The Juve family (from left): Mike and Melissa Swiatkowski with children Evelyn, Ryan, Anna and Jonathan; Rick and Sharon Juve; and Casey and Mark Juve with their children Harper and Ella. (Not pictured: Eric Juve)
This story originally appeared in the Fall 2023 edition of Promise magazine.
Sharon and Rick Juve:
Building on Summa's legacy
When Sharon and Rick Juve (pronounced joo–vee) were asked to describe in only a few words why they give back to Summa Health, they chose – “A love for family, community and the people of Akron.”
These sentiments and other accolades were echoed at the grand opening of the Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion, named in honor of this giving family whose visionary gift of $10 million is helping to provide care for countless patients in the community.
Rick and Sharon have a long history with Summa Health – starting with Rick who was born at Akron City Hospital. Later, their three children and four of six grandchildren were born there. In all, five generations of the Juve family hail from Akron and have been cared for by Summa Health.
“We’ve experienced excellent care at Summa Health and so have our children,” said Sharon.
Caring for our community
As self-described servant leaders, Sharon and Rick have humbly served the community and quietly supported numerous charitable causes and modeled that spirit of giving for their family.
Sharon recalls volunteering for a home-delivered meals program with the kids still in their car seats. She said the experience helped instill in their children the importance of volunteer service.
“It’s so meaningful to see how we can make all the difference in someone’s day.” Their children, now adults, went on to volunteer throughout their formative years.
Rick serves as chairman of the family-owned business Americhem, a global polymer organization started by his late father, Dick Juve. With 1,300 employees around the world, the company is headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls.
Giving back to the community is rooted in the company’s culture from volunteer days of service to workplace giving. “Doing the right thing and giving back to those in the community – that’s how we demonstrate our love for Akron,” said Rick. “We’re so fortunate to work with caring and giving people who have the same values. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Sharon and Rick are of one mind when it comes to supporting healthcare, particularly behavioral health, and share in Summa Health’s continued commitment to caring for the whole person and helping all those in need.
The couple is aware that one in four people deals with behavioral health issues at some point in their lives, and that for many in our community, mental illness hits close to home and touches nearly every family in some way.
“We know in today’s world that many families and family members are dealing with serious mental health issues. It’s comforting to know Summa Health is making a difference,” said Sharon.
Both agree that many are reluctant to get help because of the stigma of seeking it. “We have received so much from the community over the years,” said Rick. “We were at the point we wanted to give back in a way that could really make a meaningful difference and raise awareness around this important issue.”
What transpired next would have a profound impact on Akron. Sharon and Rick were excited to learn of Summa Health’s investment in a new home for the Summa Health Behavioral Health Institute on the Akron Campus.
“After five years of thinking about what we wanted to support, along came Summa Health’s new behavioral healthcare state-of-the-art facility. The timing was just perfect,” said Sharon.
They also were inspired by the compassionate care of Dr. Joseph Varley, chair of the Summa Health Department of Psychiatry and holder of the Jim and Vanita Oelschlager Endowed Chair in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, and the work of his entire team.
“It was really apparent the behavioral health team at Summa Health is passionate and caring toward their patients,” said Sharon.
“This knowledge combined with a safe, welcoming and warm facility where everyone has a place to go – [supporting Summa Health] was just a great fit for us.”
Sharon and Rick hope their generosity will help shine a light on the need for enhanced behavioral health programs and services for the community and inspire others to lend their support.
A legacy of love
When the Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion opened in January 2023, the community embraced the enhanced experience. Within its seven stories, the 64-private room, inpatient and outpatient facility serves as a home to all levels of behavioral healthcare and integrates these services with the medical care on the Akron Campus, enhancing Summa Health’s ability to take care of the whole person.
Thoughtful design went into creating spaces that provide a high-quality, comforting experience for patients and staff. Within its walls, many services are offered including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, a world-class Traumatic Stress Center and Psychiatry Residency Program.
“The opening of the Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion really was an inspirational day for our community and all those who come to us in need,” said Dr. Cliff Deveny, Summa Health president and CEO.
“The legacy of love that Sharon and Rick have for their family and the Akron community will live on at Summa Health and far beyond for generations to come.”
For more information about supporting Summa Health, please contact Jessica Hudson at 330.375.4762 or hudsonj@summahealth.org.