What is First Glance?
First Glance is a youth center that operates in the Kenmore neighborhood of Akron. Kenmore and the Greater Akron area is their home. For over 20 years, First Glance has hosted a wide variety of programming for students of all ages. They offer teenagers and young adults a safe place where they are loved, valued, and ultimately provide them with hope. First Glance has seen over 9,800 different students come through their doors and leave as a part of their family, empowered to reach their potential & become who they were created to be.
What kind of programs does First Glance offer?
First Glance provides a variety of programs. Listed below are just a few of those programs offered.
Young Adults
Mondays 7:00-9:30 pm
As students transition into adulthood, they are given the opportunity to continue receiving encouragement, support, and help with practical needs. Volunteers and young adults share a meal and fun each week. Open to ages 18-29.
Launch Kenmore
Mondays & Wednesdays 2:30-5:15 pm
Creates a safe environment with academic support, physical activity, and spiritual direction. First Glance partners with a local elementary school to offer this after school program to the kids and families in the Kenmore community.
Ladies' Night Out
Tuesdays 5:00-7:00 pm
Guides teen girls through tough issues such as relationships, gossip, sex, and self-worth. This happens through lessons, projects, and opportunities for girls to connect with adult female volunteers through mentorship.
Man Up
Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 pm
Provides community and allows volunteers to encourage the young men of the community to be men of character. Each week this program engages through abundant conversations, team sports, manly projects, and boyish shenanigans.
The ALLEY
Second Friday of the Month 7:00-10:00 pm
The Alley is for high schoolers all over Greater Akron to come on Friday nights to have a safe place to hang out, have fun, and build relationships. It is a “teen nightclub” that has a live DJ, dancing, fun drinks, games, and more. It is a safe place for teens all over Greater Akron to be at on Friday nights, including an off-duty police officer, check-in system, drug and alcohol free.
To learn more about First Glance and other programs they offer, check out their website at www.firstglance.org. They are located at 947 Kenmore Blvd., Akron.
Yours in Rotary Service -
Terry Dalton
Club Secretary & Scholarship Chair
Karen leads The Center for Family Philanthropy, a charitable resource center created by Akron Community Foundation to connect the region's most generous families with the charitable knowledge and resources of the foundation. Karen provides customized consulting to these families, helping them maximize their personal charitable goals and create a multigenerational legacy consistent with their mission and family values.
Jacinto is a partner in the 
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