AKRON, Ohio — Life hasn’t always been kind to Kenny Lambert. 

“I grew up skateboarding,” Lambert said. “I got into a lot of drugs and alcohol, which led me down a very dark path.” 

That path was paved with addiction and homelessness. While he was living on the streets, he said he leaned on his faith for answers. 

“I wasn’t a present father, I wasn’t able to be a father due to my addiction,” he said. “I kept praying every night, like God, if this is my purpose, show me the way. I kept praying for him to put me in jail, and I ended up in jail.”

He said getting arrested was the first step he could take toward recovery. 

Once released from jail, Lambert went to treatment for 30 days and has been sober ever since. 

“My daughter gave me a purpose. She inspired me to be something,” he said. “I wanted to be the father she deserved.” 

Today, Lambert focuses on giving back to his community.

He said he does this through his clothing store called Just A Dad From Akron.

He sells clothing with inspirational messages, hoping to spread positivity. 

“Personally believing in myself and my dreams was a huge game changer to what I have been doing in the community,” he said. “It’s like apparel with a purpose.” 

Once a month, his company helps the people of Akron. 

In the past, he has done back to school giveaways, food giveaways, Christmas toy giveaways and much more. This month, he’s giving away shoes to kids who need them. 

“I’ve been seeing a lot of the kids passing the store and they are wearing Crocs in the snow,” he explained.

He said he wants to make sure any kid who needs has shoes so they can be safe in this cold weather. 

“If their parents can’t afford new shoes, or if they are just in need and have fallen on hard times, we have the shoes here for free. Just stop on in while they are open, and you are welcome to get a pair,” he said. 

His store is at 937 Kenmore Blvd. in Akron. ​