AKRON, Ohio (June 17, 2026) – Portage Path Behavioral Health is the latest recipient of the Akron Community Foundation’s generosity. The network of non-profit behavioral health clinics was awarded a $15,000 grant from the foundation’s Institute of Emerging Philanthropists Board Designated Fund.
The institute’s training program exposes participants to critical community needs and teaches strategic philanthropy. The aim is to create a lifelong commitment to improving the community.
Portage Path was one of four organizations given support during the foundation’s graduation ceremony on June 9. Jessica Robb, a graduate of the 2025-2026 class, presented the grant to Portage Path.
Robb said that mental health was important and personal to several members of the training class. She pointed out that many Portage Path’s clients face economic barriers and may have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
“We believe therapy is community service. Supporting Portage Path is an investment in not only the future of their clients, but also in the future of our community,” Robb said.
Tracy D. Yaeger, Ph.D., Portage Path president and CEO, said the organization has been a lifeline for those with mental health and substance use disorders for more than 50 years.
“It is an honor to have our work recognized as a critical need and to be financially supported,” Yaeger said.
There is an urgent need for more accessible mental health resources across the nation. According to NAMI, about 1 in 5 adults experiences some form of mental illness in any given year. With four locations, Portage Path serves about 8,000 adults annually.
“We are very grateful for the Akron Community Foundation,” Yaeger said. “This funding will enhance our capacity to provide essential mental health services to our clients, reinforcing our commitment to mental wellness in Summit County.”
To learn more about Portage Path and its services, click here.
About Portage Path Behavioral Health
For more than 50 years, Portage Path Behavioral Health has guided people on the path to recovery from mental illness and related substance use issues, empowering them to rebuild their lives and restore their hope. With locations in Akron, Barberton, and Cuyahoga Falls, Portage Path serves more than 8,000 Summit County residents annually, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Portage Path also answers local calls in Summit and Lake Counties made to the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The line is a safe space for callers to talk about problems such as anxiety, depression, financial issues, personal problems, and suicidal thoughts. It is available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.
About Akron Community Foundation
For 71 years, Akron Community Foundation has been our community’s champion and generator of enduring philanthropy. In 1955, a $1 million bequest from the estate of Edwin Shaw established the community foundation. It is a philanthropic endowment of $340 million with a growing family of more than 900 funds established by charitable people and organizations from all walks of life. The community foundation and its funds welcome gifts of all kinds, including cash, bequests, stock, real estate, life insurance and retirement assets, just to name a few. To date, the community foundation’s funds have awarded $280 million in grants to qualified nonprofit organizations. For more information about Akron Community Foundation or to learn more about creating your own charitable fund, call 330-376-8522 or visit akroncf.org.
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