Offers a variety of faith-based summer camps for Grades 1-12, high school graduates, and families. L.I.F.E. guard is a service-based faith experience for recent high school graduates. Akita Backcountry is an outdoor education camp experience for grades 9-12. Payment plans are available, and families may apply for need-based financial assistance.
29746 Logan-Hornsmill Road, Logan, Ohio 43138
(614) 488-0681, ext. 101
campakita.org/summer
A faith-based organization for underserved individuals and families in Central Ohio. They serve hot breakfasts and dinners at their Short North location. The free afterschool program for elementary students includes a meal, homework help, Bible study, and fun activities at multiple locations. They host Saturday programs for children grades K-5, and Bible study small groups for middle and high schoolers. The Hilliard location hosts the Grace Medical Clinic where they provide free medical appointments. Winter holiday programs include free meals and meal baskets. Families established with the organization year-round may receive extra support with toys and winter clothing.
An integrative dance class for students with special needs. These classes teach rhythm, balance, coordination, and choreography. Instructors are trained to apply fun and functional dance movement to aid in reaching developmental goals. Classes are held at Leap of Faith Dance Company, a faith-based dance studio in Westerville, Ohio. The studio offers a variety of dance classes and a summer camp. Scholarships are available.
355 Cherrington Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 901-8325
leapoffaithdancecompany.com/dance-ability
Provides a wide range of recreation and cultural arts opportunities in an inclusive environment defined by Jewish values and culture. All are welcome to participate in their programs. Programs include teen recreation, summer and spring break camps, after school programs, preschool and daycare, fitness classes, theater, and more.
Provides faith-based, quality arts programs for individuals and families. They offer entrepreneurship services, a monthly live concert series, and host the annual Kingdom Image Awards to support cultural diversity in Central Ohio. Kingdom Kidz after-school program for ages 5-13 offers art exploration, life skills, and fun. The after-school program is free for middle schoolers and low-cost for elementary schoolers. Transportation options are available. Kingdom Kidz Summer Camp is available for ages 5-13 and scholarship opportunities are available. Kingdom Kidz Mentor Program is available for ages 6-18. Visit the website to find details and apply for programs.
2501 Mock Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
614-835-7743
kiarts.live
A faith-based organization serving individuals and families in Columbus. Transitional housing is available for previously incarcerated women, low-income families and individuals, and women struggling with substance use. The adult mentorship program includes a weekly hot meal, job and finance mentoring, life coaching, and supportive services. Lower Lights Salon hosts free haircut events, and work training for women who have experienced addiction or incarceration. The church also offers a free, weekly family-style meal. Programs for youth include individual mentoring for at-risk youth ages 7-17, after school programs at the Community Learning Center, summer day camp program, and child care services for ages 2.5-5 at the Child Enrichment Center.
Lower Lights Community Church & Free Meals Website: lowerlightschurch.org/saturday-family-meal
Lower Lights Ministries Website: lowerlights.org/home
Faith-based organization serving Columbus’ Muslim community, and the community at large. They offer programs for Muslim youth year-round; including boys’ and girls’ groups for fellowship and volunteering, Quran study groups, ACT/SAT prep, interscholastic competition, running club, and more. Services for adults include spiritual and marriage counseling, and mutual aid for financial difficulties. Find program details and financial help form on the website.
5001 Wilcox Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
(614) 527-7777
noorohio.org
Serves: Single Adults & Families
Offers faith-based services for Central Ohio families. Housing Services include finding housing, financial assistance, and case management. They also offer youth programs, food assistance, emergency utility assistance, support for human trafficking survivors, and addiction recovery. Their thrift stores offer items at bargain prices to fund programs. You can find thrift store, church locations, and program details on their website.
easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/home
Faith-based organization that partners with Columbus City Schools to provide homework help, after-school programs, and summer day camps for elementary students at Leawood, Lindbergh, Scottwood, and Shady Lane. They also host community fellowship at their community house. They accept volunteers and donations of food or school supplies to support their programs.
Community House: 1635 South Hamilton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43227
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 65, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 406-2548
seven-baskets.org
Faith-based community center serving the Linden-area community. Programs include rental and utility assistance, childcare for children 6 weeks to 5 years at Christ Child Early Learning Center, afterschool and summer programs, Kinship Aftercare, Family to Family empowerment program for families with open cases with FCCS, senior food and transportation, and more. They also provide a food pantry with Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Find program details online.
1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 294-6347
saintstephensch.org
A faith-based organization providing a food pantry (appointment required), free hot lunches, dental clinic, and vision clinic. Their after school program includes academic, spiritual, and emotional support for K-6 students. Transportation is provided from five local schools, but kids from any school district are welcome. They also offer scholarships for graduating seniors at South High School to pursue college or vocational training. The Stowe Pregnancy Resource Center offers free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, and consultation.
888 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 445-8400
stowemission.org
A faith-based organization offering youth development programs for inner-city youth in Columbus, Ohio. They accept a small group of youth each year for after school recreation at the Day School and Run the Race Center. The Run the Race Farm provides a unique environment for youth to learn about science, farm life, and enjoy the outdoors. Contact the organization for registration information.
(614) 276-2171
brianmuhafoundation.org
Offers skilled trades programs to empower youth in Columbus, Ohio. After school programs include a 5-week financial literacy course, and Working Class for 11th and 12th graders to learn concrete labor and earn weekly stipends. Project Genesis is a paid summer employment program for youth ages 14-18. Youth are matched with a worksite based on their area of interest and location, and gain hands-on experience working alongside industry professionals. The Gen II Gen is a 12-week program for ages 18-24 to receive job training, worksite experience, and a certification of completion to use for job placement. All programs are free for participants, and include a shirt, water bottle, and all tools needed for the worksite. Visit the website to register.
(614) 623-0561
tradesoffaith.org
Faith-based organization serving the Turkish-American community and bridging cultures in Central Ohio. Programs include Youth Afterschool Enrichment Program for grades 6-11, Weekend School for grades K-5, Turkish language classes, Islamic studies, virtual tutoring, and a Leadership Program for young adults.
2885 West Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235
tasocolumbus.org
Faith-based organization providing a variety of services for families. Youth services include an early childhood center for ages 6 week-PreK, after-school and summer programs for K-12 and youth sports/fitness programs. Adult education programs include GED prep classes, English as a Second Language (ESOL/ESL), recovery groups, parenting programs, financial counseling, career development services, art classes, and Red Cross CPR classes. They also offer a free health clinic, free legal clinic, immigration counseling services, and financial counseling. The food pantry serves zip codes 43229, 43224, 43231 and requires registration for a shopping appointment.
Food Pantry: 4664 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43231
Community Center: 6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 259-5238
vineyardcommunitycenter.org
Faith-based mentoring for youth ages 14-21 at various middle schools, high schools, and colleges in Central Ohio. Groups youth with disabilities are available. The YoungLives program serves teen moms who are pregnant or parenting through mentorship, community, and a life with Christ. Go online to register for a program near you.
1200 Chambers Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 547-3167
greatercolumbusoh.younglife.org
A community-based drug prevention and youth leadership program for middle school and high school students. Their programs harness the power of peer pressure to encourage youth to live free of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. They offer after school, summer, and leadership training programs for middle and high schoolers. The program is not faith-based but may be hosted at community churches, schools, or other organizations.
118 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43125
(614) 224-4506
youthtoyouth.org