The Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® is proud to announce Legacies of Success as the 2025 recipient of the #HomeForAll Community Fund Grant—a $10,000 award that can significantly change how the organization helps those in need.
A Neighborhood Transformed
Akron’s “Rubber Boom” in the early 1900s brought European immigrants to North Hill seeking a better life. They built homes and businesses that remain visible today. The neighborhood continued welcoming African American families during the Great Migration and later immigrants from Central and South America.
After years of disinvestment, North Hill became a struggling community. This changed when thousands of refugees were resettled beginning in the early 2000s. Over 25 years, these new neighbors opened businesses and shared their cultures, breathing life into the community.
However, this growth created challenges for families seeking quality, affordable housing. Legacies of Success addresses this by improving housing in North Hill, with plans to acquire 25 additional properties by 2035 to provide greater access to affordable homeownership and quality rental housing.
ACAR President Drew Gaebelein presented the grant to Brendan Haggerty, supporting an organization tackling housing inventory and affordability—two of Northeast Ohio’s most pressing challenges.
Excellence in Service
The Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® proudly recognizes Adam Kaufman as the 2025 REALTOR® of the Year—honoring a longtime ACAR member consistently at the top of sales in Northeast Ohio who believes giving back to others is important.
Adam’s volunteer work focuses on organizations helping children. His favorite is the Bellefaire Jewish Children’s Board, one of the nation’s largest child service agencies helping more than 30,000 youths and their families. They operate a school for autism and a foster care program; work Adam describes as beyond incredible.
Adam also volunteers with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes to terminally ill children, and supports Children’s Free Care through events and financial contributions.
Adam reminds fellow REALTORS® that real estate is a people-to-people business. “REALTORS® help guide people to make the most important decision in their lives, which is where to live. The home is where the heart is.”
Adam is generous with his experience, mentoring fellow REALTORS® on agent panels and helping guide them through the evolving landscape.
Congratulations to Legacies of Success and Adam Kaufman!
