On Community

Basic Needs Are Critical | On Community | Barberton Community Foundation

Josh Gordon Executive Director — Mon, 04 May 2026 18:23:47 GMT

In January I wrote to you about the Foundation’s new strategic plan that established four primary areas of focus for our work through 2031 (at least).

Maximum Impact Requires Focus | Barberton Community Foundation

Josh Gordon Executive Director — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:35:24 GMT

In January I wrote to you about the Foundation’s new strategic plan that established four primary areas of focus for our work through 2031 (at least).

A Job Is Not the Goal. A Career Path Is. | Barberton Community Foundation

Josh Gordon Executive Director — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In January I wrote to you about how our Board adopted a strategic plan in 2025, guiding our decisions and focusing our work through 2031. I attempted to give some definition to what a strategic plan is and the value it holds for our organization.

In February I shared one of our four focus areas, building an early learning system for families with children aged to five. I also shared the evidence proving the importance of our focus, with only 22.8% of our kindergarteners entered kindergarten “demonstrating readiness” by the state’s designation.

Today I am sharing, at a high level, our second area of focus: career pathways and workforce development.

If you are not aware, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has designated three different “graduation pathways” for students to pursue when they graduate high school. They are:

Getting Ready to Get Ready | Barberton Community Foundation

Josh Gordon Executive Director — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Last month I shared some background on the listening and research journey the Foundation has been on for the past 18-24 months.

Building A Roadmap in 2025 - Barberton Community Foundation

Josh Gordon Executive Director — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Last year at this time I wrote a reflection of the previous year, 2024. To refresh our memories, 2024 was my first full year as Executive Director of the Foundation. I spent a tremendous amount of time that year listening to anyone who was willing to chat!

Reading The Situation - Barberton Community Foundation

Josh Gordon Executive Director — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Last month I wrote about the importance of volunteering, and how volunteering helps us all feel like we’re part of making our community a wonderful place.

The Time Is Now - Barberton Community Foundation

Josh Gordon Executive Director — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

If you’ve been up with the news, you are likely aware that some of the consequences of the extended federal government shutdown are beginning to show up in communities across the country, including here in Barberton.

Worthy of Celebration - Barberton Community Foundation

Josh Gordon Executive Director — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Save the date: November 6, 5pm.

What Keeps Me Up at Night? - Barberton Community Foundation

Josh Gordon Executive Director — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

I am sometimes asked “what keeps you up at night?”

The Magic of the Magic City - Barberton Community Foundation

Josh Gordon Executive Director — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT

An Address to Barberton City School District Educators

Editors note: This article was originally written as an address to the full staff of Barberton City School District during school’s Kickoff Day on Thursday, August 14, 2025.