell, and thank you for the impact you make every day. We are extremely lucky to have you on our team! 💜

We invite the community to join us next week for an important conversation surrounding homelessness at a panel discussio...
09/04/2026

We invite the community to join us next week for an important conversation surrounding homelessness at a panel discussion featuring Joe Scalise, David Churbock, and ACCESS Executive Director Jackie Hemsworth. Hosted by University of Akron student Scott Lowe, “The Cost of Looking Away: The Crisis of Homelessness and Belonging" is sponsored by ACCESS and will provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of homelessness on both a national and local level.

📅 Thursday, September 10
📍 Akron-Summit Main Library, Room 2AB
🕠 5:30 p.m.

Yesterday, we spent $500 at Ross on new clothes for the young women and children staying at our shelter, all thanks to R...
09/01/2026

Yesterday, we spent $500 at Ross on new clothes for the young women and children staying at our shelter, all thanks to Ross Dress for Less for providing this generous gift in the form of gift cards.

Because of their generosity, our residents will receive new clothing that fits their needs and restores dignity. Thank you, Ross for helping our residents feel confident, cared for, and supported. We’re so grateful for your investment in the women and children we serve! 💜

Meet Carolyn—a mother, grandmother, and bright woman who proves that anyone can experience homelessness, but also overco...
08/24/2026

Meet Carolyn—a mother, grandmother, and bright woman who proves that anyone can experience homelessness, but also overcome it.

Carolyn entered ACCESS in 2026 after experiencing housing safety issues that took a toll on her physical and mental health. After her daughter’s passing in 2021, Carolyn lost her brothers.

“I was so grief-stricken and overwhelmed, I didn’t want to move homes,” she said. “I used to never ask for help.”

Carolyn decided to change that when she called 2-1-1 and entered ACCESS with her granddaughter.

“I have been overwhelmed with love from the staff and other ladies,” Carolyn said. She also shared that her granddaughter, who is in middle school, has maintained a 4.0 GPA while staying at ACCESS and even met her best friend at the shelter.

In her free time, Carolyn enjoys volunteering and giving back to the community. Since entering ACCESS, she has actively participated in workshops and classes, which she says have taught her valuable skills and useful information. “The staff here has always let me know that ACCESS is home right now,” she said.

Carolyn also expressed deep appreciation for her case manager, who helped her secure permanent housing. “I am so grateful. ACCESS is truly… access.”

As she looks ahead to this next chapter, Carolyn plans to stay involved with ACCESS by returning as a volunteer and giving back to the community that supported her during a difficult time. Your donation can help make that same support possible for another family by clicking the link below. 💜

https://www.access-shelter.org/donate

Address

230 W Market Street
Akron, OH
44303

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