Xavier, an East CLC student, presented his PhotoVoice poster of a condemned house in his neighborhood.
Seeing a condemned house might not make most of us think twice. For Xavier, a sophomore at the East Community Learning Center (CLC), seeing such a building alarmed him.“When I first moved here from Europe, I’d never seen something like this before,” he explained. “I chose this issue because I want to spread awareness about substance abuse and poor housing conditions.”
Xavier, along with 13 of his classmates from East CLC, presented their photos as part of the 2025 PhotoVoice project. Thanks to a grant from the Lloyd L. & Louise K. Smith Memorial Foundation through Huntington Bank, Akron Children’s provided digital cameras for the students to capture what health care means to them in their community. “They selected their best photo and wrote a description about it. We had their materials professionally designed and printed as large posters to present,” said Dr. Thomas Jefferson, education program liaison for the Akron Children’s Unity and Engagement Department. “We invited hospital and APS staff, local media and community members to the hospital Unity Center to talk to the students about their projects.”
The PhotoVoice project aims to amplify the voices of students who may not traditionally have the power, opportunity or audience to share their perspectives through photos.
“I moved here in 2022, and I see this house every day,” Xavier said as he presented his photo of a condemned house. “It’s been over 2 years, and no one has done anything about it.”
Xavier said the lack of health care services and other resources leaves his neighborhood feeling neglected.
Abandoned and condemned houses affect the entire community, Xavier said, adding that the government in his home country would quickly take care of condemned properties. Children grow up seeing these homes that are often used for shelter by homeless people or for drug use. Xavier shared his concern because he feels like exposure to these environments can increase the risk of children falling into similar cycles.
“The lack of government intervention and proper health care services for addiction leaves my neighborhood feeling neglected and dangerous,” he said. “Without investment in mental health services, substance abuse programs and community awareness, these problems continue to grow.”
Ke’Asia, a senior at East CLC, took a photo of the sign in front of her school advising that all fees must be paid to graduate.
“Graduation shouldn’t have a price tag,” she said. Paying fees can be a huge burden for many students, she said, adding that you had to pay an additional fee if you missed the initial deadline.
“A lot of my peers are stressed and working outside of school to try to get the money together for fees,” she explained. “Schools should address these challenges to give everyone a chance regardless of their financial burdens.”
Deshawndria, a junior at East CLC, was curious about weightlifting. But when she went to check out her school’s weight room, she was disappointed.
“A lot of girls are discouraged to try weightlifting because it’s seen as something only boys do,” she said. “But weightlifting can be good for your physical and mental health – and everyone should get a chance to try it.”
Deshawndria advocates for better weight-room access for all students.
Deshawndria said society should make fitness gender neutral. “Schools should make their weight room open for all athletes as well as nonathlete students,” she said. “Schools could make a weightlifting class for gym credit, teaching proper technique and promoting inclusivity.”
Dr. Jennifer Ross, director of unity and engagement at Akron Children’s, praised the students for their powerful work.
Dr. Jennifer Ross praised the students for their work and emphasized, “PhotoVoice is more than just a project – it’s a reminder of why our work in health care must be rooted in understanding, equity and connection,” she said. “By listening to the perspectives of our youth and reflecting on the social determinants of health – like access to food, safe housing, transportation, and education – we can better understand how to deliver care that truly meets the needs of every family we serve.”
