Malcolm Costa – A Legacy Of Empowerment Celebrating 60 Years of Community Action Akron Summit

It is not for the sake of athletic achievement, financial riches, or bravado. You are often struck by his quiet, thoughtful demeanor and evident passion as he tirelessly works and inspires those around him to strive to help Akron and Summit County residents on their path to self-sufficiency and a brighter future.

He is Malcolm J. Costa, President and CEO of Community Action Akron Summit, a vitally important non-profit social agency in downtown Akron’s heart. Costa, who admits he never envisioned himself working at any organization for more than a few years, enters his 47th year at the helm of the organization designated lead entity to address poverty by the County of Summit and the City of Akron in the 1960s. Those impacted by the agency’s efforts and good work are much better off for the efforts of Costa and the team he has led over the years.

Through a range of programs and expertise, Community Action Akron Summit strives to reduce poverty by fostering self-sufficiency. By providing access to resources that address immediate needs, such as utility assistance, tax help, and rental support, the agency supports families and individuals in overcoming financial barriers and moving toward long-term stability. One of the jewels of the organization is the Head Start and Early Head Start program, which enables children to enter school prepared and provide support to strengthen their families in the process.

“This man is a legend and a first-class example of what so many of us serving our community strive to achieve,” said Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank President and CEO Dan Flowers while recently welcoming Costa and team members providing in-person visits to several Akron sites to Ohio Department of Development Services representatives. “He is a one-of-a-kind person who is always willing to lend a hand and explore better ways to improve lives. We are fortunate to have his wisdom and approach in addressing the needs of our community.”

Today, Community Action Akron Summit is a model of stability and mission-driven purpose that other groups can learn from and emulate as it prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary. It illustrates what can be achieved when everyone, at every level, is aligned with a mission and a strategic approach to addressing poverty.

However, it was not always that way. “The residents and our communities rely on us getting it right, and that’s an important responsibility,” said Costa. “Serving them by honoring our mission is always at the forefront of everything we do. We serve those who are often marginalized or forgotten. For some, we serve as a beacon of hope to make a significant difference in their lives.”

Day One: Welcome to the Hurricane

Costa entered an organization in June 1977 that was desperately needed to help area residents break the bonds of poverty. The agency back then, however, had challenges and was in much chaos and disarray. It was oftentimes self-inflicted turmoil for the organization then known as the Summit County Community Action Council or CAC. At the time of Costa’s hire, the agency had eight executive directors in the first 12 years of its existence. It was led by a 45-member board, often bringing competing priorities and territorial disputes to the table and causing the agency to be adrift.

At the time, local media was awash in regular reports of the disputes and charges leveled against the leaders rather than the group’s actual work. Employees were underappreciated, underpaid, and often unmoored and unengaged despite loyalty to their work and mission. Local reporters had a heyday in the mid-1970s when an ill-fated plan to raise funds through bingo caused accusations of fiscal mismanagement and a loss of more than $30,000.

Even Costa’s hiring was news to him when it appeared in a Saturday edition of the local newspaper before he accepted an offer or informed his employer. “I wasn’t sure if I was the right person to lead the organization, and I didn’t know if the organization in its form then could be repaired,” said Costa, who had never spent more than five years at any place before joining Community Action but felt he had discovered an outlet for his passion and his life’s work.

Amid the internal strife, Costa recognized the growing level of concern from government agencies regarding CAC’s financial and administrative management. The agency was under review by the U.S. government when Costa’s hiring was prematurely announced. The federal assessment threatened that if the problems weren’t fixed within six months, the organization’s funds and programs – and ultimately its very existence – could end.

The federal agency’s ultimatum was the tool the new director needed to make meaningful changes to right the ship. Costa may have been disheartened at various times during the days and years ahead, but he never showed it. His work ethic and belief in the organization’s potential to help residents and the community wouldn’t let him.

He got to work with then-board chair and current Ohio State Senator Dr. Vernon Sykes to streamline the board while strengthening representation from the community and public and private sectors. They worked in tandem to reestablish formal structures to identify the community’s needs and prioritize programming. Further, formal training was developed to assist the board members in mobilizing the agency’s resources.

“He has a deep, personal commitment to the mission of helping the poor – that was a real change and needed to focus on the reason the agency existed,” Sykes said. “Malcolm Costa has repeatedly proven that he was the man up for the job. “One of his qualities is that he tries to figure out an individual’s strength and works to support them. He wants to bring out the best in others, including in his work with other organizations in the community. It’s one of the many important things he has done as a leader – to show others he was there to collaborate, to be a true partner and not a competitor,” Sykes added.

Sykes said a hallmark of Costa’s leadership is his commitment to the agency’s employees since his first day. Costa ensured a culture was fostered that valued the employees’ efforts in fighting poverty, allowing them to grow personally and professionally and a belief that “we could accomplish so much more together in fulfilling the focus of helping residents who need Community Action.” Community Action Akron Summit is known today for the “quality of its programs, the help we can provide and our track record of fiscal management.” The way it should be, according to a visibly proud Costa.

Frontlines in the War on Poverty

America’s relentless fight against poverty is linked to the creation of Community Action Agencies. Community Action Akron Summit is part of a network of over 900 agencies created by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, the cornerstone of Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” This revolutionary act aimed to eradicate poverty by empowering people experiencing poverty through various social programs and went directly to each community without going through local elected officials. Community-based action is central to the philosophy. Instead of top-down government programs, local agencies that directly connect to the communities they serve were seen as best suited to address challenges at the grassroots level. More than 1,000 public and private community action agencies exist in the United States today, each tailored to meet the needs of its community, reflecting a deep understanding of local poverty and culture.

To combat the struggles of their communities, the agencies have consistently broadened their scope to address new and increasing challenges. As a multifaceted problem, poverty requires a holistic approach.

The Man for the Job

Costa, who was born in Akron, was introduced to a diverse community and enduring work ethic when he started working in his father’s barbershop at age 7 as a shoeshine boy and all-around helper. At “Jack’s” Barber Shop, he listened intently to customers discussing issues of the day.

When Akron’s Innerbelt was built, he also learned a valuable lesson about how efforts to promote prosperity can have devastating effects if leaders fail to listen to those most impacted. The controversial highway exchange, intended to stimulate economic growth by local officials, destroyed generations of businesses, displaced families, and destroyed prosperity especially in the African-American neighborhoods it dissected.

As a full-time student at The University of Akron, Costa was likely preparing for a career in corporate America and working evenings at IBM as a technology service dispatcher. During his time at the university, he also witnessed the strife and conflict in his city and throughout America.

Later in 1972, while Costa was working at the Akron Urban League, a “serious civil disturbance” in Akron started. It continued for nearly a week, spreading through the city and necessitating National Guard’s involvement. A commission investigating the incident, as in other cases, found no one spark to the unrest but an overspill of frustration many felt from a lack of opportunity and being unheard concerning in essential areas like education, government, public services, law enforcement and economic issues such as housing, finance, and jobs. Unfortunately, Costa said, it is a powerlessness that often reaches across generations.

Following the Akron Urban League job and one as planning director with Portage County Community Action Council, as well as spending time assisting disadvantaged students at Youngstown State University, “the experiences really opened my eyes … I guess you can say I caught the community action bug and knew that there were people that needed help … and I might be able to help.”

“For him, this is a calling, and he shares that passion with everyone here and everyone he works with,” said Richard Nelson, who met Costa as a board member, and later served as board chair before himself joining the agency as chief financial officer and serving for more than 30 years. “It is his consistent leadership over the years that has allowed Community Action and its people to grow. He is always open to exploring new ideas to further our mission and better serve the residents who need our services. His passion and support have impacted many and helped many find their calling to serve others.”

Costa said Nelson has been a true strategic partner and has contributed significantly to the agency’s overall success and stability over the past four decades both as a board and staff member. He has proven an invaluable asset to Community Action Akron Summit, Costa said, helping it achieve its goals most effectively. The two, who each say they have become great friends over the years, often act as each other’s sounding board, providing constructive and trusted advice to help counterbalance differing viewpoints.

Continuous Evolution to Ensure a Lasting Legacy

One of the perennial challenges faced by all Community Action agencies is funding. The agencies often find themselves vulnerable to political and economic influences. For Community Action Akron Summit, these challenges have been a catalyst to innovation, seeking partnerships with private sectors and exploring new funding models to further the work of the mission. The agency’s team works closely with other local organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders to leverage resources and maximize their impact. By fostering strong partnerships, Community Action Akron Summit ensures that its programs and services reach those who need them the most and are aligned with the community’s broader goals.

Costa is proud of the success stories found throughout the community and even within its walls. Many staff members achieved self-sufficiency through their hard work and with the help of the agency’s programs. Because they faced similar challenges years ago, they are passionate about their efforts because they know what the people on the other side of the desk are facing.

As the leaders look to the agency’s future growth, keeping Community Action Akron Summit a beacon of hope and action remains critical. As the face of poverty continuously evolves, so does the organization. Economic crises, shifting demographics, and emerging issues like the global pandemic make it more essential than ever and demand flexibility and continuous adaptation.

The agency recently announced the promotion of two dynamic leaders to new roles to add significant strength to the organization’s efforts. The appointments include Allyson James as Vice President of Head Start/Early Childhood Programs and Dr. Aimee Budnik as Vice President of Community Service Programs. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record, James manages all aspects of the organization’s strong Head Start, Early Head Start, and other childhood education programs. Budnik’s extensive community development and public health background further enhance the agency’s array of community programs and services. Their commitment to inclusive community building and sustainable initiatives is invaluable to the organization’s efforts.

“Through these promotions, Community Action Akron Summit is recognizing skilled individuals and positioning itself for the future. With Allyson James and Aimee Budnik’s combined experience, passion, and vision, we will continue to move forward with our mission,” Costa said. “They have repeatedly demonstrated the leadership necessary to address the community’s evolving needs with compassion, integrity, and effectiveness.”

Community Action Akron Summit’s history of stability and continued growth is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in tackling societal problems. Born from a bold experiment, the area agency was rescued from possible demise decades ago to fulfill its promise in combating poverty and has grown as a respected member of Ohio and national networks dedicated to uplifting communities. The journey, led by Costa, has been marked by achievements and challenges but, most importantly, an unwavering commitment to community empowerment that continues to inspire and make a difference in the lives of residents. Several of the initiative the organization has been involved in at early stages, such as Self Help and Resource Exchange and the Pathways Community HUB, have been adopted widely throughout the state and the nation.

“He has a national reputation, and thus Community Action, being out in front of issues and running a top-notch organization with a great staff with the conviction to serve and help others,” Sykes said. “Hiring him was the best decision then and now as he has proven to be the best for this organization. I’m not sure the agency would still be around if not for his work and the work to bring every one of us together to serve those in need.”

Learn more about Community Action Akron Summit at ca-akron.org.