Caravan of Love

Hope. Help. Humanity.

Through mobile hygiene services and community-driven support, Caravan of Love meets people where they are and creates pathways to stability and connection.

It's Dignity, Delivered.

Caravan of Love - Robert P Ford Jr Blue Hat

Founder Robert P. Ford, Jr.

Caravan of Love is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to delivering mobile, compassionate, and life-changing services to individuals and families who are not adequately supported by traditional systems.

Caravan of Love was founded in Akron, Ohio.

Founded in Akron, Ohio by Robert P. Ford, Jr., the organization has grown into a dynamic and expanding model of care rooted in dignity, access, and human connection.

Today, Caravan of Love provides a comprehensive range of mobile human services, including hygiene, showers, food distribution, clothing and toiletries, along with access to medical, mental health, housing, employment, and ongoing care resources.

In 2026, the organization extended services from Summit to Stark County, reflecting its commitment to meeting community needs and advancing a model that can be replicated in communities across the country. Since its founding, Caravan of Love has served thousands of people across Northeast Ohio, delivering care, building relationships, and reminding every individual they are seen, valued, and supported.

Our Values

Guided by our C.A.R.A.V.A.N. values, we deliver services with intention, compassion, and a commitment to lasting impact.

C Compassion

We lead with empathy, meeting people where they are with care and respect.

A Access

We remove barriers by delivering essential services directly to those in need.

R Respect

Every individual is treated with dignity, honor, and without judgment.

A Action

We respond to immediate needs with urgency and purpose.

V Value of Human Connection

We build trust and foster meaningful relationships that support long-term stability.

A Advancement

We continuously grow and evolve our model to expand impact and reach more communities.

N Network of Support

We collaborate with partners, organizations, and communities to strengthen outcomes and expand access.

Follow the Bus

We're fueled by a desire to help.

The numbers below reflect the impact we collectively made in 2025 alone. Special thanks to the City of Akron, County of Summit, USW District 1, METRO, and all of our supporters. Your generosity helps Caravan of Love provide essential assistance to those so often overlooked.

Food Distribution

30,168 pounds of food distributed
4,536 meals served
24 events
576 hours on food sourcing
84 hours serving the community

Shower Bus

1,075 individuals served
522 showers
680 volunteer hours
5,100 gallons of water used

Gallery of Videos.

A lot of care and love goes into the important work we do, and a lot of it happens behind the scenes. These are just some of the people who make it possible.

Spectrum News Story

USW Cares

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Our Impact

Appreciation

Service Project

Ask

Donations Make All the Difference.

Your donation helps bring food, clothing, showers, toiletries, and hope to the most vulnerable members of our community. Every dollar counts.

Donate Now

Meet our Board of Directors

Each and every person on our board leads with passion, purpose, and heart. We’re proud of their dedication and steadfast commitment to our cause.

Robert P. Ford, Jr.

Founder | Executive Director
Steve Vandegrift

Board Chairman
Jarrod Hampshire

Vice Chairman
Dr. Fannie Brown

Interim Board Treasurer & Secretary
Arian Davis

Board Member
Mark Finnicum

Board Member
James Grant

Board Member
Allie Nicholson

Board Member
Cheyenne Shippe

Board Member
Quentin Wyatt

Board Member

Meet Our Staff

Robert P. Ford, Jr.

Founder | Executive Director
Thomas Lee Simone

Fleet Manager
Todd Bagley

Shower Bus Manager
Nathan Donald

Shower Bus Driver
Robert P. Ford, Sr.

Food Distribution
Carla Oden

Administrator
Doreen Thorne

Director of Advancement

Recognition and Honors

Caravan of Love, originally founded as Forever R Children, and its founder Robert P. Ford, Jr., have been recognized for their commitment to service, leadership, and impact within the community.

U.S. House of Representatives Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition

Presented under the sponsorship of Congresswoman Emilia Sykes to Forever R Children October 20, 2023

The Ohio Senate

Recognition presented by Senator Vernon Sykes on behalf of the 28th Senate District, honoring Forever R Children on the launch of the Shower Bus Initiative

City of Akron Proclamation

Mayor Shammas Malik proclaimed April 28, 2024 as Robert Ford, Jr. Day in the City of Akron, Ohio

United Steelworkers (USW) Certificate of Excellence

Awarded to Robert P. Ford, Jr. of USW Local Union 2L in recognition of outstanding commitment to public service

Association of Fundraising Professionals - National Philanthropy Day

Heart of Belonging Award Recipient, 2025. Among the inaugural recipients of this national honor

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Community Service Excellence Award presented to Robert P. Ford, Jr., 2025

Thankful for Our Sponsors

Your support makes it all possible. We’re forever grateful to those who put their trust in us.

Additional Sponsors: The Welty Family Foundation, Charles E. and Mabel M. Ritchie Memorial Foundation, The Maynard Family Foundation, Glenn R. and Alice V. Boggess Memorial Foundation, PNC, W. Paul Mills and Thora J. Mills Memorial Foundation, Rebecca Guzy Woodford, The Hamden Family Foundation

Have a question, want to learn more, volunteer, or get involved?

We'd love to hear from you! Please fill out the form below or call 330.957.0068