Embracing Futures Inc.

Embracing Futures Inc. A charity for children's orthodontic care. Embracing Futures, Inc. was originally founded in 1946 by Akron Beacon Journal publisher John S.

Knight and several other fellow civic leaders under the name of the Beacon Journal Charity Fund. While their efforts supported many community-wide projects and programs, they focused much of their attention on “poor and working poor” families, caught in the middle trying to pay for medical and dental problems. Today, Embracing Futures, Inc. operates as a separate, non-profit organization with an i

nterest in oral health for children. Our core program, the Orthodontic Care Program, provides braces for children who are suffering from severe orthodontic problems. Our assistance in orthodontics is in response to Medicaid providing very little support for poor and working poor families with children whom orthodontists have diagnosed as having severe malocclusions and in need of treatment. Our second program, the Dr. Milton Rubin Oral Health Education Program, teaches third grade students enrolled in public, parochial, and private schools how to care for their teeth in a fun and informative way. To reflect this emphasis, in 2014, the trustees changed the name of the Beacon Journal Charity Fund to Embracing Futures, Inc. Dr. John Gerstenmaier, Board President, states, “The name was chosen in an effort to better describe our charity’s unique programming and assistance to children in need. And, while the name has changed, our mission has not.”

We are proud to state that Embracing Futures, Inc. will continue to honor the founding mission of its charter Trustees: “serving as a safety net for families who have exhausted all other resources.”

Embracing Futures was recently recognized by the University of Akron Ex[L] Center for our Fall 2025 Internship participa...
05/13/2026

Embracing Futures was recently recognized by the University of Akron Ex[L] Center for our Fall 2025 Internship participation. The recognition is for organizations who employ a student intern for 100 hours. Students help build capacity at local non-profits while gaining real world experience. Accepting on behalf of Embracing Futures were Amber Barkouks, Executive Director and Odeliz Beltran, 2025 Fall Intern.

During her internship, Odeliz worked on our website, social media and branding projects as well as items associated with the organization's 80th anniversary.

Thank you to Odeliz, The University of Akron Ex[L] Center and the School of Communication!

Thank you to our friends at Akron Area YMCA for inviting us to participate in Healthy Kids Day! We were able to share mo...
05/05/2026

Thank you to our friends at Akron Area YMCA for inviting us to participate in Healthy Kids Day! We were able to share more about our programs and teach children about oral health and proper brushing.

Honoring the Educators Who Inspire Bright Minds and Bright SmilesToday we celebrate the teachers who shape futures with ...
05/03/2026

Honoring the Educators Who Inspire Bright Minds and Bright Smiles

Today we celebrate the teachers who shape futures with patience, creativity, and unwavering dedication. You spark curiosity, build confidence, and create classrooms where every child feels seen and capable.

At Embracing Futures, we’re especially grateful for the teachers who open their doors to our Dr. Milton Rubin Oral Health Education Program. Because of you, we’re able to bring vital dental health lessons directly to students. Helping them understand how to care for their smiles and, in turn, support their overall well‑being.

Your partnership allows us to reach more children, reduce preventable dental issues, and empower students with knowledge that lasts a lifetime.

💙 To every teacher who has welcomed us into your classroom: thank you for helping us build healthier, happier futures, one smile at a time.

It's World Laughter Day Laughter is more than a moment of joy, it’s a powerful boost for our mental well‑being. As we ce...
05/01/2026

It's World Laughter Day

Laughter is more than a moment of joy, it’s a powerful boost for our mental well‑being. As we celebrate World Laughter Day and kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re reminded that a healthy mind and a healthy smile go hand in hand.

When children struggle with dental pain, it’s harder for them to laugh freely, focus in school, or feel confident. At Embracing Futures, we believe every child deserves the chance to smile without hesitation and experience the emotional lift that laughter brings.

Laugh with us today and share something that made you SMILE today 😁

Healthy Smiles Help Kids Turn the PageToday we celebrate the power of books. Their ability to spark imagination, build c...
04/23/2026

Healthy Smiles Help Kids Turn the Page

Today we celebrate the power of books. Their ability to spark imagination, build confidence, and open doors to brighter futures. But here’s something we don’t talk about enough: it’s hard to focus on reading when a child is in dental pain.

At Embracing Futures, we believe every child deserves the chance to learn, laugh, and lose themselves in a good story. That starts with healthy teeth, because a pain‑free smile helps kids stay in school, stay engaged, and stay curious.

This World Book Day, let’s champion both literacy and oral health—two essentials for a strong start in life.

If you’d like to help more children turn the page toward a healthier future, we’d love your support! Visit us at https://embracingfuturesinc.org/please-help/ to find out how you can make a difference!

Today we share our appreciation for a grant from the Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation for the Dr. Milton Rub...
04/10/2026

Today we share our appreciation for a grant from the Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation for the Dr. Milton Rubin Oral Health Education Program.

With this grant we will expand our reach in Stark County to teach children about the importance of oral health.



https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2026/03/26/13-nonprofits-get-austin-bailey-health-and-wellness-foundation-grants/89305379007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z114543p005050l004550c005050e005500v114543&gca-ft=195&gca-ds=sophi

Healthy Futures Start With Healthy SmilesThis World Health Day, we’re shining a light on something often overlooked but ...
04/07/2026

Healthy Futures Start With Healthy Smiles

This World Health Day, we’re shining a light on something often overlooked but absolutely essential to overall well‑being: oral health. A child’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive is deeply connected to their dental health. Far too many children face pain, missed school days, and long‑term health challenges simply because they can’t access the care they need.

At Embracing Futures, we refuse to accept that reality. Every day, we work to ensure children receive vital oral health education and orthodontic treatment. Because a healthy smile can change the trajectory of a life.

The need is growing, and so is the urgency. Your support today helps us reach more children who are waiting for care right now. Donate today and help us build a future where every child has the chance to thrive, starting with a healthy smile.

https://embracingfuturesinc.org/please-help/

Thank you to the Green Community Fund, held at Akron Community Foundation, for a recent grant for the Dr. Milton Rubin O...
04/03/2026

Thank you to the Green Community Fund, held at Akron Community Foundation, for a recent grant for the Dr. Milton Rubin Oral Health Education Program. Providing Green Elementary Students Oral Health Education.

Each student going through the program will receive a bundle including toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, disclosing tablets and fun worksheets including a brushing calendar.

https://www.akroncf.org/green-community-fund-awards-25000-in-grants/

Today, we celebrate an incredible milestone—25 years of dedication, compassion, and impact from Jennifer Film has had at...
04/01/2026

Today, we celebrate an incredible milestone—25 years of dedication, compassion, and impact from Jennifer Film has had at Embracing Futures. 💙

As the Orthodontic Care Case Manager, Jennifer’s caring heart and unwavering commitment have touched the lives of countless children and families. Through every case, every connection, and every moment of support, she brings not only expertise, but genuine kindness and empathy to her work.

Jennifer, thank you for 25 years of making a difference. Your dedication is a true reflection of our mission, and we are so grateful to have you as part of the Embracing Futures family. Here’s to the lasting impact you’ve made—and the many more lives you’ll continue to change!

Pictured (L-R): Becky McAdams, Chair of the Board; Jennifer Film, Orthodontic Case Manager; Amber Barkoukis, Executive Director

Your story matters. 💙We’re so grateful to the families and individuals who have shared their experiences with Embracing ...
03/11/2026

Your story matters. 💙
We’re so grateful to the families and individuals who have shared their experiences with Embracing Futures. If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to tell your story and help us celebrate the impact behind every smile.
Share your story and be part of our mission to create brighter futures.

Address

50 S Main Street, Ste LL 100
Akron, OH
44308

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