Serves residents of Columbus who live at or below 200% of the federally designated poverty level. Families can visit NNEMAP once per week to receive food pantry items, as well as hygiene items, baby supplies, and holiday gifts as available. They offer locker pick-up options and home delivery for senior citizens or those who medically qualify. Visit their website for pantry hours or to request a locker. Volunteers are welcome.
677 East Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 297-0533
nnemappantry.org
Survivor-created organization helping women caught in human trafficking, addiction, and homelessness. Each Sunday, their volunteers provide hygiene bags, meals, and clothing to women on Sullivant Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. Go online to contact the organization, donate money or supplies, or sign up to volunteer.
PO Box 23402, Columbus, Ohio 43222
theshiningstarz.org
Café and catering kitchen providing empowering survivors of sex trafficking in Central Ohio. Anyone can go online to view their Café Menu, place a Catering order, or purchase a gift card. Their programs include a 2 -year comprehensive workforce development program, CATCH Court Support for victims involved in the justice system, and affordable housing. The Butterfly Program is a peer-to-peer program for women healing from trauma and substance use disorder to work towards a GED or high school diploma, participate in counseling, receive assistance with paperwork, get record expungement, and other supports. They also offer community events, speaking engagements, and volunteer opportunities.
123 East Spring Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 92-3252
freedomalacart.org
A website that lists opportunities for volunteerism and community engagement. Volunteer opportunities from many sites around the web are pulled together onto this website to provide an in depth database of volunteer opportunities.
allforgood.org
Federal agency for service and volunteerism. They offer a variety of work programs for adults age 18+ to receive educational scholarships and other benefits in exchange for service. Service opportunities include NCCC climate change mitigation, VISTA alleviating poverty, Foster Grandparents, and much more. Initiatives in Ohio include Teach for America, Ohio State University Extension Public Health, and other programs aimed at improving education, economic prospects, and health in Ohio. Community-based organizations should apply for AmeriCorps grant opportunities.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-2916
National Service Hotline: (800) 942-2677
AmeriCorps: americorps.gov
ServeOhio: serveohio.org
Their One-to-One Friendship program creates social inclusion and friendships for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities at middle and high schools, colleges, and online across Ohio. The Leadership Development program empowers people with and without IDD to become leaders, public speakers and advocates.
PO Box 45353, Westlake, Ohio 44145
(614) 928-3383
bestbuddies.org/ohio
Nationally-acclaimed club providing after-school and summer programming for youth 5-18. Programs are oriented around Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Character & Leadership, and Mental Health & Wellbeing. Club members have access to tutoring, gym space, teen-specific areas, field trips, career-readiness opportunities, and mentoring. Go online for a full list of locations, including Newark, 3 Marion Clubs, and 8 Columbus Clubs.
(614) 221-8830
bgccentralohio.org
Serves individuals with Down Syndrome by providing engaging activities that help athletic, social, and emotional development. Athletes are partnered with volunteer Buddies to provide support, develop friendships, and reinforce the coaches’ instructions. Coaches are trained to implement the curriculum specifically created for athletes with Down Syndrome. Programs include tennis, pickleball, fitness, Zumba, and summer camp. The Columbus location offers a Life Skills program for students ages 14+ to learn skills like cooking, finance, and professional communication.
8000 Walton Parkway, New Albany, Ohio 43054
(614) 579-8808
buddyupforlife.org
A week-long summer camp for children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. Camper enjoy swimming, hiking, games, and crafts, while having structured grief group counseling sessions with trained, licensed professionals. Campers grieve, learn ways to cope with their loss, make friends, and have fun. The camp takes place at Camp Oty’okwa in Hocking Hills. They also have opportunities for clinical volunteers, non-clinical volunteer, and donations! The camp operates on donations and families are not charged.
(614) 506-7959
camplionheart.org
Offers free summer camps and family retreat experiences for seriously ill children, in a safe, medically supervised environment. Medical care is provided by volunteer physicians and nurses coordinated by a full-time medical director. They provide camps for kids with asthma, cancer, cerebral palsy, diabetes, blood disorders, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell, spina bifida and more.
1501 Burnley Road, Scottsville, Kentucky 42164
(270) 618-2900
courageouskids.org
Every child deserves a birthday cake. This group of volunteers bakes / buys and delivers cakes and cupcakes free of charge to Columbus children on their birthday. Parents and guardians can submit a request for their children on the website. The group provides, on average, 100 birthday cakes per month to Columbus area kids.
columbuscakecelebrations.com
Advocates and provides services for those experiencing homelessness, educates the central Ohio community about homelessness, and actively works to reduce hate crimes. They provide an annual Street Card that lists the most needed and reliable services for those in Franklin County.
89 West Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 228-1342
Emergency Shelter: (614) 274-7000
columbushomeless.org
Offers an alternative to the court system by providing an impartial mediator who helps work out conflicts. They provide problem-solving services for domestic and family issues, divorce, neighborhood conflicts, tenant-landlord disputes to prevent eviction, workplace issues and consumer rights disputes. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale. They also offer opportunities for training and volunteering.
67 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-7191
communitymediation.com
Science center offering hands-on STEAM education for all, through interactive exhibits and programs. Families can purchase tickets or memberships to enjoy their live shows, special events, opportunities to volunteer, resources for educators, and more. They offer a special Family Access Membership that is available for families who get WIC, EBT, or Ohio Medicaid. They also offer Sensory Bags and a Sensory Environment Map to help individuals with sensory needs enjoy their visit. The COSI Connects website has lots of STEAM information, videos, and activities for families and educators.
333 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-2674
cosi.org
cosi.org/connects
Center offering equine-therapy and horse-assisted learning experiences to enrich lives. Programs include therapeutic riding for children and adults with special needs, Military Connections for military personnel and veterans, youth social-emotional learning, vocational training for young adults with special needs, and more.
1416 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road, Blacklick, Ohio 43004
(614) 864-9500
dreamsonhorseback.org
A non-profit providing life-skills training, career exploration, college readiness, wellness management, and direct mentorship opportunities for girls, women, and families. Programs include summer overnight camp for girls grades 6-12, mentorship for girls ages 12-18, volunteering events, and professional development opportunities for women. The Femergy Center offers a space for professional and personal events, a co-working space, and Zen room for families and entrepreneurs.
49 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 653-8454
femergy.org
Non-profit providing recreational fishing opportunities for all regardless of their age, race, gender, or disability. Their annual fishing event is an opportunity for people with disabilities to connect in community and participate fully in the world of fishing.
PO Box 1499, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 383-8851
fhnbcentralohio.org
Provides a free outdoor adventure camp experience for children with serious illnesses ages 7-21, and their families. They provide a medically safe environment with a staff of volunteer healthcare professionals, and camp activities like crafts, campfires, archery, swimming, and more. Family Camp is open to families of children with a wide variety of diagnoses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, developmental differences, and more. They also have virtual camp experiences, camps for Mental Health diagnoses, and Siblings. Professionals can find volunteer and Child Life Practicum opportunities.
5260 State Route 95, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338
(419) 751-7077
flyinghorsefarms.org
This urban farm, located West of downtown Columbus, provides connection through farming, gardening, and education. Order online to access affordable, locally-grown produce. Anyone can visit their U-PICK garden to harvest the produce they need, for free. They also train community gardeners in communities experiencing food deserts, post free healthy recipes, provide after-school and recreational programs, and host regular community events, such as community Tea Time every Thursday.
867 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 233-1887
franklintonfarms.org
Helps girls build strong self-esteem and learn skills such as financial literacy, teamwork, respect for the environment, and appreciation of the arts. Girl Scouts is open to girls ages 5-17 and includes after school programs, summer camps, and service project opportunities. Adults can volunteer as troop leaders or seasonally. Go online for full program and registration details.
Girls Scouts Ohio: gsoh.org
Girl Scouts National: girlscouts.org
Goodwill Stores sell thrift clothing, furniture, art, and more to support their job training programs. Programs include Roads2Work commercial driver training, STNA and medical coding, technology classes, AMP for young adults 18-24 years old, and 1:1 career coaching. They also provide person-centered, employment-focused services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) including Adult Day and Residential services, mental health support, and a Columbus art studio.
671 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206
Main Office: (614) 294-5181
Career Coaching: (614) 966-9283
goodwillcolumbus.org
Serves those struggling with homelessness and substance use on the west side of Columbus. Services include daily meals and narcan distribution, clothing, documentation/ID assistance, laundry and shower services, cooling and heating stations, and more.
342 North Hague Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 507-3246
jordanscrossingcolumbus.org
facebook.com/jordanscrossingcolumbus
This non-profit provides meaningful employment for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. They hire and train individuals who are deaf to handcraft T-shirt quilts, blankets, and pillows in an ASL-immersive work environment. They also use leftover materials to craft blankets for people without homes. Anyone can purchase their beautifully crafted items online.
563 South Dawson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 238-3323 or (614) 388-9630 VP
tshirtquilts.com/our-mission
Volunteer organization serving kids in Northwest Columbus. They host several youth soccer programs, including Kiwanis Soccer Buddies for children K-6 with special needs. They also volunteer for habitat restoration at Upper Arlington parks, host Aktion Club for adults with disabilities, and award college scholarships to high school students with or without a documented disability. Find program details and contact information online.
northwestkiwanis.com
Provides food, clothing, toiletries and hygiene items, emotional support and other resources to veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, military families and survivors.
Headquarters Address: 648 Clymer Road, Suite 113, Marysville, Ohio 43040
(614) 522-1555
mashpantry.org
Health organization serving people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. The website has great information on various diseases and treatments, a searchable directory to find care providers across the country, resources on research and joining a clinical study, and community education materials. They host an annual summer camp for kids and young adults with neuromuscular disease at no cost to families, with in-person and virtual options. Families can call the Resource Center for one-to-one support and help finding resources.
1016 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60607
Corporate Office: (800) 572 1717
Resource Center: (833) 275-6321
mda.org
Teen volunteers work in many areas, including the information desk, gift shop, sibling Clubhouse, clinic waiting rooms, Close to Home Centers and in office settings. Teens must be 15 and in high school to participate, and opportunities are available during the school year and summer.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-3635
nationwidechildrens.org/teen-volunteers
Volunteen College Scholarship: nationwidechildrens.org/giving/ways-to-give/volunteering/current-volunteers/teen-volunteer-scholarship
Volunteering for college students, adults, and groups: nationwidechildrens.org/giving/ways-to-give/volunteering
A charitable organization that helps match families in need with businesses, volunteers, and organizations for resources like food, volunteering, clothing, supplies and more. Use the website to find a Bridge in your community, request help, or fill others’ requests for help.
This national organization helps people and organizations hold coat drives and donate coats. Click on their searchable map to find local coat drives near you, places coats can be donated and ways to give.
(877) 663-9276
www.onewarmcoat.org
Provides free expertly-trained service dogs and handling training for Blind individuals ages 16 and up. They offer an Orientation & Mobility program for Blind individuals looking to improve white cane and traveling skills. They also have many opportunities for volunteers, including Co-Pilots who volunteer to raise puppies until they are ready for advanced training. Find program details and apply for a Pilot Dog online.
625 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-6367
pilotdogs.org
Serves: Single Adults & Families
Offers various faith-based services for Central Ohio families. Housing Services include finding housing, financial assistance, and case management. They also offer programs for youth after-school programming and tutoring, 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
Offers free service learning programs to schools with students ages 8 to 14 years old and through family programs for youth ages 5 to 14 years old. Their programs provide positive outcomes for students in areas of critical thinking, research and observation skills, civic engagement, leadership and teamwork.
Physical Address: 16 Orchard Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43214
Mailing Address: PO Box 341645, Columbus, Ohio 43234
(614) 429-3244
seekidsdream.org
Teaches and inspires kids to engage in service, social action, and community-building. They partner with local non-profits to provide free or low-cost monthly service projects, learning opportunities, and family events. They host in-person events as well as Anywhere Projects for families to complete at home. Kindness Corps is an in-school program for grades 2-4, interested educators can sign up for an educator training session. Visit their website to register for an upcoming project, event, or training.
355 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 219-9467
seedsofcaring.org/columbus
Faith-based, nonprofit 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 a middle school group at their community house, and provide families with donated clothing and school supplies. Call for program details.
Community House: 1635 South Hamilton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43227
Mailing Address: Seven Baskets Community Development PO Box 65, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 406-2548
seven-baskets.org
Offers a directory of locally-owned and sustainable businesses and a variety of courses on environmental sustainability, nonviolent communication, healthy living, personal finance, and civic engagement. They host regular free and low-cost community events including yoga, bird-watching, mindfulness, and Empathy Calls weekly support group. They also offer opportunities for internship or volunteering.
659 High Street, Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 447-0296
simplyliving.org
Builds healthy communities for people who use drugs through harm reduction strategies. Go online to order free test strips for delivery anywhere in Ohio, order free naloxone, and sign up for Deadly Batch Alerts. They also provide a resource map for Central Ohio, and resources for accessing test strips elsewhere in the United States.
10 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Text ‘SOAR’ for Overdose Surge and Deadly Batch Alerts in Central Ohio: (614) 768-7627
thesoarinitiative.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 are also a Mid-Ohio Market site, providing a food pantry with Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Find program details online.
1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 294-6347
saintstephensch.org
This non-profit educational organic farm and nature preserve offers workshops and classes for children, farm tours, and family programs. Programs include Farm School, which qualifies as an Alternative Learning Experience credit in Ohio. They offer a variety of summer camps for youth and families which include learning the rhythms of nature and a farm, fun activities, and leadership opportunities for high schoolers. Their internships for adults provide opportunities in sustainable agriculture, non-profit administration, family programming, and more.
3083 Liberty Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 363-2548
stratfordecologicalcenter.org
Interdisciplinary research institute at The Ohio State University committed to educating the public, building the capacity of allied social justice organizations, and investing in efforts that support equity and inclusion. Go online to learn about their research, opportunities for community engagement, and free speaker series events.
33 West Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 247-1633
kirwaninstitute.osu.edu
Serves: Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers of special-needs children.
Nonprofit operating in Central Ohio including Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, and Union Counties, supporting the needs of caregivers. They host fun events and gatherings for caregivers and provide financial assistance through grants that can be used towards their own school, medical needs, self-care, housecleaning, and more. Contact them online.
themothershipinc.com
Non-profit offering school-based mentoring to youth in grades K-3 at Stevenson Elementary in Grandview Heights and Greensview Elementary in Upper Arlington. The weekly program is run by their Mentoring Coordinator and volunteer teenage mentors. TVML awards two college scholarships each year to volunteer mentors who are graduating seniors from Grandview and Upper Arlington.
3600 Tremont Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221
(614) 255-7942
tvml.org
Offers substance abuse treatment, prevention, and recovery support programs for communities of color in Central Ohio using culturally specific, evidence-based strategies. They offer anger management, domestic violence prevention and parenting classes for adults. Youth programming includes in-school, after-school, and summer camp. They also offer training opportunities for professionals and events for the community. Call or email the organization to register for a program.
700 Bryden Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 227-9694 or (614) 403-3136
umadaopfc.com
Faith-based nonprofit providing a food pantry, clothing boutique, cooking classes, and Christmas food and gift help. They can also connect you to employment assistance with their community partners. Healthcare services include eye exams and no-cost glasses to those who qualify, breast and cervical cancer screens to women who are uninsured or underinsured, and mental health counseling with board-licensed counselors at the Hope Counseling Center. Appointments are required for most services, including food pantry and boutique.
3964 East Main Street, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
(614) 252-2500
victorycoh.org
Find volunteer opportunities in and around Columbus with this website. Local non-profit organizations list their volunteer opportunities, ranging from one-time events to ongoing volunteer positions.
volunteermatch.org
An online tool where people can find opportunities to volunteer with local non-profit organizations who are partners with United Way of Central Ohio. Search for opportunities by cause, age, date, distance and more.
volunteerunitedcbus.org
Distributes food and personal items to individuals and families in the Worthington School District (zip codes 43016, 43035, 43065, 43081, 43085, 43229, 43235, and 43240) who meet income guidelines. The pantry uses an indoor express service model, where customers park outside and are greeted by a volunteer for check-in. The pantry stocks meat, dairy, dry goods, produce, personal care items, and more. No appointment needed. Find eligibility requirements and program details online.
6700 Huntley Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 985-1766
worthingtonresourcepantry.org
Website for youth to find resources, opportunities, and inspiring stories that empower them to make a difference in their lives and in the world around them. The website has a searchable directory with opportunities across the country for internships, scholarships, professional development, and volunteering. The Topics section of the website has helpful toolkits, blog posts written by teens, and important information on topics like mental health, relationships, disabilities, foster care, finances, and more.
engage.youth.gov