Funding Helps Empower Akron’s Future with Career Development Opportunities

For many residents in Akron, Ohio, the Work Forward program from the Progressive Alliance Development (PAD) is more than a lifeline; it’s a pathway to a brighter future. 

Known locally for its commitment to uplift the community, PAD has made it their mission to ensure that every local resident can reach their full potential. Work Forward, a centerpiece of PAD’s efforts, is designed to address the specific challenges faced by those seeking employment, with a focus on fostering self-sufficiency and independence.

Each year, this free program provides dozens of aspiring workers of all ages with a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Job training

• Resume building

• Interview preparation 

• Mentoring relationships

• Access to resources such as transportation and childcare

A recent $25,500 FirstEnergy Foundation grant to PAD reflects FirstEnergy’s commitment to enhancing the Akron community, where the company is headquartered. The funding will help PAD extend the reach and offerings of Work Forward to help a greater number of individuals who require support.

“This generous donation enables us to expand our reach and impact, empowering even more individuals to overcome barriers to employment and gain confidence to enter or reenter the workforce,” said David Nelson, executive director of PAD. “The FirstEnergy Foundation’s commitment to our community is a testament to their unwavering belief in the potential of Akron.”

Work Forward is offered several times throughout the year to Akron-area residents. Classes are held twice a week for 12 weeks at New Hope Baptist Church Fellowship Center in Akron. Anyone interested in signing up or seeking more information is encouraged to visit www.progressakron.org/workforward or call 330-252-7180.

Beyond financial support, the collaboration between PAD and the FirstEnergy Foundation reflects shared values and a profound dedication to the future of Akron.

Lorna Wisham, president of the FirstEnergy Foundation, said: “By supporting initiatives like Work Forward, we’re not only helping individuals secure jobs but also empowering them to rebuild their lives and provide for their families. We believe in Akron’s potential, and we are dedicated to helping it thrive.”

FirstEnergy is no stranger to PAD. In recent years, the FirstEnergy Foundation granted the organization $50,000 as part of its “Investing with Purpose” program to help fund an Akron-Summit County Public Library pilot program that lends internet hotspots and smartspots to residents across greater Akron. The pilot was part of the PAD’s larger Project Broadband, which aims to bridge the digital divide among underserved residents of Summit County. 

Since 2020, the FirstEnergy Foundation’s “Investing with Purpose” program has donated $7 million to support nearly 200 organizations across its six-state service territory. The funds support organizations that advance health and safety, workforce development, educational and social justice initiatives. 

To learn more about FirstEnergy’s community involvement initiatives, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/community. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Siburkis, (330) 203-8850