2023 Central Community House Impact Report

Dear Neighbors,

In 2023, Central Community House continued to work to address our community’s most pressing issues, while also providing fun, engaging activities, up-to-date technology, and important resources and connections..

Our Senior Technology Access Project (TAP) continued to be innovative and impactful, and popular. It’s easy to see the program’s direct impact. Seniors learned new technology skills, accessed resources, stayed connected with family and friends, enjoyed hobbies, and found support groups online. It also included a new intergenerational component with Central seniors and youth collaborating; and new technologies and activities – e.g., Fitbits and walking clubs! Also, for the first time in 2023, we were awarded funding through the Ohio Department of Development Broadband Initiative.

In general, nonprofits had less access to rental and utility assistance, but we were fortunate. Through funding from the City of Columbus, we added a Housing Resource Specialist, a new role that we hope will become an ongoing support for years ahead. This position focuses on developing relationships with landlords, accessing affordable housing, and moving from providing “band-aids” to longer-term solutions.

TRANSIT ARTS has continued to flourish under the leadership of Jackie Calderone, who has overseen this program for over 30 years – first at Short Stop, then at CAPA, and now at Central. The work of TRANSIT ARTS is integrated into all we do, whether it is creating podcasts through interviews with our seniors, art classes, performances or engagement at our community dinners and events, or partnering with “Art in the House” for our elementary aged youth, it is never been clearer that TRANSIT is Central (and vice versa!).

TRANSIT ART’s The Glow Project also grew out of great need to support youth during COVID, providing the safety to unpack racial trauma and social injustice, while combatting the effects of the adultification of Black girls (an implicit bias resulting in Black youth being held to higher standards, receiving harsher punishments, and taking on adult-like responsibilities). Initially funded by the City of Columbus’ Commission for Black Girls, support from the Women’s Fund, Columbus Foundation, and Franklin County now sustain its operations.

This year we also ended a chapter for one of our programs – the Academy of Community Entrepreneurs (ACE). Even with five years of impactful programming, the funding simply wasn’t enough to sustain the work. Fortunately, you will now see small business workshop offerings at the Main Library’s new, state of the art Business Center! This has resulted in a new beginning, and a place where Central’s community entrepreneurs can now find a home.

Speaking of libraries, reading and literacy continue to be the primary focus of our Youth Are Central programming. In 2023 we brought back something critical that had been lost during COVID -- our volunteer reading tutors. A group of OSU medical students through the HEADS UP organization now provide individual tutoring services to our elementary aged youth. Unfortunately, CCH’s youth reading test results align with local, state, and national trends. Reading scores have fallen to the lowest levels seen in decades. While disheartening, we’re doubling down on our efforts. We’re also increasing our focus on providing support to families of our youth participants – with 70% of afterschool families receiving case management and/or crisis support, in addition to monthly community meals and events.

None of the impact in 2023 would be possible without the amazing team we have at Central. This work is not for the faint-hearted. I have said this before, but it bears repeating – we are tired, yet committed. Burnout is real, and our staff are not immune. Luckily, we have had some incredible partners alongside us – the Human Service Chamber, United Way, and the Columbus Foundation, just to name a few. Without the free, top-notch resources they offer, it would be difficult to focus on what is most important.

Thank you to all our partners, funders, volunteers, and staff. Together we are making a difference in the Near East of Columbus.

Warm Regards,

Tamar Forrest, Ph.D. Executive Director

Youth ARE CENTRAL

At CCH, our youth programming blends ageappropriate, culturally competent themes with hands-on learning that develops reading and math skills, encourages creative expression, and builds self confidence. With transportation and daily meals provided, we create a safe, supportive environment where students cultivate a sense of creativity and belonging.

123 students, K-5, attended over 16,000 hours of out of school time programming, emphasizing our commitment to year-round support and enrichment.

CULTIVATING FUTURE LEADERS

In 2023, students engaged in over 4,500 hours of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) curricula during afterschool and summer programming. Learning is strengthened through activities that promote critical and creative thinking. Besides enhancing academic skills like reading and writing, our program incorporates art and music. With guidance from community leaders like Master Artist, Richard Duarte Brown, we foster confidence and self-expression, developing the whole child.

77% of students demonstrated significant growth in social-emotional skills tied to identity development and healthy relationships.

97% of families would recommend Youth are Central programs to others, citing their child’s feelings of safety and trust as key drivers.

Artists ARE CENTRAL

TRANSIT ARTS offers free weekly workshops led by professionals to provide diverse arts experiences in a safe, empowering environment to young artists, ages 11-21.

In 2023, TRANSIT ART artists participated in 25 events, drawing a total audience of over 5,000 attendees.

40 Black girls attended 912 hours of The Glow Project (Black Girls Glow+).

TRANSIT ARTS engaged 147 teens and young adults in weekly workshops teaching visual arts, dance, music production, percussion, keyboard, and fashion facilitated by one or more of our Master Artists.

57% of those students performed or exhibited their works publicly.

80% of program participants improved or maintained social-emotional competencies tied to goaldirected behavior and selfmanagement.

21 students were employed as part of TRANSIT ARTS’ workforce development program.

Families

ARE CENTRAL

We support individuals and whole families through comprehensive wraparound services that provide connectedness and empowerment.

Workshops and events focus on building skills and a community network, while our individualized case management supports neighbors as they navigate significant barriers. This includes access to local resources, such as emergency rental assistance, access to basic needs resources, and employment support.

328 households accessed supportive services, resulting in the reduction of 1,622 barriers.

CHAT & CHEW SERIES

In 2023, the Strong Families Program hosted 20 events uniquely designed to support and empower women, who head over 80% of households served last year.

Chat & Chew is a community of support created by moms, for moms. On the first Friday of each month, individuals come to CCH to talk about life, challenges and celebrations in motherhood, and everything in between.

Each month offers something new, ranging in topics from selfcare, connecting to nature, and learning to advocate for oneself and one’s child.

Chat & Chew erases the stigma on mental health and creates a safe space for women to be themselves, motherhood and all.

CCH hosted 83 unique classes, workshops, and events totaling over 1,500 hours of programming.

166 households received case management services, with material assistance totaling $256,513.79.

Seniors ARE

CENTRAL

Village Central improves the social connectedness and health and wellness of seniors (aged 60+) who live, work, and socialize in the Near East and South Side neighborhoods of Columbus. Seniors can access one-onone support to address some of the most common barriers (transportation, housing stability, and nutrition support) or attend weekly, interest based social groups and classes.

542 seniors found support, connectedness, and joy through events, field trips, and educational opportunities.

TECHNOLOGY ACCESS PROJECT

In 2023, The Technology Access Project (TAP) served 248 individuals in 60% of Franklin County zip codes, which is more than the previous three years combined. Through technology classes, new device distribution, and weekly Tech Cafe assistance, TAP equips seniors with essential skills to navigate daily life and stay independent.

“You get fearful of things as you age. This course has taught me to catch up and CCH (Ciara) just meets you where you are.” – Robert

Johnson

118 households received case management services, including application support, housing, access to food, and linkage to resources (medical/health, employment, transportation, or utilities support).

27 home owners received minor home repairs, totaling $61,555, supporting their goal to age safely and with dignity at home.

Community

IS CENTRAL

In October, CCH staff attended the Columbus Federation of Settlements Conference to connect with our peers and celebrate the work of Settlement Houses.

Central Community House hosted a Black History Month celebration and honored influential leaders of the past, present, and future.

The Village Makers Festival is an opportunity for the Near East community to come together and celebrate neighbors.

Central Community House participated in the Kiwanis Regatta event as a way to raise funds and awareness in a creative way.

To celebrate the Near East neighborhood, CCH hosted 23 community events including monthly dinners and open mics.

1,338 people came together for neighborhood events hosted by CCH.

Each year, TRANSIT ARTS participates in the Columbus Children’s Parade. DJ BHB leads the energy and guides the group, dancing down Bryden Road.

At TRANSIT ARTS, Community members performed Global Water Dances to inspire action and international collaboration for water issues through the universal language of dance.

Jackie Calderone received the very prestigious King Arts Complex Dream Award in April for her commitment to and impact on the arts community.

Trunk or Treat is a fun and safe event for all ages, including music, food, costumes, and of course, candy!

Thank you to our sponsors:

ADAMH

Affordable Housing Trust

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Central Ohio

Art and Diane Krumsee

Beatrice & Allen Weiler of the Columbus Foundation

Benita Kahn and George Peach

Beth and Peter Korda

Bohm Family Foundation

Cardinal Health

Charter Communications / Spectrum

City of Columbus

City of Columbus Dept of Development

City of Columbus Dept of Neighborhoods

City of Columbus Health and Human Services

Columbia Gas/NiSource

Columbus Foundation

Columbus Kiwanis Foundation

Columbus Youth Foundation

Community Properties of Ohio

Edythe G. Alberty Fund of the Columbus Foundation

Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Franklin County Children Services

Franklin County Dept of Jobs and Family Services

Franklin County Office on Aging

George J. Igel & Co., Inc.

Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of the Columbus Foundation

Grant and Susan Douglass

Harry C. Moores Foundation

Homage

Ingram-White Castle Foundation

Irene Emswiler Fund of the Columbus Foundation

Isabelle Ridgway Foundation

J. Ray & Lillian W. Waller Fund of the Columbus Foundation

John Charles Sharon Fund of the Columbus Foundation

Johnstone Fund for New Music

Kridler Family Foundation

L. Dale Davis & M. Elisabeth Davis Fund of the Columbus Foundation

Monica Terez Girl Power Fund

National Endowment for the Arts

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Nationwide Insurance

Ohio Alliance for Arts Education

Ohio Arts Council

Ohio CDC Association

Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services

OSU Ohio State University College of Social Work

PNC Foundation

Puffin Foundation

Reinberger Foundation

Richard C. & Nanciann Kaufman Ninde Fund of the Columbus Foundation

Robert Lewis Rosensteil Fund of the Columbus Foundation

Siemer Foundation

The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio

United Way of Central Ohio

Wendy’s Foundation