AKRON, Ohio — On Saturday, House Three Thirty in Akron celebrated one year of serving the community. An entity of the LeBron James Family Foundation, the center provides a space that’s open for all community members, while providing resources and support.
“This is our way of pouring back into the community and thanking everyone for believing in us and trusting us to build this fine establishment right in the heart of Akron,” said Monique Ransome, director of community relations at House Three Thirty.
Ransome said there can be restrictions and barriers in communities that don’t always allow people to succeed. She said that the open-door policy at House Three Thirty works to counter that, and create a space where everyone feels welcome.
“This is a very, very special community space for us, it’s a very sacred space,” Ransome said. “We don’t have a lot of community centers that have something for everyone. So we wanted to redefine the community and provide just that for everyone here.”
Inside, people can watch performances, participate in games, grab food or a coffee from a number of different shops, and learn about finances at the Chase bank within the building.
“When you walk into there, you don’t feel like you’re in a bank,” she said. “We have a lot more comfortable seating, it’s more intimate, it’s fun, it’s not intimidating, so we start to break those barriers with financial literacy. We bring our families in, help coach them up, guide them financially, anything that you can think of – student loans – we’re right there to provide that resource to them.”
Ransome said there are more plans underway to continue helping to support the community.
“We’re going to start doing some career workshops within the community to help people set themselves up for success, whether that’s resume writing, interview, etiquette," she said.
Jennifer and Jim Cauffield are regulars at the center, and on Saturday, brought their daughter and grandson to the festivities. Jennifer said she enjoys bringing friends to House Three Thirty for a slice of pizza or ice cream, and to enjoy performances.
“They have everything you need here – a bank, a restaurant, theater, the ice cream, the tacos, the museum,” she said. “What else could you ask for?”
Both also expressed the importance of having spaces like these to foster togetherness in communities.
“We all need to get to know each other more,” she said. “We need to embrace what we have and everyone else, like listening to others and getting their viewpoints.”
That sense of unity was echoed by Kenneth McKenzie, who attended Saturday’s activities with his family.
“You see everybody, all kinds of nationalities, Black, white, we’re all getting along, and I think it’s great,” he said.
McKenzie and the Cauffields also talked about the example LeBron James is setting in the community, and praised his contributions.
“I love what king James is doing,” McKenzie said. “He’s giving back to the community. I love all the activities he has for the kids. He’s just doing a great job man, I love it.”
House Three Thirty is open to anyone, no membership required.