"One child at a time." Canton outreach effort dubbed The Reset aims to guide youths

CANTON – If you want good fruit, you must plant and cultivate good seeds.

That's the essential goal of The Reset, a neighborhood outreach organized by a group of men to offer support and guidance to youth. Activities and events will be held on July 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Brian's Park at 1500 Rowland Ave. NE and at Bup Rearick Park at 3411 Richmond Ave. NE.

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The Reset will feature free snacks, games, giveaways and a Scriptural message, said Bradley Tyson, who grew up in the Rowland Avenue NE neighborhood and is a member of Cathedral of Life Church in Plain Township.

"A lot of kids don't see something different in their community," he said. "Truly, to the end of the day, it's about having fun with kids."

Other participating churches and sponsors include First Christian Church, Faith United Church of Christ, the Total Living Center, Abundance of God Church, Star in the East Congregation, Trinity Gospel Temple, Frontline Ministries, Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio, Kona Ice, and Red Oaks Church.

"Fathers. Husbands, Real men."

This marks the second year for The Reset, said Tyson, who came up with the idea. It was supposed to commence in 2020, but had to be canceled because of the pandemic.

"Someone once told me that nothing good comes out Brian's Park. That hurt my heart," he recalled. "The disrespect gave me the whole motivation to to do this."

The Rev. Michael Gammill, associate pastor at Cathedral of Life, said another goal is to "overcome barriers," noting that some children from the Brian's Park neighborhood are now attending Cathedral of Life in response to the work they've done.

"In this community, respect isn't just given; it's earned," he said.

Tyson believes children are looking for community and connection.

"I've seen some seeds planted that bore some fruit from last year," he said. I think kids are at a point where they're desiring connection...There are lot of different influences going around."

Michael Carlton, a member of Star in the East Congregation, agrees.

"People are appreciative," he said. "The one idea we had was showing them more than what they see in their neighborhood."

Carlton said it's important for children to see examples of successful men who have grown up in similar circumstances.

"Fathers. Husbands," he said. "Real men."

Chris McGowan, of First Christian Church, said being involved in The Reset has benefited him and other volunteers.

"Being a North Canton church, it's definitely an eye-opening experience because you get to know people from a different place," he said.

It's rare that people from so many different churches and organizations have been able to unite with a singular goal, said Billy Parsons.

"God gave Brad the vision, and everyone else was sold," he said.

Ripple effect of The Reset across Canton

Teddy Seely, who became a Christian earlier this year, smiles at the memories of playing in Brian's Park.

"I feel like this is something I need to do," he said. "Guidance is a big thing these guys (neighborhood youth) need. Being able to help just one kid makes a big difference."

Brent Walker said that when he moved into the Brian's Park neighborhood from Dayton, he didn't anticipate the level of gang-related violence he's seen.

"We've walked the block and prayed like the Walls of Jericho," he said. "I feel like when you go to war, you want to be with the kids. It's a trust thing as in, yeah, I am my brother's keeper. They may not be blood, but they're family."

Tyson said he would love to see more parents at this year's events. So many, he added, also need some encouragement and support.

"It's a ripple effect," he said. "My true goal is we don't want kids to go back to the same chaos. Parents need guidance, too."

Walker cities St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians in the New Testament.

"One man plants, one man waters, and God does the growing," he said. "We're hoping to build a better community, one child at a time."

To learn more about The Reset or to help, call 330-451-6492.

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com

On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: The Reset, a four-week youth event, is being held in two city parks