Holiday Assistance

St. Stephen's Community House provides over 4,000 individuals with food and toys for the holidays through Christmas Care. In collaboration with local schools, businesses, and civic groups, the program has been giving families who are experiencing hardship a hand up during the holiday season for over 60 years. The agency also offers emergency food; medication; and rent and utility assistance throughout the year.

Foreclosure Legal Assistance

Representing the poor and disadvantaged who would not normally have access to the legal system, the Equal Justice Foundation litigates cases and offers educational seminars on foreclosure. The foundation attacks statewide systematic problems facing low-income individuals through class-action litigation and civil litigation, including combating predatory lending to assist low-income and minority individuals.

New Year's Eve Celebration

First Night Columbus, Inc. revives the ancient tradition of marking the passage of time in a present-day context. Established in 1994, the substance-free event features over 150 entertainers at downtown performance sites. Youth participate in hands-on activities, including a Teen Idol contest. The organization raises funds to cover the cost of admission for more than 5,000 low-income families annually.

Wildlife Rescue

Nearly 5,000 animals representing 140 species are rehabilitated each year by veterinary staff and trained volunteers. The Ohio Wildlife Rescue is entrusted by the Division of Wildlife to evaluate, treat, and support endangered and threatened wildlife. The center also documents infections and hazards facing wildlife to minimize risks to people and domestic animals sharing the same environment.   

Performances

This season, the Contemporary American Theatre Company celebrates its 25th anniversary with seven productions, including an original adaptation of A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote and a third year revival of The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris. As central Ohio's only professional Equity theatre company, the organization continues to entertain Columbus audiences with classic works, comedies, musicals, and contemporary plays.

Neonatal Intensive Care

Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides family-centered care and offers the largest, most comprehensive neonatal center in the country, with state-of-the-art treatment and follow up for extremely premature and medically fragile newborns. Last year, the hospital successfully performed a domino heart transplant on a two-month old baby girl. The hospital provides $85 million in charity care and community services each year.

Winterfair

Celebrating its 32nd year, Winterfair is a juried fine craft fair presented by Ohio Designer Craftsmen. Works from 400 national artists are featured in glass, wood, ceramics, leather, fiber, and metal to an audience of over 18,000. Approximately 1,200 high school students tour the show, and interactive craft activities are available to children and adults. 

Senior Services

Licensed social workers provide in-home needs assessment, care planning, and consultation to help vulnerable seniors maintain their independence. To reduce isolation, Catholic Social Services trains volunteers to offer peer companionship and assistance to elderly and disabled clients. Transportation is also available to qualifying seniors for non-emergency medical appointments.

Research and Evaluation

Community Research Partners conducts program evaluation and applied research that addresses local, state, and national issues, builds the knowledge base in critical areas, measures the impact of program investment, and facilitates improvement. Last year, the organization released “60 Million and Counting” to access the cost of vacant properties in eight Ohio cities and “Benchmarking Central Ohio” to compare 15 metropolitan areas across the nation.

Food Pantry

Westerville Area Resource Ministry’s client choice pantry provides a six-day supply of food to individuals and families living within Westerville City Schools. Individuals may visit the pantry twice a month for food assistance. Last year, the agency saw a 22 percent increase in the number of clients served, providing over 228,000 pounds of food to more than 2,400 families.