About Us
The Canton Black Assistance Foundation was formed in June 2024. Our mission is to significantly improve the reading and comprehension skills of our students. Despite the efforts of great parents and teachers of the Canton City Schools, our students lag behind other districts according to state rankings by the Ohio Department of Education. That must change. The community needs to pitch in and help.
We are a 501 c3 tax exempt charitable organization. Our mission is to sponsor our Breakfast & Books Literacy Program which addresses reading and comprehension for students in grades 2nd to 5th. We seek collaborations with any agency, organization or individuals who share our mission.
Promoting Literacy in Canton
Our Key Mission
The Breakfast & Books Literacy Program is the signature mission of the Canton Black Assistance Foundation.
Hosted monthly in local churches throughout the community, the program provides students in grades 2–5 with a nutritious breakfast while engaging them in reading, comprehension, and literacy activities designed to strengthen their academic skills and build self-confidence.
More than a meal, the program offers encouragement, mentorship, and a positive learning environment where children are inspired to develop a lifelong love of reading.
At the same time, parents are encouraged to participate in educational discussions and workshops that strengthen families and support their children's success.
Our goal is simple: to equip every child with the literacy skills, confidence, and support they need to succeed in school and in life.
One breakfast. One book. One child. One brighter future..
Challenges and Solutions
Our Greatest Challenges
As the Canton Black Assistance Foundation continues to grow, two challenges remain at the forefront of our mission: funding and parental involvement.
Limited funding impacts our ability to expand the Breakfast & Books Literacy Program to serve more children and families. Additional financial support allows us to open new program sites, provide educational materials, serve nutritious breakfasts, and reach more students throughout our community.
Equally important is parental involvement. We believe every parent wants the very best for their child. Sometimes, families simply need encouragement, resources, and opportunities to become more engaged in their children's education.
That's why our program is designed to support not only students, but parents as well. Through workshops, discussion groups, and community partnerships, we strive to equip families with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to help their children succeed.
Together, we can remove barriers, strengthen families, and create brighter futures—one child, one family, and one community at a time.
Our Vision for the Future
Our Long-Term Vision
Our long-term goal is to establish 16 Breakfast & Books Literacy Program sites throughout the City of Canton, ensuring that more children and families have access to quality literacy instruction, mentorship, and educational support.
As we continue to grow, we also envision the Canton Black Assistance Foundation becoming a trusted community foundation that strengthens our community economically while serving as a valuable resource for positive change.
Through education, partnerships, outreach, and strategic investments, we aspire to create opportunities that empower children, support families, and improve the quality of life throughout our community.
Our vision extends beyond today's needs. We are committed to building a legacy of hope, opportunity, and service that will positively impact generations to come.
Building readers. Strengthening families. Transforming communities. One site, one child, and one future at a time.
Help Us Expand Our Reach and Impact
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed—and you can help make that possible.
Your support enables the Canton Black Assistance Foundation to expand the Breakfast & Books Literacy Program, provide educational resources, strengthen families, and reach more children throughout Canton.
Whether you choose to volunteer, become a community partner, make a donation, or become a member, your involvement creates lasting change.
Together, we can inspire a love of reading, empower young minds, and build a stronger community for future generations.
Contact us today to learn how you can become part of the mission. Together, we can make a lasting difference.