My Brother's Keeper
Our mission is to empower Portage County youth to reach their full potential by addressing opportunity gaps through education and mentorship.
A National Call to Action
My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) is a national initiative established in 2014 by then-President Barack Obama to build brighter futures for all young people through local, community-based action.
MBK holds its certified communities to a high standard. Our certification for Portage County means we’ve done great work with local stakeholders to develop strategies for our programming and provide evidence on how we seek to create actionable, systemic change in our community.
Formerly organized by the Portage County Treasurer’s Office, this program joined Axess Family Services in 2025 and continues to support children and adolescents by collaborating with local school districts and other social service programs.
Milestones to Success
MBK certified communities are required to focus on at least one of six key milestones These are:
- Entering School Ready to Learn
- Reading at Grade Level by 3rd Grade
- Graduating from High School
- Completing Postsecondary Education or Training
- Successfully Employed
- Remaining Safe from Violent Crime
In Portage County, we've taken on the first milestone and are working to build on milestones 2, 3, and 6.
Who We Serve
Any Portage County youth can benefit from the mentorship, academic tutoring, and connections to outside resources that MBK provides. We especially welcome those in need of guidance or supplemental education.
Disadvantaged youth are often at risk of unemployment, incarceration, and academic failure, and we will do everything we can to lift circumstantial burdens and provide the tools they need to build a brighter future. We also work to accommodate both youth and volunteers in accessing the opportunities provided by MBK.
We are currently in need of academic tutors, readers, and adult role models. Tutors can be students or adults and would work to support children and adolescents at Ravenna City Schools for just one hour each week from 3:00 pm–4:00 pm.
Background checks are required to the volunteer but will be paid for by us.
Interested in contributing your time to our mission? Sign up today or if you would like to donate, please click on the Donate button below.