We can’t thank you enough!

On June 4, more than 40 volunteers joined us for the annual Lydia’s Home Volunteer Day. Together, we put down a truckload of mulch, 10 truckloads of topsoil, and 2 truckloads of gravel around our maintenance building and fire pit area. We were also able to put down new grass seed, fertilizer, and straw over more than 15,000 square feet of our property.

Because of your generous gifts of time, hard work and resources, the Ministry was able to save thousands of dollars that can be reinvested in our programs.

Since its 2011 launch, Akron’s Urbean Café has exceeded $6 million in economic impact to Summit County. A workforce development program of Broken Chains Ministry for formerly incarcerated citizens, the café serves up to 600 customers a day.

“Beyond generating $6 million in economic impact, the café’s less than two percent employee recidivism rate has saved Ohio taxpayers more than $3 million in direct costs,” said John Wiseman, Urbean Café’s business manager.

More than 115 individuals have achieved workforce readiness and successful reentry through this unique Restorative Justice program.

Join us at Lydia’s Home on June 4 for our summer Volunteer Day from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

We need folks who are able and willing to help us with a variety of work outside following the removal of a number of dead and diseased trees. This process resulted in some damage to the land.

From planting grass seed and pulling weeds, to helping plant small trees, shrubs and flowers, and helping with mulching, we would love to have you join us for at least a few hours. We also need donations toward flowering plants, shrubs, trees, mulch, topsoil and grass seed. Read more for details.

As many of you know, Lydia’s Home is a visionary 6-bed transition, recovery and reentry home for women. This means we use a lot of sheets, towels, face towels and washcloths! As we approach our 5-year anniversary, we are asking our community for donations of new essential items for our current residents, and to prepare for new residents. Check out our blog for wish list items, colors, sizes and delivery instructions. Thank you!

View our photo gallery or watch our video to see the interior of the home for color ideas. We would love to have at least 6 new sets of bed and bathroom essentials by the end of the year.

Broken Chains Ministry is founded on faith-centered Restorative Justice principles that we believe are reshaping the approach to criminal justice.

About 2,100 people return to the Akron area community from incarceration every year. Restorative Justice understands crime as an act against people, relationships, and the community. Retributive justice views crime as an act against the state and focuses on punishment.

We employ proven practices of mentoring, identity restoration, faith-centered programs and education, workforce development, and advocacy to achieve these goals. In the process, we help improve public safety, restore individuals to community with fairness, save taxpayer dollars, and generate positive economic impact. This includes our unique Urbean Cafe and Lydia’s Home programs.

Looking for a cozy treat to warm your spirits during this cold weather? Urbean Cafe is serving up all of your favorites this winter. There’s no better way to warm up than with our locally roasted, freshly ground coffee. Our signature Urbean Cafe blend is guaranteed to start your day with a smile.. If coffee isn’t your speed, our Hot Cocoa can hit the spot.

For lunch, try our appropriately named “Awesome Burger”, made fresh to order with custom toppings. Or, if you’re feeling chilly, try our chili! Both dishes are fan favorites that are sure to fend off the cold and snow.

If you’re feeling Philly’s instead, ours are made with chicken or steak and are served sizzling right off the grill. With homemade quesadillas, handmade pizzas, and sky-high nachos, there’s something on the menu for everyone.

Join us in welcoming Elisa Raicevich, Board Chairperson, and Christine Cox, Board Member to the Broken Chains Ministry board of directors.

Both Elisa and Christine bring more than 15 years of Broken Chains Ministry mentoring experience to their new roles, having mentored dozens of women over the years. In fact, Christine has worked in prison ministry for more than 25 years.

In addition, both of these exceptional leaders are active educators at Lydia’s Home, visiting monthly to teach the Heart of Addiction Bible Study Curriculum to women in recovery. They also visit the women’s Community Based Correctional Facility (CBCF) monthly to mentor to those still incarcerated.

Thanks to Wayside Furniture, your donation of up to $100* will be DOUBLED when you drop off your donation to Wayside Café at 1367 Canton Rd. in Akron November 26 through November 29. Visit Wayside Café located at 1367 Canton Rd., Akron, Ohio 44312. Call 330-733-6221 for hours and details, or visit www.wayside-furniture.com for hours and information.

Lydia's Home is grateful to Professor Joann Sahl, Esq., J.D., and the law students at the University of Akron School of Law for their volunteer service during the 11th Annual Akron Law Cares day of service. Thank you for rolling up your sleeves and helping us complete maintenance and landscaping projects for the third straight year.