Duane & Lisa Crabbs have lived in the Summit Lake neighborhood of South Akron for 13 years and are committed to being there for quite some time. Following a call to serve, minister, and pastor the poor, Duane Crabbs left his job as a firefighter to pastor in the inner-city. Moving his wife and four children to 130 W. South Street, South Street Ministries was formed.
Now 13 years and a great many hardships, surprises, and blessings later, Duane leads and serves as the pastor of South Street fellowship, extending his council to recovering addicts, searching college students, prison inmates, neighborhood children, and Christians wrestling to apply some practice to their faith.
Lisa Crabbs, who actually makes South Street run, serves as SSMs Executive Director, managing the day-to-day schedules, finances, donations, volunteers, and just about everything else. A proud mother of four, Lisa extends her maternal nature to the many volunteers, children, and strange guests who grace South Streets steps.
An Akron native and enthusiast, Joe first encountered South Street as a Boy Scout serving his community. Years later after a graduate degree in Applied Mathematics and a year spent volunteering with Mission Year in Philadelphia, Joe now lives a block from South Street and serves as South Street Ministries’ Program Director.
Overseeing South Street’s media, volunteers, programming, and fundraising, Joe can often be found participating in some neighborhood event, interacting with his neighbors, or sequestered in his room reading comic books for a well needed break.
A long time volunteer, Eric has recently joined the South Street staff as Project Director for the Front Porch. Overseeing the schedule, workers, contruction, volunteers, and material needs of the building, Eric demonstrates his heart for a Kingdom venue in the heart of one of Akron's derelict neighborhoods.
Recently engaged to South Street volunteer Anne, Eric also volunteers with First Glance in Kenmore, mentors neighborhood youth, and has established himself as an invaluable servant within the South Street fellowship.
A native of the South Akron community, Bobby Irwin has long been known for his heart for children. Bobby was a veteran volunteer with the after school and summer programs and completed an unorthodox undergraduate in Children’s Ministry through volunteering with Mission Year and Urban Promise in Camden, New Jersey.
Now back living and serving with South Street Ministries, Bobby runs the after school program as well as the summer camp programming. Raising his own support, Bobby can often be found walking the neighborhood, interacting with local youth, and extending his time, finances, and vehicle for their needs (and wants) of his neighbors.
Toni Reese (Boyce) is a true representation of the heart of South Street Ministries. Aworship leader, proud mother, and Urbean Cafe employee/manager, Toni is constantly serving, loving, and encouraging. Married to Donald, Toni and her husband serve with Open Gym, help distribute holiday gift baskets, and parent their own children and many others who happen into their house.
Toni is studying at the Akron Institute and is pursuing a degree in Business Management. She works capably at the Urbean Cafe in Akron's downtown transit center.
One of South Street Ministries' elders, Denny serves the ministry humbly and consistently. Offering rides to whomever needs them, opening his house to brothers living in recovery, or helping children assemble bikes, Denny and his wife Debbie
are a strong piece of the South Street family.
Leading the church in the sacraments and offering wisdom and council to the Board and Staff, Denny has served the ministry for over 8 years. When Denny is not volunteering with South Street, he works as a mechanic, leads Bible studies at CBCF, and fishes.
One of South Street's most committed servants, Cynethia shares her life with all who come through our doors. A leader of South Street's eclectic worship team, an after school volunteer, and the Front Porch's most consistent event organizer, Cynethia truly desires and helps to create a vibrant Christ-community.
Employed as a hair stylist, Cynethia is quick to serve and volunteer with any South Street event including the Back to School Hair-A-Thon!
Joe and his wife Beth have a unique role at South Street. Serving the homeless biweekly, maintaining his guitar shop at the Front Porch, and fixing anything that breaks within the building, Joe is a constant presence around South Street.
Presently seeking reseidence in the Summit Lake neighborhood, the Heindels are committed to the longevity and prosperity of their neighbors.
For more information about Heindel guitars, follow the link below:
