Foundation Vision
Aging optimized through resource creation and innovation.
Foundation Mission
Our mission supports optimized aging for our families and neighbors to enjoy life how they want to experience it. We do this by increasing access to community-based care across all ages and abilities, raising awareness and funds to invest in innovation so that the future is bright across the lifespan.
How It Works
Developed in 1999, the Direction Home Akron Canton Foundation has a long-standing history of advocating for senior services in Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne Counties of Ohio. In 2025, the Foundation looked to the future by securing a new vision and mission to better promote wellbeing and growth in the community. With aging optimized through resource creation and innovation, the Foundation is investing, creating, and expanding the ways the aging network supports older adults and their needs.
The vision and mission will steer the Foundation in three focus areas:
Access to Community Services: focus on improving access to essential community services for underserved populations.
Innovation: funding that fosters partnerships, entrepreneurship and returns on investment while creating innovative solutions that optimize aging.
Investment in the Agency: Investment in Direction Home as a leader for aging network professionals to provide the best quality of care.
Support Our Mission
Whether you are looking to donate, create a longstanding relationship with our mission, or sponsor an event or program, our Business Development Team is happy to work with you!
Jessica Bader- jbader@dhad.org , 330-899-5260
Pat Clevidence- pclevidence@dhad.org , 330-889-5301
Or contact donate@dhad.org.
Donations play a huge role in helping our Foundation achieve its mission. One hundred percent of your donation will go toward ensuring proper long-term care options for older adults. Your generosity can help make this possible! There are 4 ways to donate:
1)
2)
Mail a check:
Direction Home Akron Canton Foundation
1949 Town Park Boulevard
Uniontown, OH 44685
3)
GO TO: smile.amazon.com to create an account. Then, search for "Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency On Aging." AmazonSmile is operated by Amazon and will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.
-OR-
4)
Create a Legacy of Care by considering Direction Home Akron Canton Foundation in your estate planning. To learn more about planned giving options or to speak with someone confidentially, please contact our Foundation donor and development team.
Annual Foundation Raffle
Each year, the Foundation Raffle raises over $100,000. One hundred percent of the proceeds go towards the Foundation’s work to bridge gaps in care and build sustainable solutions like investing in aging professionals, new and innovative care models, and expanded programming. We purchase the raffle prizes with points earned on the Agency credit cards or collect them as generous donations.
Sponsorship
Have you or your organization been searching for a way to get involved and make a big impact on the community? Are you eager to support something that touches the lives of everyone? Consider sponsoring the Direction Home Akron Canton Foundation Campaign. We are happy to work with your organization to make the most of your sponsorship in a way that is meaningful to the work you do and the older adults it benefits.
Annual Conference
The Annual Conference is a great time to share knowledge and service information with other health care professionals, caregivers, older adults, care managers, and public policy influencers. The conference features nationally recognized speakers as well as local experts. It is a day of networking, mission sharing, education, and inspiration.
Awards Ceremony
Every year, Direction Home Akron Canton honors those who represent what is best in our community. The Senior Hall of Fame, Home Health Aide Hall of Fame, the Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities Harvey L. Sterns Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Volunteer Ombudsman of Distinction Award are presented to recipients to acknowledge their efforts to support older adults and individuals with disabilities. The Awards Ceremony is held every year and is attended by friends, family, and loved ones of those being honored, as well as community leaders and professionals.
Sponsor the Awards
Nominations due by Sept 30, 2025
SENIOR CITIZEN HALL OF FAME- CLICK HERE
HOME HEALTH AIDE HALL OF FAME- CLICK HERE
(Or email crothermel@dhad.org // mail to Courtney Rothermel, 1949 Town Park Blvd, Uniontown OH 44685)
Care for a Lifetime
The Care for a Lifetime Campaign is an internal fundraising effort led by Direction Home Akron Canton employees. In past years, employees have donated over $60,000. These funds help to place 16 moderate income older adults on the Care Coordination program and assist in outreach for community education efforts.
Questions about the Foundation? Contact us any time!
