GAR Foundation

Established in 1967, GAR Foundation was born of the philanthropic desire of the Roush family to support the needs of those in the local community. Galen Roush co-founded Roadway Express during the Great Depression in 1930 with his brother, Carroll. Their first shipment was a load of B.F. Goodrich tires which left Akron, OH headed for St. By 1939, Roadway was the largest long-haul trucking company

in the United States. Through careful stewardship and superior service, Roadway Express grew into a global transportation company servicing over 100 countries by the 1990s. Galen believed superior service was much more than delivering freight on-time, it was about the experience. Because of his servant-minded leadership and the innovation of Roadway’s employees, the company excelled in providing extraordinary experiences for their customers for over 80 years. Galen and his wife Ruth loved their home area of Akron and Summit County and never stopped investing in their community. GAR Foundation was established by Galen and Ruth Roush to be a way in which their legacy of serving others could continue long after they were gone. Today, GAR Foundation awards over $6 million annually to organizations and programs in the following areas:

Early Childhood Education
K-16 Education
Economic & Workforce Development
Basic Needs
Arts & Culture

MISSION
Our mission is to help Akron become smarter, stronger, and more vibrant. VISION
Every child gets a great start in life and benefits from a well-rounded education, preparing them for a meaningful, fulfilling life. Companies and opportunities grow in our talent-rich environment. Pathways to prosperity are equitable, accessible, and easily navigated by everyone. All residents and businesses feel connected to Greater Akron, to their neighbors and fellow citizens. They are energized by its creative assets, its abundant opportunities, and its commitment to shared prosperity. VALUES
At GAR Foundation, we commit to…

Curiosity
We continuously ask questions to learn about community issues and people’s experiences. Equity
We deal fairly and equitably with all parties, while meeting other where they are. Humility
We are aware of our place and role (the positives and negatives of it)

Collaboration
We work shoulder to shoulder with our partners, guided by transparency and accountability. Innovation
We are original and creative in our thinking and approach to the work.

Workforce Deep Dive: Child Care Is a Business Issue, Not a Personal Challenge - Greater Akron Chamber

06/26/2026

Child care is a business issue, not just a personal challenge.

Access to affordable, high-quality child care is closely tied to workforce strength and economic growth. When gaps exist, families, employers, and communities all feel the impact.

We appreciate many great partners bringing this issue to the forefront and helping move the conversation toward shared solutions. Across our region, efforts like Akron’s Unified Early Learning System are helping build a stronger foundation, while policy conversations are gaining traction and employers are stepping in to shape what comes next.

Learn about the key takeaways from this month's Greater Akron Chamber Workforce Deep Dive conversation on child care ➡️

Workforce Deep Dive: Child Care Is a Business Issue, Not a Personal Challenge - Greater Akron Chamber On June 11, employers, policymakers, and community leaders convened at the Greater Akron Chamber for the Workforce Deep Dive on child care.

06/15/2026

Hey, we know her! 🎉 Congratulations again to our very own Nicole Chavers for officially starting her Leadership Akron journey with Signature Class 43!

Help us welcome the next five members of Leadership Akron Signature Class 43.

We are proud to celebrate these leaders as they begin a ten-month experience designed to deepen their connection to Greater Akron, strengthen meaningful relationships, and expand the way they lead in service to our community.

Congrats to...
• Steven Bordenkircher - The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
• Steven Brooks - Cleveland Clinic Akron General
• Michael Carlson - TRIAD
• Nicole Chavers - GAR Foundation
• Dayna Dunbar - Triton Property Ventures, LLC

Congratulations and welcome to Signature Class 43!

Find the full press release here: https://www.leadershipakron.org/press-releases-blog/pr6-10-26

06/04/2026

Congratulations to all of the The EXL Center for Community Engaged Learning Community Engagement Champions, especially ArtsNow's Nicole Mullet! Thank you for your tireless efforts to champion arts and culture in Akron and Summit County for the overall benefit of our community’s vibrancy and economic vitality.

Community Engagement Champions are those who uphold the values expressed in EX[L]’s mission and support community engagement at UA. They can be community partners, staff, faculty, or students. Each year, it is so hard for us to just pick a few.

Check out the EX[L] Awards program from May 1st to learn more about our 2025-2026 Champions: https://canva.link/ohernls9981c5ix

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Telephone

+13303755252

Website

https://linktr.ee/garfoundation

Address

277 E Mill Street
Akron, OH
44308

GAR Foundation

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