C.A.S.T.
What is C.A.S.T.?
C.A.S.T. is an acronym that stands for "Caring and Serving Together". The mission statement for C.A.S.T. is ""We are a volunteer organization that exists to strengthen community life, serve the needy in Canton and Stark County, and honor God by sharing our time, talents, and generosity."
Who is C.A.S.T.?
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We are a diverse group of individuals, both active and retired, that includes entrepreneurs, business professionals, executives, and lay people.
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We are sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, and grandparents who firmly believe we can make a difference in people's lives, both young and old.
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Organized in 2011, we now have over 200 members.
Why do we serve in C.A.S.T.?
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We find joy and fulfillment in treating other with respect and dignity.
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We receive satisfaction from serving with and for others.
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We have a passion to make a difference.
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We serve because we can be an important financial partner.
Where do we serve as C.A.S.T.?
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Our focus is our neighbors in the City of Canton and Stark County community.
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Serving partners that we assist include:
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Current of Ohio, LL (Canton Laundry of Love)
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Habitat for Humanity
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JRC Adult Day Center
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Refuge of Hope (ROH Shelter)
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Early College Academy, ECA (Canton City Schools)
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Early College High School, ECHS (Canton City Schools)
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When do we serve in C.A.S.T.?
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Each of our serving partners enjoys a C.A.S.T. team leader who is responsible for:
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Identifying opportunities, needs, costs, etc.
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Coordinating volunteers and fundraising.
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Scheduling activities and workloads.
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Reporting at monthly C.A.S.T. meetings.
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Providing C.A.S.T. newsletter updates.
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Student C.A.S.T.
How it started
"CAST’s relationship with ECA and ECHS began in the fall of 2011. We were asked to partner with LoveCanton in landscaping the previously vacant Smith Annex building, which would house the new Early College Academy. We met the principal, Mr. Ken Brunner, and the rest was history. His passion, drive, and vision were contagious, and we knew he would be making a difference in the lives of these students. We wanted very much to be a part of it. "
What we did together!
Since joining forces, the CAST group has painted lockers, donated backpacks, cooked hotdogs, set up libraries, baked cookies, tutored students, and volunteered hours in the office and classrooms. Most importantly, we have formed lasting and meaningful relationships. In the last three years, this partnership has grown in ways we never thought possible.
Student C.A.S.T. Groups
Student CAST groups have now formed at both schools. Students serve alongside us as we work to build houses, serve meals to the homeless, do laundry for the poor, and love on the elderly. It has become a relationship made in heaven. The blessings abound in all directions!
Rhonda Sypek's Contact
Email: rhondasypek@gmail.com
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