It joins ACHR Medical Center in providing health care to the area’s uninsured, working poor and indigent. The federally funded medical facility has been in operation for ten years at Arlington Plaza, 1400 S. Arlington Road, in Akron. A few doors down from its offices, the dental facility occupies the space of the former Akron Dental Clinic, operated until last December by the Akron Health Department. Lack of funds forced the clinic’s closure.

Since April, a coalition of over 30 organizations has worked under the leadership of Tom Allio, Catholic Commission Executive Director, to pull together the financing to reopen the dental clinic. Among those gathered around the table monthly with Allio at East Akron Community House were representatives of the Akron Health Department, Summit County Health District and Dental Task Force, Akron City and Summit County Councils, Akron-Summit Community Action Agency, Akron Area Association of Churches, Call to Renewal and Congressman Sherrod Brown’s office.

With the coalition’s efforts, support mushroomed throughout the county. "The dental center has truly benefited from the outpouring of community support to address this critical need within our community," said Joyce Tate, CEO of both ACHR centers.

Foundations, businesses, area churches, elected officials, community organizations and individuals offered their endorsement and, just as importantly, opened their checkbooks. In all, the coalition raised over $350,000. Today, leaders from these organizations joined other dental center supporters at Arlington Plaza to celebrate their accomplishment.

None of this could have happened without the creative thinking and generosity of Summit County leadership and the mayors of Akron and Cuyahoga Falls. Summit County officials committed a generous donation of $150,000. In Akron, Mayor Don Plusquellic and city council sealed the deal by transferring to ACHR the assets of the dental clinic and its four operatories, valued at $228,000. Wanting to be a part of the county effort as well, Cuyahoga Falls City Council and Mayor Don Robart pledged $15,000.

From the private sector, substantial contributions came from such organizations as Akron Community Foundation, United Way, KeyCorp., National City Bank, Mary and Dr. George L. Demetros Charitable Trust. Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Akron Summit Community Action Program, and numerous area churches, organizations, and local individuals. Reflecting on this outpouring of support, CEO Tate said, "It is amazing and awesome to see the community come together in such a short period of time. We owe that to the sound leadership and tenacity of Tom Allio of the Catholic Commission, and our federal, state, county and city leadership."

While today’s celebration marks a major advancement down the path of operational solvency, financial sustainability is the concern of every non-profit. The center’s coalition has already turned its attention to this challenge. The coalition will partner with the ACHR board in the development of a long-term sustainability plan.

In assessing ongoing support, the center’s operating staff can point to one major positive: the facility has enough money to operate for at least 18 months, well beyond the initial one-year goal of funding by the coalition. Those additional dollars buy time in working through the state and federal grant processes.

One such funding effort already is under way. ACHR’s staff has begun preparation for a state grant that could potentially provide $125,000 in operating funds. "At the national level, ACHR is much better positioned to seek competitive grant funding without the added burden of significant startup expenses," said Ms. Tate.