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
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.
eastlandfairfield.com
Summer Camp: eastlandfairfield.com/page/summer-camp
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.
(740) 368-5810
alphagroup.net
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
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
ccsoh.us/Page/334
ESL Language Assistance Contact List: ccsoh.us/domain/213
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
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.
(614) 585-8346
columbusworks.org
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Southside: 711 Southwood Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43207
Westside: 4129 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228
impactca.org
AMP website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/amp
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
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
lssnetworkofhope.org
lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio
Pantry Locations: lssnetworkofhope.org/foodpantries/services/pantry-locations
List of LSS Locations: lssnetworkofhope.org/contact-us/locations
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
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/
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
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
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
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.
(614) 225-0990
southeasthc.org/services/vocational-services
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
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