LeBron James' House 330 a winning model for driving inclusive growth in Akron

We hear the word “opportunity” a lot.

Where can we find it? How can we create it? What barriers are in the way?

While these questions are vague, those that can capture it are able to create meaningful and sustainable change.

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Since its inception, the LeBron James Family Foundation has had a clear vision. It is, and always was, about helping prepare families for a better future. House Three Thirty brings this vision to life in a way that will transform what the word “opportunity” means to an entire region for generations to come and should serve as a model for how a community center can create lasting impact.

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A key to its success is collaboration.

The foundation is bringing together businesses and organizations whose resources complement each other. Collectively, they are giving people access to a comprehensive support ecosystem — all under one roof.

It eliminates the dreaded uncertainty of ‘what’s next.’

Their I Promise Movement, culminating in House Three Thirty, has an answer for each step of the journey.

Education: Through the I PROMISE School, LJFF created a new model for education. It continues to open its arms to young people in our community and is providing them with the skills they need to succeed beyond the classroom. An effective learning environment is also a stable environment. The Foundation makes sure that stability doesn’t end when the school bell rings.

Housing: A safe and affordable place to call home is foundational to anyone’s success. The I PROMISE Village by Graduate Hotels provides transitional housing to students struggling with homelessness, and the upcoming I PROMISE Housing will allow many families to own their own homes for the very first time.

Job & Skills Training: There is no substitute to hands-on job training. Innovative companies like Old El Paso, Smuckers, mDesign and Starbucks have all joined the effort and have a presence in House Three Thirty. They’re providing skills training and hiring locally through LJFF and I PROMISE.

Financial Wellness & Wealth Building: Chase is in the building, literally. We have a dedicated space where our team will offer specialized financial resources, advice, and products to help more families build wealth and a stronger financial future.

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Chase’s partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation began more than 15 years ago. You can say we’ve had a courtside seat to their tireless efforts to drive inclusive growth in Akron.

While we’ve long been partners, we’re also proud neighbors. Our Akron Community Center branch is just down the street from House Three Thirty. It’s another unique space – unlike your typical bank branch. It has an open floor plan to host financial health workshops, skills training seminars, pop-up shops, and more for the community – at no cost. It’s also a space for mentorship and support for entrepreneurs who are trying to start or grow their small businesses.

Expanding these resources down the street to House Three Thirty was a lay-up.

Convening dozens of different organizations, harnessing the best of what they can offer, and aligning everyone to a single goal is like a coach creating ‘the winning culture’ of a program — something that lasts year after year, impacts lives, and produces timeless victories along the way.

LeBron James Family Foundation has drawn up the winning formula.

House Three Thirty is a win for Akron & Northeast Ohio; and serves as a model for every community across the country. We’re proud to be a part of it.

Dave Allen is a Market Executive, leading J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Northeast Ohio.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: LeBron James' House 330 a winning model for improving Akron