Basic Home Improvement Ministry in Akron

Project Shine

June 20-21, July 11-12, August 22-23

Making Christ known to residents of Akron through basic home improvement.

Summer 2025

We’ve got exciting news to share— Project Shine is growing, and YOU can be a part of it!

This year, we’re changing things up to make an even greater impact in our community. Instead of a traditional week-long camp, we’re inviting volunteer groups from businesses, churches, and families to serve with us this summer. We will have multiple options for one day volunteers—or all dates! It's your choice!

June 20 - 21
July 11 - 12
August 22 -23

Together, we’ll tackle projects like painting, staining, and basic yard clean-up to improve homes and restore hope for even more residents across Akron. With this new format, we can:

✔️ Reach more homeowners in need
✔️ Offer flexibility for busy volunteers
✔️ Create stronger connections with local groups

Whether your group can serve for a day or all three, we’d love to have you be part of this hands-on mission.


Let’s Shine brighter— together.

 

Changing Hearts and Homes

 

 

 

How you can be involved?



PRAY. The work of Project Shine has been a blessing to those in Akron for over 20 years. We cannot do the work without the prayer support by so many people and churches.

VOLUNTEER. Many hands make light work and we are currently recruiting for several committees. If you would like to help with the auction committee or any of the work week committees please reach out to Kim Polatas.

SPONSOR.Our annual auction supports the work of Project Shine while also giving you an opportunity to showcase your company with a sponsorship. Levels begin at $250. You can also put together an item to be auctioned the night of the event.

DONATE. Monthly donors are a great way to participate year round with Shine. This support provides resources for follow up with residents, promoting upcoming events and general operating income. Of course, one time gifts and year end support are greatly appreciated too.

ADVOCATE. Your help in spreading the word about how Shine provides positive youth development and neighborhood beautification at the same time is greatly appreciated! Follow us on social media and share with your friends. Invite Kim to speak at a local meeting. Introduce us to homeowners and churches that could benefit. Or, any other great way you can help us Shine on Akron!



Get involved and help Project Shine by donating:

Donate


If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out and contact Kim at projectshineakron@gmail.com. Thanks so much for your consideration in partnering with us this during this challenging year!

Our History

God has blessed our efforts and deepened our passion.

The vision for Project Shine began in the summer of 2001. The youth ministries of Hope United Methodist Church and Goss Memorial Church, both of Kenmore, ended up attending the same workcamp in East Bank, WV. Neither group knew of the other’s participation. The coincidence was discovered when the guys from both groups ended up staying next to each other in the school from which the workcamp operated. As the week developed, relationships were forged and a vision of bringing a similar ministry to Kenmore was birthed.


After many months of prayer, planning, support from the City of Akron (and winging-it!), the summer of 2002 saw the dawn of Project Shine. The three day, four night event witnessed over a dozen lives impacted by the outreach ministry. Over 45 volunteers came together and impacted Kenmore. The summers of 2003-2024 have produced awesome ministry and memories. Making adjustments along the way, adding volunteers, and moving ahead with an unrelenting focus on Christ, God has blessed our efforts and deepened our passion. We look forward to serving Kenmore for many years to come.

Photographs

Check out some of the highlights from past Project Shine weeks - Watch our video highlights here

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