Columbus OH
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Resources for All Immigrants

City of Columbus New Americans Initiative

The New American Initiative was created by the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods to give all immigrants and refugees living in Columbus access to city services and programs. Efforts include the New American Leadership Academy, interpretation and translation services, and advocacy.
1410 Cleveland Ave, 2nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43211
(614) 645-1993
columbus.gov/neighborhoods/the-new-american-initiative

Columbus Literacy Council (CLC)

Offers free adult education programs including literacy classes (including financial, workplace and technology literacy), citizenship classes, ESL, and GED test preparation. They also provide career coaching and entrepreneurship skill building, life and wellness coaching, supportive services for life transitions or re-entry to the community, and supportive services for immigrants and New Americans. Youth programs include tutoring and homework help, summer camps for children ages 7-13 years old, internships, and AMP career and mentorship program for youth and young adults ages 14-24 in Franklin County. Call for program details.

  • Downtown Columbus: 92 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  • Whitehall: 1394 Courtright Road, Columbus, Ohio 43227
  • Reynoldsburg: 5825 Chantry Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
  • Cincinnati: 6644 Coffey Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230

(614) 282-7661
clcworks.org

Columbus Public Health (CPH) Pride Centers & Neighborhood Social Workers

Pride Centers are one-stop shops for city services, dedicated to protecting the health, safety and welfare of families living in the area. These centers house basic city services in one place, which include the Neighborhood Social Workers. Call first to make an appointment.

Main Columbus Public Health Neighborhood Social Work Helpline: (614) 645-6807
Columbus Department of Neighborhoods Office: (614) 645-1993
new.columbus.gov

Westside Neighborhood Pride Center
1186 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 724-2033
franklinton.org
The Reeb Center
280 Reed Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 468-9280
reebcenter.org
Near East Pride Center
1393 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-7343
North Neighborhood Pride Center
248 East Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 645-5220
Far East Pride Center
2500 Park Crescent Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 724-0100

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

Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)

Nonprofit serving refugees and immigrants in Central Ohio. Services include free immigration-related legal services, parenting support for families with children 0-15 in Franklin County, job training classes and career counseling, help getting healthcare, Victims of Crime Assistance (VOCA), and comprehensive case management for newly-arriving refugee families and individuals. CRIS Community Connectors is a mentorship program providing academic, employment, and social support for New Americans.
4645 Executive Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 235-5747
crisohio.org

Dominican Learning Center

Professional and educational learning center for adults ages 18+. Students are not charged for tutorial services, but those who are financially able are asked to purchase basic texts and materials. Courses include English as a Second Language (ESL), GED high school equivalency in English or Spanish, Adult Basic Education for those looking to improve reading, writing, and math skills, and Citizenship Test Preparation.
672 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 444-7330
domlearningcenter.org

Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS)

Helps immigrants and refugees from all countries establish roots and gain self-sufficiency in Central Ohio. They offer job training, resettlement support, mentoring, English language classes (ESL), after school tutoring for children, youth summer camps, case management for victims of domestic violence and much more.
4300 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43123.
(614) 252-5362
ethiotss.org

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 should 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
Medical Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal: benefits.ohio.gov

Fugees Academy Columbus

Non-profit network of schools dedicated to educating refugee students and English learners. Their academies provide refugee youth ages 11 and up year-round education, soccer programming, tutoring, leadership training, and other resources for free. They provide training and professional development for educators to learn their trauma-informed English immersion model.
(678) 358-0547
fugeesfamily.org

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. They also offer resettlement services for refugees and New Americans, and specialized services for Holocaust survivors and older adults.
1070 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-1890
jfscolumbus.org

Muslim Family Services (MFS) of Ohio

A social service agency that supports the Muslim community in Central Ohio by offering assistance, referrals, and material support. They help with basic needs like shelter, utilities, and food for Muslim families in need. They also offer mediation and conflict resolution services, interpretation and paperwork assistance, resettlement support, ESL classes, job skills training, and Janazah (Muslim funeral) services. They also host seasonal giving programs for school supplies, and Eid and Ramadan meals.
P.O. BOX 14023 Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 470-2848
mfsohio.org

Noor Islamic Cultural Center (NICC)

Non-profit religious organization serving Columbus’ diverse Muslim community, and the community at large. They have many 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 difficulty. Find program details and financial help form on their website.
5001 Wilcox Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
(614) 527-7777
noorohio.org

Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) Ohio Refugee Services Program

Program of services and benefits created to help those legally defined as refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, foreign-born victims of human trafficking, or secondary migrants. Services include health screenings, cash assistance, employability services, school integration services, and support services for refugees age 60+. Applications for benefits can be made through a local county department of job and family services, call or use the website to find a location near you.
(614) 466-4815
About Refugee Services: jfs.ohio.gov/cash-food-and-refugee-assistance/refugee-services/information-for-refugees/about-refugee-services
Application Portal: ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal

OurHelpers

Somali-led non-profit improving the lives of immigrant and refugee families in Franklin County. Services include case management, ESL classes, mental health first aid classes, help with rent and utilities, food pantry, and youth programming.
2021 East Dublin Granville Road, Suite 197, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 733-9555
Website: ourhelpers.org/home
Facebook: facebook.com/ourhelpers.org

Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)

Provides coverage for the treatment of emergency medical conditions for refugees who have been in the country for less than 8 months, have a low income, and are not eligible for Medicaid. Applicants must provide proof of income, pregnancy, citizenship and other health insurance (if applicable). This program offers health coverage for a limited period of time to refugees upon their arrival in the United States. Emergency Medicaid programs are also available for Non-U.S. citizens and Non-citizens Victims of Trafficking. Go online to view program details and apply.
Medicaid Hotline: (800) 324-8680
medicaid.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/medicaid/families-and-individuals/srvcs/medicaid-programs#non-us-citizens

Riverview International Center (RIC)

Resource Center assisting with basic needs for New Americans. Services include ESL classes, employment services, computer literacy, citizenship assistance, homework and reading help, a monthly legal clinic, and summer programming for elementary and middle school children. Their office welcomes walk-ins for any questions about navigating life in America.
552 Riverview Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 427-3368
riverviewinternationalcenter.org
facebook.com/RiverviewInternationalCenter

Sesame Street in the Communities

Offers providers and parents resources to help children thrive and deal with issues that affect children’s lives. Resource topics include health and wellness, social-emotional skills, trauma, diversity and inclusion, and school readiness. They offer videos, games, and worksheets for children to explore, and free webinars for parents and educators.

sesamestreetincommunities.org
To view their additional toolkit: sesamestreet.org/toolkits

The Bridge

Faith-based organization serving refugees in Columbus. They offer English classes from basic conversation skills up to Grade 5. They also have one-on-one tutoring for students in elementary, middle school, and high school. Classes are held at various locations in Columbus. Go online or call for details.
(614) 272-2949
thebridge.io

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)

Oversees lawful immigration to the United States. Their website has information about immigration and citizenship laws and processes, registration forms, and fees. You can also use the website to find office locations near you and to keep track of your case. To speak to an immigration officer, you must schedule an appointment by calling or registering online.
Columbus Office: 395 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Appointment Contact Center: (800) 375-5283
Request an Appointment Online: my.uscis.gov/en/appointment/v2
www.uscis.gov/about-us/contact-us

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees & Migration (PRM)

Supports efforts to protect and assist refugees and vulnerable immigrants around the world. Their website has a lot of information about policies, office directories, and refugee assistance programs.
Bureau Main Page: state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-population-refugees-and-migration
Refugee Admissions: www.state.gov/refugee-admissions

US Together

Mutual assistance agency serving refugees and immigrants in Ohio. Services include ESL classes, interpreter services, intensive case management, comprehensive care for victims of crime or gender violence, citizenship tutoring, healthcare access, and more.

  • Columbus: 1415 East Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
    (614) 437-9941
  • Cleveland: 2800 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
    (216) 456-9630
  • Toledo: 3450 West Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43606
    (419) 469-2529

ustogether.us

USAGov

Provides an official guide to government information and services at the federal level. Examples of topics include financial help, disability services, how to prepare for and recover from disasters and emergencies, housing, jobs and unemployment, as well as taxes, immigration, how to research common U.S. laws, file a complaint, and more.
(844) 872-4681
usa.gov

Vineyard Community Center

Offers a variety of services including early childhood center, after-school and summer programs, sports and exercise programs, free health clinic, free legal clinic, food pantry, and immigration counseling services (DACA). Other programs include daytime and evening GED prep classes, English as a Second Language (ESL), programs for homeschoolers, men’s and women’s support and recovery groups, marriage and parenting programs, financial counseling, mental health counseling, career development services, dance, art, and music classes.
6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 259-5238
vineyardcommunitycenter.org

YMCA of Central Ohio

Serves: Single Adults & Families, Youth & Teens
Hosts programs for men, women and children of all ages covering health and fitness, swimming, age-specific activities, childcare, summer camps, juvenile justice, housing, and more.

  • YMCA Stable Families Service coordination Program: Families with children (from Pre-K to 12th grade) who live in Franklin County have access to a service coordinator who can help with household income, maintaining safe and stable housing, and academic achievement of school-aged children.
    (614) 219-9895
  • Juvenile Justice: Provides a structured and supervised environment for 6th to 12th grade students as an alternative to being suspended from school. Students must be referred by their school district.
    (614) 578-7568
  • Early Childhood/Childcare: Provides free childcare while parents use Y facilities, summer programs, early learning centers, preschool, and more.
    (614) 689-2096
  • Housing: Provides housing stability services for adults facing homelessness in Columbus, Ohio.
    (614) 705-9151
  • Early Childhood Resource Network Plus (ECRN+): Programming for infants and children with special needs, apply online for an adaptive equipment loan.
  • Y Cares: Infant mortality reduction program for families expecting or with a baby under the age of 1, provides free pregnancy testing, diapers, formula, home-visiting, parent support groups, and counseling.
    (614) 689-2080

Administrative Office: 1907 Leonard Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 389-4409
YMCA Locations & Contact Info: ymcacolumbus.org/locations
YMCA Columbus Website: ymcacolumbus.org


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