Free workforce readiness training and career coaching for Columbus residents ages 18 and older. Classes are offered monthly and cover skills like resume writing and interviewing to help boost your career. The class prepares participants to interview for full-time employment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital or employer partner with wages starting at $18/hour. The class is available at two locations:
(614) 722-2750
nationwidechildrens.org/about-us/population-health-and-wellness/healthy-neighborhoods-healthy-families/workforce-development/boost
Connects individuals and families in the Groveport Madison school district with community resources and aid. Services include summer lunches, school supply distribution, job referral assistance, and adopt-a-family programs. They also offer emergency cash assistance for housing, utilities, car repair, or medical needs.
PO Box 542, Groveport, Ohio 43125
(614) 586-4017
gmhn.org
These neighborhood resource lists are extremely helpful in finding resources near you. They provide detailed listings of free and low cost health care, vision care, dental care, prescription help, food pantries, transportation, job help, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated annually and reviewed by the Columbus Public Health social work team. Please note that CPH does not provide direct monetary assistance, but these lists are helpful in finding community agencies that do provide this assistance.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-6807
columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health/Find-Health-Care-Resources/Health-Resources-List
A community‐based organization that works to empower Black and urban communities through economic, educational and social progress with programs, classes and services. Their many programs include:
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300
cul.org
Provides financial, medical, and social service programs in Franklin County. Programs include cash assistance (Ohio Works First, LEAP), help paying for child care, food assistance (Ohio Direction Card/SNAP/EBT, WIC), medical assistance (Medicaid, Healthy Start), and Ohio Means Jobs assistance for job seekers. Emergency Assistance (PRC) funds may be requested for a maximum of $2,000 to use towards overdue rent and utility bills, car repairs; or damages as a result of a natural disaster, housefire, or flood. Visit the website to view specific eligibility requirements for each program, and to start your application. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services.
(614) 233-2000
Customer Access Center: (844) 640-6446
Medicaid Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
Ohio Direction EBT Card Assistance: (866) 386-3071
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal (Apply Here): ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal
Main Website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
Offers a variety of free work readiness programs. Adult programs include GED preparation, ESL/ESOL, Career Bridges customer service training, and technology classes. Youth programs include after school homework help, mentoring, and career exploration for grades 9-12. Blue Bow Tie offers professional catering services while providing job opportunities to individuals with barriers to employment. Camp Mary Orton offers summer camp experiences for youth ages 6-14, team building retreats, and venue spaces with proceeds supporting Godman Guild programs.
P.O. Box 8100 Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 294-5476
godmanguild.org
Goodwill Stores sell thrift clothing, furniture, art, and more to support their job training programs. Services include 1:1 career coaching, job training courses, and job placement. They offer training for basic work readiness, Roads2Work commercial driver training, STNA and medical coding; digital skills technology classes, and CompTIA IT program. They also offer AMP for young adults 18-24 to access additional wraparound services. I/DD services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities include access to Goodwill Columbus Art Studio, work readiness, adult day and residential services, and transportation.
671 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206
Main Office: (614) 294-5181
Career Coaching: (614) 966-9283
goodwillcolumbus.org
The nation’s largest fair-chance employment website, empowering justice-impacted individuals. Anyone with a criminal record can create a free account to search for and apply for jobs in your area. The website helps match you with employers and job postings that are most likely to hire you, so you can focus on jobs with the highest likelihood of success. Go online to create your account or to email the organization directly.
honestjobs.com
Fair chance employer providing supportive jobs for adults who have experienced homelessness, previous incarceration, or another barrier to employment. All employees start as dish washers and are given individualized professional development to gain promotion. They also offer competitive benefits. Visit the website to apply.
hotchickentakeover.com/our-story/our-mission
Helps individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency. Services include job search assistance, mental health counseling, and case management to help clients find jobs, stable housing, and wellness resources. Business services include recruitment and referral of job candidates, networking opportunities, and cultural competency counseling. They offer 1:1 digital coaching, Digital Skills Hub courses, and digital skills workshops to help clients navigate technology. The Financial Empowerment Center offers free one-on-one financial counseling in-person or online for adults in Central Ohio. Confidential mental health counseling is available with licensed therapists; they accept private insurance, self-pay, Medicare, and Medicaid. They also offer specialized services for refugees, New Americans, Holocaust survivors, and older adults/senior citizens. JFS is open to the Jewish and non-Jewish communities.
1070 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-1890
jfscolumbus.org
Click the links below for helpful websites to use on your job search.
Free employment services for all ages, working and unemployed. The website has articles with tips for job searching, free online training modules for math and reading, GED prep, and computer skills; and resources for veterans, senior citizens, and previously incarcerated people. Job Centers offer help finding a job, free access to computer lab, technology training, help for employers, and more. Services and availability vary by location, use the website to find a Job Center near you.
Columbus-Franklin County Job Center: 1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 559-5052
Ohio Means Jobs Columbus-Franklin County: omjcfc.org
Ohio Means Jobs State Website: ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov
Federally-funded career development program for anyone ages 18-64 who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Participants receive free job placement and training from authorized Ticket to Work service providers, either an Employment Network (EN) or Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency. Participants work with their service provider to develop a plan to reach employment goals and work towards a more financially independent future. Call the Ticket to Work Help Line to get started, or use the online Find Help tool to find a Ticket to Work service provider near you.
Help Line: (866) 968-7842, (866) 833-2967 TTY, or Text ‘TICKET’ to 1-571-489-5292
Find Help: choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp
About Ticket to Work: choosework.ssa.gov/about