Broken Chains Ministry (BCM) will celebrate its fifteenth annual “Making the Difference” benefit banquet on Friday, September 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Guys Party Center of Akron.

Music by special guest violinist Heather Smith will serve as a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable evening that will showcase 15 years of positive impact. Smith, formerly of the Youngstown Symphony and the Warren Philharmonic, is a well-known area artist and soloist.

Developed in collaboration with the judicial system, social service organizations, and community leaders, BCM’s unique Restorative Justice program has improved public safety, created $3 million in economic impact, and saved tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars.

Returning citizens are set up for successful transition to community through the Urbean Café workforce development program, a new home ownership program, and Lydia’s Home, a recovery home for women in the City of Green that recently celebrated its first anniversary.

Akron’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit jail and prison ministry founded by Dennis Shawhan kicks off its 15th year this month. Since its inception, Broken Chains Ministry (BCM) has grown to include a full-service café in downtown Akron, a home ownership program and a revolutionary women’s recovery home.

Akron’s Broken Chains Ministry is celebrating the successful grand opening of its first residential recovery home for women in Summit County. Located in Green, Lydia's Home comfortably accommodates six residents, supporting them in recovery from substance abuse and incarceration.

Visit Wayside Furniture Giving Weekend Nov. 24-26

Donations up to $100 will be MATCHED by Wayside Furniture! Proceeds will benefit Lydia's Home, our faith response to the opioid crisis, as well as our Workforce Development and Reentry programs! 

More than 380 people from the community gathered to celebrate this year’s 14th annual Making the Difference Banquet including former offenders, judges, court officials, members of law enforcement, court officials, ministry leaders, nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, business owners, and members of the recovery community in Stark County. Together we raised more than $50,000 to support ongoing BCM initiatives including Lydia’s Home, and saved thousands more through the in-kind donations of goods and services.