Building For Tomorrow

Building For Tomorrow

Building for Tomorrow: Helping Families Thrive Through Education

Founded in 2011, Building for Tomorrow (BFT) is the nonprofit arm of the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA). Building for Tomorrow supports families living in AMHA communities by expanding access to education, digital literacy, and community-based resources that promote long-term stability and opportunity. By investing in people—not just housing—we help families build the skills and confidence needed to thrive.

Our Mission

At Building for Tomorrow, we believe in the resiliency, talent, and perseverance of the families we serve. We meet families where they are and use education as a pathway to self-sufficiency, helping individuals and families build confidence, develop critical skills, and overcome barriers to opportunity. Education is an equalizer—it opens doors to economic mobility and a stronger future. This work is made possible through the generous support of community partners, foundations, volunteers, individual donors, vendors, and AMHA staff.

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Jump to: About | History & Milestones | Leadership & Governance | Partner Organizations

About

Building for Tomorrow (BFT) is the nonprofit arm of the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA), dedicated to expanding opportunity through education, community collaboration, and family empowerment.

Mission & Vision

Mission

Education matters! At Building for Tomorrow, the nonprofit arm of AMHA, we believe in the resiliency, talent, and perseverance of our families. We believe in meeting families where they are and using education as a tool to develop self-dependency, fulfill dreams, build confidence, and break down barriers to opportunity. Education is the equalizer: to open doors to skills that families need to not just survive, but thrive. We do this with the generous support of our many community partners, foundations, vendors, volunteers, individual donors, and staff.

Vision

Families living in AMHA communities are empowered to achieve stability, independence, and lifelong success through education and opportunity.

History & Milestones

On April 30, 2011, the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) received a letter of determination from the Internal Revenue Service granting 501(c)(3) status to its nonprofit instrumentality, Building for Tomorrow (BFT).

BFT was created to support AMHA’s Resident Services Department and to expand services that promote stability, education, and economic independence for AMHA residents. The organization’s mission aligns directly with AMHA’s broader commitment to strengthening families and communities through housing and supportive services.

Recognizing that safe, affordable housing is only the first step toward long-term success, BFT was established to focus on the education and opportunity pathways that help families thrive beyond housing.

  • 2011 – Building for Tomorrow receives IRS 501(c)(3) designation
  • 2011 – HUD grant awarded to develop a cradle-to-career education hub in Summit Lake
  • 2013–2014 – Construction and opening of the Reach Opportunity Center
  • Expansion of the AMHA Early Childhood Initiative
  • 2020 Launch of ConnectHome Initiative to reduce the digital divide
  • Continued growth of educational, digital literacy, workforce, and community-building programs
  • 2026– Celebrating 15 years of impact!!

Currently, Building for Tomorrow supports the AMHA Early Childhood Initiative, the Reach Opportunity Center at Summit Lake, and ConnectHome Akron—each designed to remove barriers and increase access to opportunity.

Today, Building for Tomorrow serves thousands of residents annually through direct programming, partnerships, and community engagement.

Partner Organizations

Building for Tomorrow’s impact is made possible through collaboration with nonprofit, educational, healthcare, and public-sector partners. Together, we expand access to education and opportunity for families across AMHA communities.

Key partners include:

Through these partnerships, BFT delivers cradle-to-career educational programming, digital literacy initiatives, workforce development services, and health and wellness resources.

Impact Stories

Our Impact

At Building for Tomorrow, impact is measured not only in numbers—but in confidence gained, barriers removed, and futures strengthened. Through education-centered programming and strong community partnerships, we help families living in AMHA communities build stability, skills, and opportunities.

Impact at a Glance

  • Thousands of children, youth, and adults served annually through education and enrichment programs
  • Free, accessible programming offered year-round at Reach Opportunity Center
  • Expanded access to digital literacy, workforce readiness, and educational support
  • Strong partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, foundations, and volunteers
  • Programs designed to support families across multiple life stages

Voices from Our Community

“Building for Tomorrow gave my child a safe place to learn and grow. I’ve seen such a change in their confidence and excitement about school.”
— AMHA Parent

“Before this program, I didn’t know how to apply for jobs online. Now I feel confident using technology and taking the next steps for my family.”
— AMHA Resident

“It means everything to know there are programs right here in our community that care about our kids, our families, and our future.”
— AMHA Resident

Why It Matters

Housing is the foundation—but education is the pathway forward.

Building for Tomorrow strengthens AMHA communities by investing in people, removing barriers to opportunity, and creating spaces where families can learn, connect, and thrive. Our impact is made possible by generous community partners, funders, volunteers, and supporters who believe in the potential of every family.

Our Programs

Building for Tomorrow delivers education-centered programs that support AMHA residents at every stage of life. Our work focuses on removing barriers, strengthening families, and creating pathways to long-term stability and opportunity across AMHA communities.

Early Childhood Education

Seventeen percent of children ages 0–5 in Summit County live in AMHA housing. Building for Tomorrow’s Early Childhood Initiative supports families during the most critical years of development through two home visitation programs that prepare children for kindergarten success.

Our work also includes community events that promote early learning and healthy development, maternal depression support groups, and referrals to trusted community resources—ensuring families with young children receive the support they need to thrive.

Pictured: SPARK 2026 Graduation. ECI had 120 kids graduate in the past 2 years.

Community Building

Building for Tomorrow manages the Reach Opportunity Center in Summit Lake, a vibrant community learning hub that hosts Head Start and Akron Public Schools classrooms, community education classes, and family-centered programming.

In addition, BFT facilitates community-building events across AMHA properties to strengthen relationships among neighbors, encourage community watch groups, and connect residents to local resources that help build safer, more connected neighborhoods.

Pictured: Touch A Truck event at Cascade Village development.

Digital Literacy

Through ConnectHome Akron, Building for Tomorrow helps bridge the digital divide by expanding access to high-speed internet, low-cost devices, and digital literacy training for AMHA residents.

By increasing digital skills, residents are better prepared to search for jobs, pursue educational goals, access healthcare, and fully participate in today’s digital world.

Pictured: Digital literacy class at Keys Towers in Stow, OH.

Health and Wellness

Building for Tomorrow addresses health disparities and social determinants of health that disproportionately impact individuals and families living in poverty. Our health and wellness initiatives promote healthy lifestyles through exercise classes, wellness events, community gardens, and partnerships connected to local and nationwide health and housing efforts.

Pictured: blood pressure station launch event in collaboration with the American Heart Association.

Financial Self-Sufficiency

Building for Tomorrow is committed to empowering residents to manage, save, and grow their financial resources responsibly. We support two AMHA service coordination programs, host regular financial empowerment workshops, and connect residents to external resources to support long-term financial stability.

Programs are offered at no cost to AMHA residents and are made possible through generous community partnerships and donor support.

Pictured: Financial wellness community event in partnership with Fifth Third Bank.

2026 Reach Higher Breakfast

2026Reach Higher Breakfast

Join Building for Tomorrow for the 12th Annual Reach Higher Breakfast on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by the program from 8:00–9:00 a.m.

This year’s theme, “Powering Possibility: The Green Light to Greatness,” celebrates the people, partnerships, and opportunities that help our residents and families move toward brighter futures. We are honored to recognize former AMHA Executive Director Anthony “Tony” O’Leary for his extraordinary leadership and lasting commitment to our community.

Proceeds from the Reach Higher Breakfast support programs and services offered through Building for Tomorrow and the Reach Opportunity Center.

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View Sponsorship Opportunities

For additional information, please contact Amina Hall at amina.hall@akronhousing.gov.

Share your time, talent, and treasure

At Building for Tomorrow (BFT), change happens when people show up—bringing their time, talent, and treasure to support families and strengthen our communities. When you volunteer, share your skills, or make a financial contribution, you help families move from stability to self-sufficiency—and from surviving to thriving.

Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering your time makes an immediate and meaningful difference for our families.

Volunteers support Building for Tomorrow by assisting with community events, educational activities, and programs at Reach Opportunity Center, our community learning hub in Summit Lake. From family engagement events to youth programs and signature initiatives, volunteers help create welcoming, safe, and enriching spaces for residents.

Ways to Volunteer:

  • Support events and activities at Reach Opportunity Center
  • Assist with community celebrations, workshops, and outreach efforts
  • Volunteer at signature events, including the Reach Higher Breakfast

Share Your Talent

Your skills and expertise help amplify our impact.

Building for Tomorrow welcomes individuals interested in lending their professional talents to strengthen programs and events. Whether your background is in planning, education, communications, technology, or community engagement, there are meaningful ways to get involved.

Ways to Share Your Talent:

  • Serve on an event planning committee for the Reach Higher Breakfast
  • Support program delivery through workshops or specialized skills
  • Assist with marketing, photography, design, or storytelling
  • Provide professional expertise that enhances resident programming

When you share your talent, you help deliver high-quality, impactful experiences for the families we serve.

Invest Through Giving

Your financial support fuels opportunity.

Donations to Building for Tomorrow directly support education, digital literacy, early childhood initiatives, health and wellness programs, and community-building efforts across AMHA communities. Every gift—large or small—helps remove barriers and open doors to opportunity.

Ways to Give:

  • Make a one-time or recurring donation
  • Sponsor programs or events (corporate sponsorships available)
  • Support special initiatives aligned with your values
  • Give in honor or memory of someone special

Your generosity ensures programs remain free and accessible to families who need them most.

Donate Today!

Why Your Support Matters

Housing provides stability—but opportunity is built through education, connection, and community support. When you invest your time, talent, or treasure with Building for Tomorrow, you help families gain the tools, confidence, and resources they need to thrive.

Together, we are building stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and a stronger future for Summit County.

Get Involved Today

BFT Interest Form

Name
Area of Interest:

For questions about Building For Tomorrow events, programming, and partnerships:

Amina Hall

Director of Communications and Philanthropy

amina.hall@akronhousing.gov

Jill Spillman

Director of Resident Services

jill.spillman@akronhousing.gov

Taylor Loftin

Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator

taylor.loftin@akronhousing.gov