In just one week, six people were murdered in Akron. Between this and the Copley and Craigslist shootings, some in the faith community are saying "enough is enough" and taking a stand against crime in our area by gathering together in prayer.

Twenty-six murders were committed in the city this past year alone. "That's 26 mothers without sons," said Serita Terrel, who lost her 24-year-old son last May, due to a gunshot to the head.

Police officers, pastors and city officials were among those who arrived to pray at Mount Calvary Baptist Church on Bell Street and address the recent violence in the city.

What makes a city great? Many believe it is the people living in it - the dreamers, achievers and people living out their purpose, building it up economically and socially, so that it is thriving in all areas.

Many have fled the city, instead of building it up. But individuals are needed to build, create and inspire others to make Akron a more vibrant community. Several grassroots efforts are currently being worked on to build up the city, but there are also bigger initiatives taking place as well – collaborations between city officials and organizations. University Park Alliance is one of these initiatives. Their slogan is "Do something great today!"

 
"University Park is a neighborhood which surrounds the University of Akron. University Park Alliance is an organization that was started by the University of Akron, Housing Authority, (and others), with the initiative to really work to re-develop the 50 blocks surrounding the university," Eric Johnson Ph.D., executive director, said.

Putting fresh, local, sustainably grown vegetables on the table of everyone in our community is the aim of an organization called City Fresh.

City Fresh is a Cuyahoga County nonprofit program of the New Agrarian Center that supports the creation of a sustainable local food system in Northeast Ohio. Founded by Brad Masi, the program was meant to address the needs of those who are most at-risk within our community.

The New Agrarian Center is committed to building a stronger and more sustainable regional food system in Northeast Ohio: a food system that promotes health in the broadest sense of the word -- healthy land, healthy communities, healthy individuals and a healthy economy.

Could ex-offenders be the key to stimulating growth and stability in our economy? According to the Summit County Reentry Network (SCRN), ex-offenders may just have what it takes.

Through collaboration, the SCRN is working to reduce the percentage of ex-offenders who return to crime (recidivate). At the same time, they are enhancing community safety and promoting family reunification.

Having ex-offenders re-enter society and become productive citizens could create major changes in our city, and world, as we know it. These people need jobs and a second chance. Once ex-offenders become employed, they will contribute to the economy through taxes and the purchase of goods and services, along with paying off their child support, court fees and fines.