Immigration / Refugee / ESOL

2012-2013 English as a Second Language Catalogue

This catalogue was developed by the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs (OCHLA) and lists ESOL opportunities and resources throughout the state.  Learn about and register for English classes and other resources offered to new American communities, including Hispanic/Latino, Asian and African.  Click below to view the catalogue or contact OCHLA for additional information. 
77 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-8333
www.ochla.ohio.gov

Alien Emergency Medical Assistance (AEMA)

The Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio (UHCAN) provides information about emergency medical assistance for immigrants, which provides coverage for treatment of an emergency medical condition for immigrants and non-citizens who have a qualifying emergent medical condition, would be eligible for Medicaid if he/she were a citizen and are ineligible for full-scope Medicaid program due to immigrant status. Applications can be submitted at the local Job and Family Services office below or to a hospital caseworker.

• 1055 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  (614) 212-1993
• 1721 Northland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  (614) 233-2851
• 3723 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207
  (614) 233-2703
• 314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204
  (614) 233-2912

Medicaid Hotline: (800) 324-8680
http://uhcanohio.org

Asian American Community Services

Offers after school and summer tutoring and mentoring programs for Asian Americans in grades K to 12, including educational, ESOL and college preparatory activities. They also provide counseling for victims of domestic violence and hate crimes and 24-hour interpreting services.
4700 Reed Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220
Main Line: (614) 220-4023
Interpreting Hotline: (614) 884-0982
http://aacsohio.org/node

ASHA Ray of Hope

Connects victims of domestic violence in the South Asian community with help and resources. They provide interpreter and transportation services as well. Victims can call the free, confidential 24-hour crisis line for help and support.
1505 Bethel Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 326-2121 or 24-hour Crisis Line: (614) 565-2918
www.asharayofhope.org

Asian American Community Services Healthy Asian Youth Program

Offers after school and summer tutoring and mentoring programs for Asian-Americans in grades K to 12, including educational, ESL and college preparatory activities.
4700 Reed Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220
(614) 220-4023, ext. 223
http://aacsohio.org

CAP4Kids Career & Job Resources

Do you need help finding a job, learning about career options or writing a resume? Click below to go to the CAP4Kids employment section, which has specific information for refugees and immigrants.
Go to CAP4Kids Employment Page

Catholic Social Services Our Lady of Guadalupe Center

Serves the needs of the growing Hispanic community by providing emergency food help, health screenings, housing information, legal help, financial help and more. Call Hands On to schedule an appointment.
197 East Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Hands On: 2-1-1 or (614) 340-7061
www.colscss.org

Center for Latin Hope (Centro Esperanza Latina)

Offers free daily English classes for Latino adults in Columbus, in cooperation with Columbus State Community College. Free books and child care are available as well.
2300 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 358-3584
www.centerforlatinhope.org

Center for Latin Hope (Centro Esperanza Latina)

Provides many free services for the Latino community, including after school programs, tutoring, ESOL, health screenings, computer classes, parent training and translation services.
2300 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 358-3584
www.centerforlatinhope.org

Chinese American Association of Central Ohio

Promotes the common interests of Chinese Americans living in central Ohio. Visit their website for community events and more information.
PO Box 20953, Columbus, Ohio 43220
http://caaco.net

City of Columbus Community Relations Commission

Click for a list of African organizations in the community.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-1993
http://community.ci.columbus.oh.us

City of Columbus Community Relations Commission

Click for a list of Asian organizations in the community.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-1993
http://community.ci.columbus.oh.us

City of Columbus Community Relations Commission

Click for a list of Latino organizations in the community.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-1993
http://community.ci.columbus.oh.us

Columbus Chinese Christian Church

Offers ESOL classes and Sunday services in Cantonese, English and Mandarin.
4141 Maize Road, Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 263-9287
www.columbusccc.org

Columbus Council on World Affairs

Provides excellent programs for Columbus high school teens who are interested in leadership and international issues. Students collaborate with community groups and businesses to learn skills in areas such as interacting with the media, making legislative change, direct social service, event planning, speech-making and more. They also facilitate a ‘Life Swap’ cultural exchange program for youth.
51 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 229-4599
http://columbusworldaffairs.org

Columbus Literacy Council

Offers free basic literacy classes for adults and also English for speakers of other languages.
92 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 282-7661
www.columbusliteracy.org

Columbus Public Health Community Resource Lists

Are you looking for health, vision, dental or prescription help? Click below to go to the resources page of CAP4Kids, which lists of community health resources written in Somali and Spanish by Columbus Public Health.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7417
Go to CAP4Kids Community Health Resource Lists

Columbus Public Schools English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

Their website has information about programs at each school, as well as helpful links to other sites for parents, teachers and students. Welcome Centers help students from other countries who have recently arrived in the United States and who have little or no literacy skills in English or in their native language.
2001 Hamilton Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 365-8802
www.columbus.k12.oh.us/esl

Community for New Direction

Offers an academic enrichment program called Students Excelling in Education (SEE) for Hispanic students ages 5 to 14.
2096 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 272-1464
www.cndonline.org

Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)

Serves refugees, asylees and immigrants in central Ohio by providing free employment counseling, skills training, job placement help, ESOL classes and translation services. As the only non-profit immigration legal program in central Ohio, they help with citizenship applications, notary services, visa extensions, green card applications, immigration photos, work authorization and other services. New clients are seen on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis during open immigration intake at the east office. After paying an initial fee of $20, clients can meet with one of the lawyers.

• 3628 Bexvie Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
  (614) 235-5747
• 4889 Sinclair Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  (614) 840-9634
• 3000 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
  (614) 279-1354

www.cris-ohio.com

Dominican Learning Center

Tutors adults 18 years and older in reading, writing, math, and computers, as well as GED preparation and learning English in the English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. Students are not charged for tutorial services, but those who are financially able are asked to purchase basic texts and materials.
1111 East Stewart Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 444-7330
www.domlearningcenter.org

Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools

Offers free ESOL and basic education classes for adults ages 18 and older. They also have many free high school programs throughout Columbus and surrounding areas for students in their junior and senior years, including college prep and career training programs. Their classes help adults study for the GED, learn basic computer skills and prepare to find work.
4465 South Hamilton Road, Groveport, Ohio 43125
(614) 836-3903
http://eastlandfairfield.com

Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI)

ECDI helps applicants to enroll in no-cost health insurance for children & pregnant women, and helps with re-certification applications for Healthy Start.  They also offer financial assistance and guidance to start a small business, for secondary education tuition, and for first-time home buyers, among other programs; including a department dedicated to services for refugees. Call for details.  
1655 Old Leonard Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 559-0115
www.ecdi.org

Empleos & Employment

Their online job search helps Latinos find employment (especially bilingual jobs), as well as other resources in the community such as scholarship programs, local events, job fairs and community services.
6059 Frantz Road, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 790-8894
www.empleosandemployment.com

Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS)

Provides ESOL services for adults, as well as many free programs for youth. They serve all immigrants, and have a focus on serving African, Asian and Middle Eastern immigrants.
1060 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 252-5362
www.ethiotss.org

Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS)

Provides several services not only to the Ethiopian community in central Ohio, but also to other immigrants such as African, Asian and Middle Eastern immigrants. Services include after school programs and mentoring, youth leadership opportunities, college preparation and summer programs for youth. They provide ESOL services for adults as well.
1060 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 252-5362
www.ethiotss.org

Federation of Asian Indian Associations

Represents the Indian community in central Ohio by hosting free health fairs, sports events, after school activities and other local events.
PO Box 20369, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(877) 342-6412
www.fia-ohio.org

Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services (JFS)

Refugees and immigrants can apply for benefits such as food assistance, child care, job training, health insurance (Medicaid) and other social services at their local county Job and Family Services office.

• 1055 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  (614) 212-1993
• 1721 Northland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  (614) 233-2851
• 3723 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207
  (614) 233-2703
• 314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204
  (614) 233-2912

www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/jafs

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Hands On Central Ohio

Formerly known as First Link, Hands On’s comprehensive information and referral service connects those in need with thousands of social service, government and community resources. They help find a solution to any need. Free and confidential, 2-1-1 is available throughout Franklin County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
195 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
2-1-1 or (614) 221-2255
www.handsoncentralohio.org

Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU)

Represents colleges and universities that are committed to helping Hispanics achieve success in higher education. Thousands of young Hispanics benefit from HACU with internships, scholarships, college programs, precollegiate support and career development opportunities and programs.
8415 Datapoint Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78229
(210) 692-3805
www.hacu.net

Hispanic Chamber of Columbus

Connects Hispanic professionals to the greater Columbus community by providing opportunities for business growth. Their website has information about community resources, employment opportunities and more.
P.O. Box 163122, Columbus, Ohio 43216
(614) 407-4422
www.hccolumbus.com

Hispanic Employment Program

Ensures that Hispanics have an equal opportunity to compete in all aspects of federal employment. Their website has information about career opportunities, community resources, events and activities specifically for the Hispanic community.
PO Box 3990, Columbus, Ohio 43218
(877) 352-2255
http://www.landandmaritime.dla.mil

Horn of Africa Rescue Committee (HOARC)

A small grass-roots organization that works with refugees to help them become self-sufficient. Their programs include parent education, cultural orientation, counseling, help with citizenship classes, immigration paperwork, translation services and after school programs.
1391 Oakland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 975-8967
http://hoarc.com

International Neighborhood Coffee Hour

Provides free small group ESOL classes at the University Baptist Church for women interested in improving their English. Child care is provided while the mothers attend classes.
50 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 294-6333
www.inchcolumbusesl.org

Japan-America Society of Central Ohio

Collaborates with the OSU Institute for Japanese Studies to offer free educational and cultural programs for the community.
7003 Post Road, Dublin, Ohio 43216
(614) 340-3054
http://jasco.osu.edu

Jewish Community Center

Offers a year-round ESOL program that teaches English to those of all nationalities. Both day and evening classes are offered. Citizenship classes prepare immigrants to take the naturalization test to obtain U.S. citizenship. All classes are offered free of charge.
1125 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 559-6202
http://columbusjcc.org

Latino Empowerment Outreach Network (LEON)

LEON develops and supports programs that educate and empower Latinos in the community. Their focus is on health, education, family issues, leadership and advocacy. Go online to find local job listings and view their health directory of services for Latinos in the community.
PO Box 16215, Columbus, Ohio 43216
(888) 538-5366
http://leongroup.org

Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence

Visit their resources page to find local and nationwide resources related to health care and behavioral health for various racial, ethnic and cultural groups.
1335 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-7841
www.maccinc.org

Ohio Asian American Health Coalition

Works for the health of Ohio’s Asian Americans by supporting community research, education and advocacy.
660 Ackerman Road, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 336-8214
www.oahcoalition.org

Ohio Commission on Hispanic / Latino Affairs

Represents and advises key policy makers in regards to Hispanic issues, and connects Latino organizations throughout Ohio.
77 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-8333
http://ochla.ohio.gov

Ohio Contemporary Chinese School

Educates children in the Chinese community in Columbus in reading, writing, math and English on Sundays at Worthington Kilbourne High School.
PO Box 82578, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 542-7454
http://columbus-occs.org

Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Limited English Proficient (LEP) Student Support

This site has resources for students who need special language assistance in order to effectively participate in school programs.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
http://education.ohio.gov

Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) Refugee Services

Supervises a program of services and benefits designed to help refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants and certified victims of human trafficking. Coordinates federal funding for health screenings, services for older refugees, programs for school-age refugees and employment programs for adults. Refugees may be eligible for cash assistance, medical assistance and social services. Applications for benefits need to be made through a local county department of job and family services.
50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-4815
http://jfs.ohio.gov/refugee

Ohio Department of Job & Familly Services Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)

Offers health coverage for a limited period of time to refugees upon their arrival to the U.S. and is only available to qualifying refugees within the first eight months of entry to the U.S. A face-to-face interview is necessary when applying.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Medicaid Hotline: (800) 324-8680
http://jfs.ohio.gov

Ohio Hispanic Coalition

Offers several free services to the Hispanic community including community education, ESOL for adults, legal rights referrals and immigration services, translation and interpretation services, parenting classes, after school programs, summer programs and a culturally sensitive 24-hour domestic violence hotline.
6161 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229
Domestic Violence Hotline: (614) 746-3534
Referrals: (614) 840-9934
www.ohiohispaniccoalition.org

Organization of Chinese Americans

The Columbus chapter of this national organization promotes active participation of Asian Americans in both civic and national matters, including advocacy and community awareness.
PO Box 20623, Columbus Ohio 43220
(202) 223-5500
www.ocacolumbus.org

OSU Asian Health Initiative Free Clinic

Provides free ongoing health care (no physicals) for Asian adults living in central Ohio. Patients are seen on Monday evenings at the Rardin Family Practice Center. Services are provided for those who have no health insurance and have a low to moderate income (below 250% of the poverty level). Call for an appointment and to arrange an interpreter.
2231 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 220-4023, ext. 224
http://aacsohio.org

OSU Latino Free Clinic (La Clinica Latina)

Provides ongoing, comprehensive health care (except obstetrics) for Spanish-speaking adults on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, on a first-come / first-served basis at the Rardin Family Practice Center. Call to find out more.
2231 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 293-9906
www.fammed.ohio-state.edu

OSU Occupational Medicine West

Provides newly-arrived refugees with comprehensive health screenings and referrals for follow-up care.
86 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 293-3500
http://medicalcenter.osu.edu

‘Que’ Pasa, OSU?

A community magazine about Latinos at OSU.Their website has information about resources, events, career opportunities and more.
281 West Lanne Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-5848
http://quepasa.osu.edu

Rosemont Center Somali Services

As part of The Buckeye Ranch agency, they provide mental health services to Somali youth (up to age 19), using a culturally sensitive perspective that provides special consideration. They provide counseling, psychiatric care and help with school difficulties.
2440 Dawnlight Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
English Speaking Referrals: (614) 539-6663
Somali Speaking Referrals: (614) 416-8761
http://rosemont.org

Serving Our Neighbors (SON) Ministries

Provides many free services for children and adults in Columbus, including a free lunch summer camp, a free legal clinic, ESOL classes for adults, and referrals to health services and jobs. They also provide one-on-one homework help and tutoring to children whose parents attend the ESOL classes.
4653 Trueman Boulevard, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 586-7939
www.son-ministries.org

Somali Community Association of Ohio (SCAO)

Provides free adult ESOL classes and offers preschool English classes, after school and Saturday tutoring, free computer access and other programs for Somali youth.
3422 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 262-4068
www.somaliohio.org/services/youth.htm

Somali Community Access Network (SomaliCAN)

Works to improve the health, safety, and productivity of new Americans in Ohio by providing information and resources including interpretation services, immigration services and community support.
700 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 489-3034
www.somalican.org

Somali Community Association of Ohio

Provides free English classes, preschool classes, after school and Saturday tutoring, computer access, translation services and job help for Somali youth and adults.
3422 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 262-4068
www.somaliohio.org

Somali Women & Children’s Alliance (SWCA)

Their after school program provides tutoring and educational activities for children ages 5 to 18 who have limited English skills and continues during the summer months with regularly scheduled activities. Their adult ESOL classes are free for people with a low income.
2210 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 473-9999
www.swaca.org

Somali Women & Children’s Alliance (SWCA)

Offers a variety of programs designed to help refugees and immigrants adjust to their new role in American society. Programs include after school programming, English classes, job help and health education.
2210 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 473-9999
www.swaca.org

South Western City Schools Community Education

Offers free ESOL classes during the school year for adults age 19 and older. Consideration for enrollment is given first to residents of that school district.
4750 Big Run South Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 801-3477 or (614) 801-3006
www.swcs.us

Technical Assistance Alliance for Parents Center

Provides a list of publications, organizations and internet sites supporting Hispanic families. Topics range from helping children learn to read to resources for parents of students with disabilities. Call their toll-free parent center, which helps families of children of all ages (birth through 26 years) with all disabilities.
165 West Center Street, Marion, Ohio 43302
(800) 374-2806
www.parentcenternetwork.org

St. Vincent Family Center Hispanic / Latino Services

Offers mental health and parenting support specifically for the Latino community in Columbus.
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0731
www.svfc.org

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)

Oversees lawful immigration to the United States. Their website has information about immigration and citizenship laws, resources and immigration forms, including fees associated with filing the forms. Click for information about the local Columbus office. To speak to an immigration officer, you must schedule an appointment by calling or registering online.
50 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 375-5283
www.uscis.gov

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees & Migration

Provides help and solutions for refugees, victims of conflict and stateless people around the world. Their website has a wealth of information, including a helpful glossary of terms and answers to frequently asked questions about immigration and visa issues.
2201 C Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20520
(202) 647-4000
www.state.gov

US Together

Provides refugee resettlement services to newly-arrived refugees from many countries. Services include financial help, educational classes, interpreting and help with employment.
2021 East Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 437-9941
http://jfs.ohio.gov/refugee

Vineyard Community Center

Offers daytime and evening GED classes and computer literacy classes.  Also offers beginner, intermediate and advanced adult ESOL classes.
6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 259-5296
http://vineyardcolumbus.org