Our Story

Unlikely Partners was born from the convergence of three leaders who could not be more different, and yet, together, they form a powerhouse of vision, grit, and faith driven innovation. What unites them is their unwavering love for God, their devotion to Akron, and their determination to spark community transformation. Duane Crabbs is a community leader, a former fireman and medic, a retired pastor, and a proud father and grandfather. Alongside his wife Lisa, Duane built South Street Ministries into a beacon of hope in South Akron, where he has spent decades walking hand in hand with neighbors on the margins. His unmatched ability to earn trust, build authentic relationships, and transform overlooked places into thriving spaces makes him a proven architect of community change. Donovan Harris is a serial entrepreneur, a high level visionary, and a community organizer who has been a respected leader in the field of reentry for over 15 years. He has walked alongside men and women returning from incarceration, helping them reclaim dignity, opportunity, and belonging. Beyond his professional work, Donovan’s devotion to his son and daughter fuels his passion for building a better future. Known for his ability to meet people where they are and never leave them there, he combines compassion with creativity and bold innovation. His unwavering belief that Akron can be a safe, healthy community drives his commitment to transformative change. Michael Farmer is a proud husband and father who brings deep knowledge and valuable insight to the work of community transformation. Having helped launch Canton For All People, Michael has demonstrated his ability to build broad based partnerships and scale organizations with lasting impact. His expertise in organizational development ensures that Unlikely Partners is not just inspiring, it is built to endure, replicate, and grow far beyond a single neighborhood. Together, this unlikely trio does not just represent diversity of background, they embody the fusion of faith, entrepreneurship, and organizational wisdom. Rooted in collaboration, they are creating a movement that proves real change happens when bold visionaries refuse to work alone and instead link arms to build something greater than themselves.