As we look back on the past year, we are filled with gratitude and pride for all that we have accomplished together. Thanks to the dedication of our community, staff, partners, volunteers, and donors, Central Community House has continued to grow its impact — providing vital services, creating connections, and providing community spaces where people are empowered to thrive.
In this report, you’ll read about the individuals and families who have been supported by our programs, as well as the broader changes we’re making as a community. Every story is a reminder that our work is more than numbers; it is measured in lives uplifted, hopes restored, and futures brightened.
Your generosity and commitment make this work possible. Because of you, our seniors feel valued and engaged, our youth have safe spaces to learn and grow, and our neighbors know they can turn to us for help when they need it most.
As we move forward into the next year, we remain as committed as ever to creating a neighborhood where everyone feels they belong. Thank you for believing in our mission and standing by our side — together we are making a lasting difference.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Tamar Forrest, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Central Community House
Our Central Story: Jordan’s Journey
When Jordan first arrived at Central Community House (CCH) in 2022, he had just completed kindergarten and was behind in reading. Shy and struggling to make friends, Jordan’s school recommended CCH as a place where he could catch up academically and grow socially—and they were right.
With the caring support of tutors and staff, Jordan gained the help he needed to thrive. Beyond reading, he discovered a passion for art and created several pieces he’s proud of. Now, Jordan is reading at a 3rd grade level and has grown into a confident, happy kid who loves spending time with his friends. His sister Sophia, who joined him in the program in 2023, has also flourished, making new friends and learning new skills alongside her brothers. Their little brother Kingslee followed in their footsteps and began attending as a kindergartner last school year.
As a family, they’ve made lasting memories with CCH, going on exciting field trips to Olentangy Caverns, skating, fishing and canoeing, seeing movies, and more. Jordan, Sophia, and Kingslee have all grown tremendously through these experiences. They are kind and creative children who know they can rely on one another and on the caring adults around them.
Reflecting on this journey, their parent shares, “I’m so proud of my children. Success to me means reaching both small and large milestones, learning to face challenges, and finding creative solutions along the way. My experience with CCH has been nothing short of extraordinary. CCH is like a second family— extraordinary, fun, and supportive.”
In our Afterschool and Summer Camp programs, youth are equipped to succeed in school and in life by engaging in activities that embrace culture, creativity, and social-emotional learning. At Central, they find a safe and welcoming space to play with friends, explore new interests, and discover their strengths— helping them grow into happier, healthier, and more confident young people.
In 2024, Central’s Youth Program:
PROVIDED
9,183 HEALTHY MEALS
87 K-5 STUDENTS ATTENDED OUTOF-SCHOOL TIME
PROGRAMMING
PROVIDED FUN OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN—
99% OF YOUTH SURVEYED SAID THEY HAD FUN AT CENTRAL!
HELPED
100% OF YOUTH IMPROVE THEIR READING SKILLS
HELPED
76% OF YOUTH IMPROVE THEIR SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL COMPETENCY, PROVEN TO INCREASE ACADEMIC SUCCESS, CONFIDENCE, AND EMPATHY
What do families say about Central?
94% of parents said their child had an enjoyable experience.
77% of students tried something because of their participation in the program.
100% believed their child was in a safe and caring environment.
Our Strong Families Program offers tools and resources that remove barriers to economic mobility and create pathways toward stability. This includes soft skills training, employment assistance, financial literacy education, and emergency housing programs to help families access rent and/or utility assistance. Additionally, we provide opportunities for neighbors to come together, building systems of support and social capital that help prevent future challenges. We also provide access to healthy food and meals, health education, wellness resources, parenting support groups and workshops, family field trips, and so much more.
In 2024, our Strong Families program:
261 HOUSEHOLDS
FACILITATED
34 CLASSES FOCUSED ON PARENTING, FINANCIAL LITERACY, AND WELLNESS SERVED
DISTRIBUTED
$529,308 IN MATERIAL ASSISTANCE (PRIMARILY RENT AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE)
HELPED REDUCE
1,029 BARRIERS WITH FOOD (23%) AND HOUSING (21%) REPRESENTING THE TWO MOST COMMONLY ADDRESSED NEEDS
Roncoa’s Story: Coming Full Circle
Roncoa has been part of the Central Community House (CCH) family for more than five years. Born and raised in the Near East neighborhood, she was always familiar with CCH, but becoming involved changed her life in ways she never expected.
Over the years, Roncoa has taken part in several programs that nurtured her entire family, from case management support and women’s mental health groups to early childhood safety programs. Her son even thrived in the TRANSIT ARTS hip-hop dance program, performing alongside other youth and growing his confidence.
As she engaged more deeply with CCH, Roncoa was reunited with Mr. Cooper, a mentor who had known her since she was a kid. “Mr. Cooper treats everyone like family,” she says. “That’s what CCH feels like—a family.” CCH also reached out to her mother when she needed help, creating a multigenerational circle of support.
Today, Roncoa is not just a recipient of services, she’s a giver too. She regularly supports other mothers by sharing baby food and other essentials, living her belief that life is full circle: one day you receive, the next you give back.
For Roncoa, success is deeply personal. It means breaking down barriers she once thought were impossible to overcome. When she describes her experience with CCH, she uses words like grateful, amazing, and life-changing. Her story is a powerful reminder that when a community invests in its people, everyone rises together.
Cheryl & Yvonne’s Story: Finding Community and Belonging at Central
For over 20 years, sisters Cheryl Stafford and Yvonne Ross have been cherished members of Central Community House’s Village Central Senior Program. Ms. Yvonne first joined in 1998 after hearing glowing reviews from friends who raved about the trips, classes, and social events they enjoyed. Ms. Cheryl followed in 2009 after her own retirement.
Together, they’ve taken part in a full range of activities that have kept them active and engaged—from trips across the state and chair exercise classes to art workshops, virtual book clubs, and intergenerational programming. Ms. Cheryl also took on a leadership role with the Village Central Advisory Council, helping to shape programming that reflects the seniors’ interests and needs. Both sisters benefited from practical support too, including minor home repairs and help learning new technology through TAP (Technology Access Project), which Ms. Cheryl especially appreciated.
More than anything, they treasure the friendships they’ve made and the sense of belonging they feel. “Central has given us a better understanding of the resources and services available to seniors,” they share. Whether learning about mental health, wellness, or simply spending time together at a community dinner or the Black History Month event, they appreciate the diverse speakers and the chance to grow.
Ms. Yvonne looks back on fond memories and cherishes the ability to stay active and curious as she ages. Ms. Cheryl, a lifelong educator, knows that success means never giving up on learning. Both sisters agree that Central Community House embodies what matters most to them: support, camaraderie, and belonging. “Central Community House and the seniors will always hold a place in our hearts,” they say—a heartfelt testament to the strength of this community.
Village Central offers adults 60 and older a welcoming space to stay active, engaged, and independent. Through peer-led wellness programs, technology access and training, social events and trips, and hands-on opportunities to give back to the community, seniors share their talents and lifelong experience with one another. Beyond enrichment, Village Central also provides personalized support to help seniors navigate their basic needs, from rent, utility, and food assistance to minor home repairs, ensuring they can age in place with dignity and purpose.
In 2024, Village Central: As a result of programming:
$73,240 IN REPAIRS FOR 17 HOMEOWNERS SERVED 592 UNIQUE SENIORS.
PROVIDED
PROVIDED
$95,237 IN DEVICES AND ACCESSORIES DISTRIBUTED THROUGH TAP TO 286 SENIORS
HOSTED
440 CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
PROVIDED TRANSPORTATION TO STORES, EVENTS, AND APPOINTMENTS FOR
153 UNIQUE SENIORS.
95% of participants were “more likely to age in place.”
95% reported that Village Central helped them feel more socially connected to others in their community.
96% reported that Village Central helped them increase knowledge about aging issues and resources available in the community.
Technology Access Program Survey
96% of participants increased their technology skills because of their participation.
94% reported that the TAP program helped combat social isolation.
95% agreed that “the TAP Program has helped to increase my confidence in using technology for everyday life.”
Malcolm’s Story: Rising Artist, Relentless Spirit
Malcolm, a talented and determined teen artist, is a vibrant force within TRANSIT ARTS. Actively engaged in our dance, visual arts, and music programs, his connection to our community began long before he was eligible to participate.
As a toddler, Malcom was a regular at Open Mic nights, tagging along with his parents—both former TRANSIT ARTS alumni. Even then, Malcolm could be found dancing at the edge of the stage, waiting eagerly for his chance to join the program himself.
That opportunity finally came in early 2023. Despite being born with some medical conditions that presented physical challenges, Malcolm never let these obstacles define him. At school, these challenges sometimes surfaced as frustration, but through the collaborative efforts of his parents, teachers, and the TRANSIT ARTS team, Malcolm found healing and expression through art. Together, we helped him develop calming techniques and channel his energy into creative outlets.
At first, Malcolm struggled with choreography and freestyle technique, but his passion and perseverance never wavered. He embraced the challenge with grit and creativity, finding powerful ways to adapt movement to his body and express himself through dance. Over time, he mastered freestyle, began choreographing his own routines, and grew into a confident performer.
Today, Malcolm is a featured member of our hip-hop dance crew, performing at high-profile events like the Columbus Arts Festival and venues across the city. Beyond dance, he writes and produces original music and has exhibited his visual art throughout Columbus in partnership with TRANSIT ARTS.
Now serving as a mentor and ambassador for the program, Malcolm continues to defy limitations and inspire those around him.
TRANSIT ARTS brings the power of culture, creativity, and artistic expression to youth in our community. Through free weekly workshops in visual arts, dance, music and music production, and entrepreneurship, professional artists and mentors lead group sessions, monthly “open mic” nights, special performances, and community exhibits and workshops. TRANSIT ARTS engages community members of all ages throughout Central Ohio.
In 2024:
167
TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS ATTENDED WEEKLY WORKSHOPS FACILITATED BY ONE OR MORE OF OUR MASTER ARTISTS
TRANSIT ARTS ARTISTS PARTICIPATED IN 43 EVENTS, ENGAGING A TOTAL OF 5,099 ATTENDEES
33% OF PARTICIPANTS PERFORMED OR EXHIBITED THEIR WORKS PUBLICLY
47
BIPOC GIRLS ATTENDED 639 HOURS OF THE GLOW PROJECT (BLACK GIRLS GLOW+)
As a result of TRANSIT ARTS programming:
90% of participants improved or maintained their self-esteem.
94% of participants tried something new.
96% of students said TRANSIT ARTS gives them a sense of belonging.
16 artists were employed as part of TRANSIT ARTS’ workforce development program.
Acts of Human Kindness Fund
Affordable Housing Trust
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Central Ohio
Art and Diane Krumsee
Ashley and Garey Berry
Battelle
Beatrice and Allen Weiler of the Columbus Foundation
Beth and Peter Korda
Betsy and Bryan Ross Fund of the Lurie Family Charitable Fund
Cardinal Health
Charter Communications/Spectrum
City of Columbus Dept of Development
City of Columbus Dept of Education
City of Columbus Dept of Neighborhoods
City of Columbus Health and Human Services
Columbus Foundation
Columbus Kiwanis Foundation
Columbus Realtors Foundation
Columbus Youth Foundation
Community Properties of Ohio
Edythe G. Alberty Fund of the Columbus Foundation
Franklin County
Franklin County Board of Commissioners
Franklin County Children Services
Franklin County Community Partnership
Franklin County Dept of Jobs and Family Services
Franklin County Office on Aging
Franklin County Transportation
George J. Igel & Co., Inc.
Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of the Columbus Foundation
Grant and Susan Douglass
Harry C. Moores Foundation
Ingram White Castle
Irene Emswiler Fund of the Columbus Foundation
J. Ray and Lillian W. Waller Fund of the Columbus Foundation
James W. Overstreet Fund of the Columbus Foundation
Jeanne Rundell Fund of the Columbus Foundation
John Charles Sharon Fund of the Columbus Foundation
Johnstone Fund for New Music
Kridler Family Foundation
L. Dale Davis and M. Elisabeth Davis Fund of the Columbus Foundation
Lighting Systems of Columbus
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Nationwide Insurance
Ohio Alliance for Arts Education
Ohio Arts Council
Ohio CDC VISTA
Ohio Children’s Trust Fund
Ohio State Eagles
PNC Bank
Richard C. and Nanciann Kaufman
Nicole Fund of the Columbus Foundation
Robert Bartels Fund
Robert Lewis Rosenstiel Fund of the Columbus Foundation
Siemer Family Foundation
United Way
Women of Wendy’s
Thank you to the 87 volunteers who gave their time and energy this year, and to our generous supporters who provided us with in-kind donations totaling $10,402.
