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Job Skills & Training

Columbus Public Health (CPH) Resource Lists

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, transportation, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated frequently 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) 645-7417
Columbus Public Health Neighborhood Social Work Helpline: (614) 645-6807
https://new.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health

Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools

Offers tuition-free programs for high school juniors and seniors at more than 15 school districts in central Ohio, including job training, career programs, college prep classes, GED classes, ESL training and help finding a job. They also offer free summer camps for students in grades 6 to 8 explore career options.

  • District Office
    4300 Amalgamated Place, Groveport, Ohio 43125
    (614) 836-4530
  • Eastland Career Center
    4465 South Hamilton Road, Groveport, Ohio 43125
    High School: (614) 836-5725
    Adult Workforce Development: (614) 836-4541
  • Fairfield Career Center
    3985 Coonpath Road Northwest, Carroll, Ohio 43112
    High School / Adult Workforce Development: (614) 837-9443 or (740) 756-9243

eastlandfairfield.com
Summer Camp: eastlandfairfield.com/page/summer-camp

Alpha Group

Provides vocational training, job development and employment skills to those with a variety of disabilities. Assists individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment obtain and maintain positions to lead to successful employment.

  • 1000 Alpha Drive, Delaware, Ohio 43015
  • 200 Hoff Road, Suite F, Westerville, Ohio 43082
  • 4333 Tuller Road, Dublin, Ohio 43017
  • P.O. Box 3831, Mansfield, Ohio 44907

(740) 368-5810
alphagroup.net

Central Ohio Public Libraries

Visit your local library to get access to free books, music, movies and documentaries. Some of the libraries listed will also have group reading times for children, homework help, job and business help, and fun events for people of all ages and more. Contact your local library to confirm what services they are currently offering.

Here is a map of all Ohio public libraries from Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN)oplin.org/fal

Franklin County

Delaware County

Fairfield County

Hocking County

Licking County

Madison County

Morrow County

Perry County

Pickaway County

Union County

Columbus City Schools (CCS) Adult & Community Education (ACE)

Offers free GED prep and ESOL classes for adults, and basic skills literacy classes for adults, as well as vocational training programs for adults at different sites throughout Franklin County.
2323 Lexington Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211

  • Main Campus: (614) 365-6000
  • Aspire (GED & ESOL): (380) 997-7633
  • School of Practical Nursing: (380) 997-7617
  • ESL classes: (614) 365-8802

ccsoh.us/Page/334
ESL Language Assistance Contact List: ccsoh.us/domain/213

Columbus Urban League (CUL)

A community‐based, non‐profit, advocacy organization that works to empower African Americans and marginalized groups through economic, educational and social progress with programs, classes and services.

788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300
cul.org

Columbus Works

Provides free job readiness training and job placement services. Each participant has an individual coach who guides the individual to reach their financial goals through full-time employment with benefits and competitive pay rates, with great area employers.

  • 775 West Broad Street, Suite 270, Columbus, Ohio 43222
  • 747 East Whittier Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206
  • 877 East Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
  • 303 East Sixth Avenue, Room #8, Columbus, Ohio 432015

(614) 585-8346
columbusworks.org

Dress for Success Columbus

Provides free interview and work-ready clothing, mentoring and career center resources (like professional development, computers with Microsoft software, printers and more) for Central Ohio women ages 16 and up. A referral is required to receive services.
1204 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 291-5420
dfscmh.org

Expanding Visions Foundation

Offers career development service to teenagers preparing for success in the workforce, adults looking to further their careers and middle school students developing leadership skills that will propel them to successful careers. They also offer life coaching to help graduates along their career paths. Visit the website for contact information.
845 Claycraft Road, Suite F and G, Gahanna, Ohio 43240
(614) 804-6200
expandingvisions.net

Food for Good Thought

A non-profit that provides employment services, job training and sustained employment supports to individuals with autism. Their program EveryBody Works is a transition program that blends post-secondary education with paid work experiences. They employ individuals with autism in their gluten-free bakery, working with job coaches to develop skills.
4185 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 447-0424
foodforgoodthought.com

Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services (JFS)

Provides information about food assistance (Ohio Direction Card / EBT), cash assistance, medical assistance (like Medicaid), job training, emergency assistance (PRC), help with paying for child care and more. Each center serves certain zip codes. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services. Refugees and immigrants can apply for services as well.

  • East Opportunity Center
    1055 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  • Northland Opportunity Center
    1721 Northland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  • West Opportunity Center
    314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204

Call (844) 640-6446 to apply for SNAP/OWF cash assistance/Medicaid benefits
Child Care: (614) 233-2000
Medical Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal: benefits.ohio.gov

Franklinton Rising

Trains young at-risk adults, typically ages 17-25 years old, for productive careers in the building trades. Training includes an introduction to the building trades, life-skills, and on-the-job training in rebuilding properties under the mentoring of partner contractors. Trainees get help obtaining full-time employment, then can rent and later purchase houses at below market rates.
4653 Trueman Boulevard, Suite 100, Hillard, Ohio 43206
(614) 581-4125
franklintonrising.org

Godman Guild

Offers free adult education classes (GED preparation, ESOL, job training, computer skills), community engagement programs, and youth programming (after school homework help, mentoring, and summer programs).
195 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 294-5476
godmanguild.org

Goodwill Columbus

Offers employment and job training programs, social and education programs for people with developmental disabilities and other barriers to employment. They also offer supportive living, art, health and wellness programs, and a variety of activities in community settings including volunteering, recreation and leisure, and community awareness. At their Goodwill Stores are thrift clothing, furniture, vehicles, art and more. Visit the website or call for center and store locations in Central Ohio.
671 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 294-5181 or (614) 583-0293 TTY
goodwillcolumbus.org

IMPACT Community Action

Provides income-based case management services, emergency assistance services, financial services, computer literacy and workforce development programs. Most of the programs are for Franklin County residents living at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level. Visit the website or call for more information.

  • Emergency assistance services: household items, burial support, rent/mortgage, transportation, water and energy (HEAP) assistance, food giveaways during the summer
  • Empowerment services: computer classes, financial services, re-entry program, ages 14-24 not enrolled in school and are not employed or are aging out of foster care (AMP: Achieve More & Prosper program), workforce development/employment, vocational training and certification, mobile medical unit in partnership with the Breathing Association
  • Energy assistance services: free home repairs through their Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) and energy efficient lighting and refrigerator/freezer replacement through their AEP Program

Southside: 711 Southwood Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43207
Westside: 4129 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228

  • General: (614) 252-2799
  • Emergency Assistance: (866) 747-1038
  • AMP (Achieve More & Prosper): (614) 233-2671
  • EMPOWERED Career Exploration: (614) 371-1245
  • Rental Assistance: (614) 964-2906

impactca.org
AMP website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/amp

Jewish Family Services (JFS)

Offers a combination of job search assistance, counseling, case management, and family stabilization designed to meet the complex needs of individuals and families. Wrap-around services help clients address challenges like stable housing, financial wellness, and mental and physical health challenges. Most services are free, and mental health counseling fees are based on insurance. JFS is open to the Jewish and non-Jewish communities.
1070 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 237-9675
jfscolumbus.org

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) 211 Central Ohio

Serves: Single Adults & Families
Offers services to provide for the basic needs of all people, including shelter, affordable housing for seniors, food, health care, case management, veteran services; support for women, men and their children escaping intimate partner violence (CHOICES), transitional job training and more. They provide services in multiple counties in Ohio. Visit the website for detailed information about each program, location and contact information.
1105 Schrock Rd, Ste 100, Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 228-5200

  • 24-hour crisis line (Domestic Violence): (614) 224-4663
  • Information Referral: 2-1-1 or (614) 221-2255
  • Foodline: (614) 341-2282 or text “Food” to (614) 702-7772

lssnetworkofhope.org
lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio
Pantry Locations: lssnetworkofhope.org/foodpantries/services/pantry-locations
List of LSS Locations: lssnetworkofhope.org/contact-us/locations

New Directions Career Center (NDCC)

Works with adults and specializes in assisting women making career transitions and reduce barriers to satisfying, long-term employment. They offer a sliding fee scale and help people regardless of their ability to pay. Transportation and childcare assistance are also available for qualifying programs and individuals. Visit the website for a specific list programs and services offered.
2760 Airport Drive Suite 125, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 849-0028
newdirectionscc.org

Office of Opportunities for New Americans

Brings together resources to support immigrants integrate in to society and economic success. Programs that are provided include online job listings, English language learning, education and training, and ways to grow a business.
newamericans.ohio.gov/

OhioMeansJobs Columbus-Franklin County

Free extensive one-stop employment services for young and old, working and unemployed. Services include walk-in access to a career resource room, job fairs and job postings. They also offer free support in preparing career planning, academic and skill testing, hands-on computer classes, GED preparation, creating resumés and cover letters, preparing for interviews and more.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 559-5052
Columbus-Franklin County: omjcfc.org
State of Ohio: ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/omj/home

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)

Partners with Ohioans with disabilities to achieve quality employment, independence and Social Security disability determination outcomes; they also help students with disabilities transition from school to work. OOD’s job portal, called OODworks.com, allows potential consumers to learn about OOD’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services and complete an online application, allowing a more streamlined process. Visit the website for additional contact information.
150 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
For general questions regarding Vocational Rehabilitation or OOD: (800) 282-4536
ood.ohio.gov
oodworks.com
Contact: oodworks.com/contact.html

Reeb Avenue Center

Provides a variety of programs designed to strengthen families on the south side area of Columbus. Their services include GED classes, adult education and workforce development, early education child care, youth and family services, in collaboration with community partners (Boys & Girls Club, House of Hope, Southeast Healthcare Services, Godman Guild, St. Stephen’s Community Center, Alvis, Community Development for All People and South Side Roots Café).
280 Reeb Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 468-9280
reebavenuecenter.org

Southeast Vocational Services

Offers community-based services include rehabilitation readiness, career development, vocational assessment, job training, job placement, evidence-based supported employment and benefits planning and consultation. They assist and support individuals in overcoming mental, emotional and other challenges to a productive life focusing on employment, economic stability and life skills.

  • Clintonville Office: 3770 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
    (614) 294-7117
  • Delaware County Office: 824 Bowtown Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015
    (740) 695-7795

(614) 225-0990
southeasthc.org/services/vocational-services

Ticket to Work & Self Sufficiency Program

Provides Social Security disability beneficiaries (i.e., individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits based on disability) the choices, opportunities and support they need to enter the workforce and maintain employment with the goal of becoming economically independent over time.
PO Box 1433, Alexandria, Virginia 22313
(866) 968-7842 or (866) 833-2967 TTY/TDD
yourtickettowork.ssa.gov

Urban Minority Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Outreach Program (UMADAOP) of Franklin County

Offers substance abuse treatment, prevention, and recovery support programs for racial minorities in Ohio. Services include after-school, in-school and summer youth programs, family needs assistance, reentry programs, counseling, and more.

700 Bryden Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 227-9694
umadaopfc.com


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