Mission Statement
DLM provides students and families experiencing homelessness and hardships with food, clothing, and other vital resources, recognizing the dignity of everyone we meet, respecting the challenges people face, and being open to the gifts everyone has to offer. Basically being genuine people delivering heartfelt service.
Our History: How It All Began
Through the combined efforts of Project Rise, In Once Piece Ministry, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and several others, DLM Food & Resources opened its doors on October 17, 2017 as a food choice pantry that primarily served the families involved with Project Rise. Word quick spread and soon DLM was serving families throughout the Summit County.
In the beginning, it occupied just two rooms on the lower level … one room a waiting area where people could enjoy a hot cup of coffee and snacks and the other the food shopping room. Because of increased need, DLM expanded to offer personal care items and clothing. While families waiting to shop, they enjoyed a hot meal and children participated in crafts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, DLM quickly transformed into a ‘food ministry on wheels’ and was the only food pantry in Summit County to deliver food boxes and personal care kits to families. And, DLM still delivers food boxes to families to this day.
Look back and remember how it all began … how far it has come … and the direction it is heading. Be reminded of the important work DLM Food & Resources ministry does in serving the children and families of this community.
In Memory of Deborah Lynn Manteghi
It was the vision of long-time Holy Trinity member Debra Lynn Manteghi that there be a place for children and families experiencing homelessness could go to get food, clothing and other basic needs and be treated with the dignity and respect they deserved. As the Director of Project Rise, a program through Akron Public Schools, she saw firsthand how students and their families struggled and the challenged they faced while experiencing homelessness.
After Debra’s passing in May 2017, several groups came together to see her vision come to life. Through the combined efforts of Project Rise, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, In One Piece Ministry and others, DLM Food & Resources was launched.
In honor and memory of Debra, DLM carries her name and conveys her passion of ‘Dare to Love More.’ DLM was and continues to be a place where families can receive the food, personal care items, and clothing they need, get connected to community resources and be treated with love, dignity and respect.