Columbus Monthly – December 2025

EverydayKindness Heroes Celebrate our 2025

Kindness is intentional.

The December issue of Columbus Monthly will honor those who perform acts of kindness to strengthen, heal and unite our community.

Chosen by a panel of judges, finalists, semifinalists and “Dispatch Picks” will be honored at a December 3 event, where an overall Everyday Kindness Hero is announced.

Vitria On The Square December 3, 2025 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Purchase

How lifestyle research is changing cancer care

Lifestyle behaviors like diet and exercise can reduce the risk of cancer, while helping those who have been diagnosed improve their quality of life.

That wide-ranging impact is driving a growing field of research into lifestyle factors and their potential role in cancer care and prevention.

“We develop, evaluate and test interventions to help empower people to live healthier,” says Roberto Benzo, PhD, a health promotion and behavioral scientist and the director of the Lifestyle Lab at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). “We focus on empowering people to eat and exercise better and improve management of their stress, and to help them find the right solutions at the right time.”

Exercise, nutrition and stress management are essential for everyone and can be vital components of comprehensive care for cancer patients during and after treatment.

“Being active and eating well can help you better tolerate your treatment and manage your symptoms,” Benzo says. “Even after a cancer diagnosis, it’s not too late.”

Scan the QR code to learn more about cancer care and research at the OSUCCC – James.

Tips for living a healthier lifestyle

Of course, changing lifestyle behaviors is easier said than done, so Benzo and his team have developed supportive tools, including mobile apps that integrate data from wearable devices, to help patients set realistic goals and see their progress in real time.

“The foundation of behavior change starts with awareness,” Benzo explains. “By tracking behaviors like physical activity or sleep —

things that are hard to accurately recall — we help people see how they’re actually doing.

“That awareness creates an opportunity to align their values with their actions, set meaningful goals and take concrete steps toward them. Technology can play a key role in supporting that process.”

While each patient’s unique circumstances require personalized care plans, Benzo shares some recommendations that can benefit everyone interested in adding healthy behaviors to their daily routines:

• Consistency: “Consistency doesn’t mean you have to do a super-hard workout every day. It means doing something active every day.”

• Acceptance and awareness: “Often, we’re not happy with where we are, and that can push us to try to get to where we want to go as fast as we can. But, that can prevent consistency because we can’t maintain that level.”

• Social support: “It’s important to have emotional and informational support, and someone to help you do things such as exercise. It doesn’t have to be the same person for all three.”

As research in this area continues to expand, its impact grows — providing not only scientific insights, but also emotional and practical support to those navigating cancer.

“I’ve learned so much from cancer patients and survivors about acceptance, compassion and resilience,” Benzo says. “We’re hoping to get this information out to others to help them feel less alone, and to normalize some of the chaos in their worlds.”

Scan the QR code to learn more about support for cancer patients and caregivers at the OSUCCC – James.

Lifestyle research to improve cancer care and overall health

Approximately 30%-50% of cancer cases may be preventable through healthy behaviors. At the OSUCCC – James Lifestyle Lab, Benzo and his team partner with patients on studies designed to help people engage in healthy behaviors within their means, which can improve cancer care and survivorship, along with overall well-being. The team conducts comprehensive research that extends beyond cancer care and prevention, including:

• Studying the impacts of behaviors and risk factors on health outcomes, including those related to cancer prevention and control.

• Observational studies that help researchers better understand the role of lifestyle behaviors on mental, emotional and physical health.

• Experimental studies that develop and evaluate innovative health interventions to empower individuals to adopt health behaviors.

Lifestyle studies are important components of cancer control, a growing field of oncology care and research focused on reducing the incidence, mortality and morbidity of cancer.

Cancer control experts — including those with the OSUCCC – James’ Cancer Control (CC) Program — develop and test behavioral interventions to promote prevention and early detection, while also conducting research at the molecular and genetic levels. Their work is key to improving the understanding of cancer development, along with treatment and survivorship, among large populations.

Scan the QR code to learn more about oncology innovation at the OSUCCC – James.

23

EVERYDAY KINDNESS HEROES

Find out how 18 people are making the Columbus region a better place for all who live here through acts of kindness—and how you can support their generous work.

37 GET TO KNOW CLARK KELLOGG

Best known for his work as a basketball player and analyst, Clark Kellogg has found other ways to quietly give back to the community.

THE COVER: The 2025 Everyday Kindness Heroes finalists.

Photo by Tim Johnson

Clark Kellogg

Inside

43 GIVING

Our annual guide to making a difference brings you profiles of 35+ nonprofits, including their missions, funding and impact. The guide is produced with support from our partners at The Columbus Foundation.

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Laura Newpoff The Columbus freelance journalist profiled CBS Sports basketball analyst Clark Kellogg, who leads the Columbus Foundation’s Governing Committee, Page 37.

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Kathy Lynn Gray Gray, a former Dispatch staffer and longtime Columbus Monthly writer, brings us the details of efforts to help moms and babies thrive in every Franklin County ZIP code, Page 94.

Sophia Veneziano

The kindness reporter for The Dispatch, Columbus Monthly and Columbus CEO was the major architect of our annual Everyday Kindness Heroes package, Page 23.

Here Is What We Can Do Prelude

Charitable organizations across the country and in Columbus are experiencing what many say is unprecedented disruption in how they are funded as federal and state priorities shift rapidly. Governments’ sometimes sudden refusals to fund programs and services so many people rely on for daily needs are wreaking havoc.

Katy Smith katy@columbusmonthly.com

The chaos has been escalating since the beginning of the year. Data about how it is affecting nonprofits has begun to emerge. A survey from the national Center for Effective Philanthropy of 408 nonprofits conducted in August and September, followed by interviews with 27 nonprofit executives and 31 leaders of foundations that give $5 million or more annually, described the pain under the title “Mounting Pressure.”

A third, or 34 percent, of surveyed nonprofits had already experienced a loss of funding from the federal government, while another 22 percent anticipated they would do so; and 29 percent had lost state funding, with another 30 percent expecting to in the near future. Nearly half—46 percent— were concerned their organizations would need to close or merge. About a third of leaders said they had reduced staffing in response to funding loss, with another 23 percent anticipating reductions.

And that’s just talking about money and jobs, which are, of course, crucial to communities. The angry mood of Americans also comes as a threat: A third of surveyed nonprofit leaders had safety concerns for their staff and boards. More than half expected to or were already feeling pressure to reframe public descriptions of their work to avoid funding loss, and 43 percent had seen or anticipated seeing backlash or opposition to their missions.

Meanwhile, 81 percent of nonprofits had experienced or anticipated an increased need for their services. Among foundations, 87 percent saw greater demand for their support in the wake of losses of government

funding, and 64 percent had provided emergency response grants.

The Columbus Foundation this fall launched two programs to help nonprofits— an emergency response fund and a resource to aid organizations as they explore critical decisions around their structure. (You can read more about them on Page 41.) They are innovative and timely supports from a world-class foundation right in our backyard.

But the foundation, and our nonprofits and their major donors, can’t do it all by themselves.

How can we fill these gaps? How and where can we step in?

You can find ideas in our annual Guide to Giving starting on Page 43, which this year carries more gravitas than ever as it shares details about the work and missions of more than 35 local organizations. Our staff also has compiled a special list of ways to help this holiday season on Page 50.

Going back to the “Mounting Pressure” report, one foundation leader interviewed by the researchers said it very well: “I believe that courage is contagious. When we use our voice to stand up for our beliefs and values, we help inspire others to do the same.”

That makes up the entirety of my wish list this month. Give courage this holiday season.

Editor, Columbus Monthly

Send letters to: Editor, Columbus Monthly, 605 S. Front St., Ste. 300, Columbus, OH 43215. Or email: letters@columbus monthly.com. A letter must include the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number. Letters will be edited for length and clarity. All letters sent to Columbus Monthly are considered for publication, either in print or online.

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front & center

BY TIM JOHNSON

PHOTO

Celebrating Her Roots Black Sheep Kitchen and Spirits is Realtor Misty Linn’s latest endeavor. Learn how she’s changed Columbus on Page 12.

A Safe Space for All

Realtor, investor and businesswoman Misty Linn recently opened LGBTQ+ restaurant Black Sheep in the Short North—adding to her growing list of community projects.

By Lucy Clark

Misty Linn’s name is recognized across several communities in Columbus. The businesswoman has her hand in many pots, but Linn is more than her title, whatever it may be in the moment. To many people she works with and alongside, she is first a mentor and friend.

Now a real estate mogul, Linn got her start in 2006 when she started going to open houses with a broker she knew. “I always thought you had to have money to get into real estate,” she says. “He encouraged me that that wasn’t true.”

No one in Linn’s immediate family had owned a house before, and neither had she. She didn’t let those barriers keep her from entering the world of realty, though. “I’ve always lived by [the idea that] failure is not an option.”

This tenet was quickly put to the test—only a few years after becoming a licensed agent, the housing market

crash of 2008 threatened to upend Linn’s burgeoning career. But she persisted. By 2012, she had become part owner of Core Ohio, renaming it in 2018 when she founded Core Realty Collection.

Building a Network of Support

Core Realty Collection stands out amongst brokerages for a few reasons. To start, it’s an LGBTQ+ and women-owned brokerage, and a majority of the firm’s agents are women as well.

The brokerage also has a different approach to managing its agents. Though most people think Core Realty Collection is a team, she intentionally avoids structuring it like one, encouraging her agents to operate as individual businesses.

“I’m an independent person,” says Jenny Assmann, who has been with the brokerage since 2019. “They let me run my business the way I want to run it,

and they’re there for support, but they don’t hover.”

Linn is a mentor figure for many, including Assmann. “She’s great at developing a Realtor and giving them the tools and knowledge to flourish on her own,” Assmann says. “It’s helped shape the Realtor I’ve become, making sure I’m following the rules and being ethical— that’s the kind of person she is, and I’ve learned a lot from it.”

Supporting Olde Towne East’s Comeback

Linn also has piloted revitalization efforts in Olde Towne East. She started investing in the neighborhood in 2011 after seeing the plethora of historic brick homes that were falling into disrepair. “I thought, there’s no way this area is going to stay blighted,” she says.

In the past 14 years, as she has bought

Misty Linn

PHOTO BY TIM JOHNSON

and renovated properties, Linn has seen the area do “a complete 180.” This includes fewer abandoned properties, more homeowners and, most importantly, a sense of neighborhood pride. “That was another thing that attracted me to Olde Towne East, was you got to know your neighbor. You don’t get that in a lot of areas.”

Assmann has seen the fruits of Linn’s labors in the area. “She’s just doing the right things for Columbus and helping out—especially in the Downtown area— where it needs it the most,” she says.

A Community Leader

Along with being a significant figure in the world of real estate, Linn is well-respected in the LGBTQ+ community as both a member and fierce advocate.

The rare few who don’t know Linn by her name or Realtor signs likely recognize her commercial footprint on the city—chiefly, the popular District West nightclub on North Fifth Street.

Known for strong drinks and an even stronger cast of drag performers, the bar came to be under challenging circumstances. It opened in 2020 during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic as a performing arts space, though more importantly a place for the community

to gather when many were at their most vulnerable and isolated.

“It was time to open doors when other doors were not opening for our community,” Linn says.

Her most recent endeavor has been Black Sheep, an LGBTQ+ restaurant in the Short North in the former home of Bristol Republic.

Misty Linn

Title: Realtor, investor and owner of District West and Black Sheep Kitchen and Spirits

Community involvement: Olde Towne East Tour of Homes board member; Midtown Area Real Estate Association member

Resides: Olde Towne East

Family: 14-year-old cat, Trixie, and 2-year-old German shepherd, Blue

The idea behind Black Sheep was to create a safe space for the community with a slightly more upscale aesthetic—a place as aptly suited for a business lunch as it is for a game night or drag show.

Linn’s partner in Black Sheep is Brian

Swanson, who recently moved Bristol Republic to Bridge Park in Dublin and owns several other area restaurants.

“Working with Brian has been a breath of fresh air,” says Linn. “Without his team in place, we would not have been able to get Black Sheep up and running in such a timely manner.”

A previous restaurant endeavor ended in closure. The silver lining, Linn says, is the resulting creation of Black Sheep, describing the space as bigger, better and having a building owner who embraces the LGBTQ+ and drag communities.

Black Sheep’s head chef, Greg Roy (who worked with Swanson before at Bristol Republic), says that people have been very happy to have the restaurant as a safe space. “It’s been really cool to see.”

Roy works alongside drag queen Virginia West to create themed “Sunday supper” menus for weekly performances, and says it’s been very well received.

“In any business that I’ve created ... I think it’s so important to authentically be yourself, to not hide and to have the support of people around you,” says Linn. “Now more than ever, it’s empowering our community to have a voice when so many people around us are trying to silence us.” ◆

Misty Linn bought a vacant lot on Fair Avenue in Olde Towne East in 2016 and built this 3,500-square-foot home, later selling it.

A Gift to Grow Educators

The Wellington School in Upper Arlington receives a historic endowment for its teachers from the Scantland family.

By Linda Lee Baird

Eliza McLaren, head of school at Wellington, says you need to have great teachers to provide kids with the best best possible education. And thanks to a recent $5 million gift from the Scantland family— the largest investment in the school’s 43 year history—Wellington will be able to do both of these things.

The gift will be used to establish a permanent endowment to support educators at the school, offering professional growth throughout their careers. “The best teachers are, of course, lifelong learners themselves. ... We have to fuel that passion in order for them to be fulfilled,” McLaren says.

McLaren’s relationship with the Scantland family began when she was still a candidate for her position, a role she began in July 2024. Matt Scantland, vice chair of Wellington’s board of trustees, was on the hiring committee. (Scantland is not a Wellington alumnus.) He has since become “a very dear friend and an advisor,” she says.

Once she was on board, McLaren and Scantland discussed the critical role that teachers play in student learning, as well as challenges related to teacher recruitment and retention, including the fact that independent schools generally compensate teachers less than public schools. “My goal is for teaching to be a family sustaining career where people can buy houses, live comfortably,” McLaren says.

The endowment came form their shared goal of making Wellington a place teachers want to spend their careers, growing and developing alongside students.

Scantland says it felt like the right time to establish this endowment, explaining via email that “the next five years will be a defining period for Wellington, and under Eliza’s leadership there is a clear, ambitious

Front & Center | Philanthropy

vision to build on the school’s strengths.”

The Scantland family’s investment is more than financial. In addition to Matt’s board service, his mother, Peg Scantland, has served as a thought partner for the school around literacy. McLaren credits Peg’s involvement for ensuring that Wellington’s reading and writing teachers have “the gold standard level of training.”

Matt says his mother’s dedication is personal. “My mom first became an expert in this field to help me learn to read; as a dyslexic kid, I needed a different approach to gain mastery. I’m deeply grate-

ful for everything she’s done to advocate for this work so that more students benefit from it, and we don’t leave dyslexic or other neurodiverse learners behind,” he says.

Scantland notes that Wellington can also serve as a model. “Wellington has always stood out for its courage to evolve and to lead. As education changes rapidly, schools like Wellington have the opportunity to define what great learning looks like for the future, and our entire family is proud to help support that vision.” ◆

BY

Eliza McLaren, head of school, with Peg Scantland and her son Matt Scantland at the Wellington School.

PHOTO

TIM JOHNSON

Stories That Matter

Columbus Monthly was honored by the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists and the Press Club of Cleveland with 11 awards for excellence in 2024 coverage.

Best Feature Reporting

Editor Katy Smith, for her compelling story about the founding of the Arc of Appalachia land preservation trust.

Best Sports Reporting

Freelance writer Chris DeVille, for his powerful profiles of OSU women’s ice hockey coach Nadine Muzerall, Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy, and Dr. Anthony Williams, whose youth soccer efforts transformed urban Columbus.

Best Environmental Reporting

For our first-place October 2024 feature, “Pollinator Gardens vs. Perfect Lawns."

Best Architecture and Design Writing

Editor Katy Smith, first place, for her home feature on a Bexley resident's inventive use of vintage pieces.

Best Photographer in Ohio

Photo editor Tim Johnson, second place, for a portfolio of 2024 work.

Plus six more awards across categories including arts reporting, medical and health reporting and overall third place for Best Magazine in Ohio, highlighting the depth and range of our newsroom.

We’re grateful for the recognition and inspired to keep delivering stories that inform, challenge and connect our community.

Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon VIP Tent

On Oct. 19, a sold-out field of 15,000 athletes braved the rain for the 2025 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon. The event raised more than $1 million to support the work of the hospital. Runners came from 48 states and 13 countries, and were cheered on by approximately 100,000 spectators lining the streets of Downtown.

1 Angel Prater, John Hykes and Tasha McCoy 2 Mark Borsay, Bill Burns and Casteel Borsay 3 Maureen Johnson, Andy Bracken, Greg Socciarelli and Malcolm Alexander 4 Allyson Haines and Darby Kibbey 5 Aaron Tucker and Sue Lemmon 6 Missy and Chris Tilton 7 Spencer Gardner and Clark Templeton 8 Zach and Sarah Bentley 9 Matt Chabot and Sandy Budd

PHOTOS

Front & Center | People

Columbus Museum of Art’s Art Celebration 2025

The Columbus Museum of Art held Art Celebration—its signature fundraising event—on Oct. 17, welcoming over 300 guests and raising nearly $600,000. This year’s Art Celebration commemorated the 10-year anniversary of CMA’s Margaret M. Walter Wing and honored Tom Katzenmeyer, president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council. The black-tie dinner was followed by an after-party in the sculpture garden.

1 Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor and Corey Favor

2 Roxie and Scott Dragoo 3 Sarah Atwood and Tom Katzenmeyer

4 Mary Katzenmeyer 5 Columbus City Council president Shannon Hardin and Michael Bongiorno

Buying and saving land is a gift that keeps giving... forever.

L.Ulman

Service That Shines

United Way of Central Ohio is grateful to you and all the volunteers who show up UNITED for our community. Because United is the Way to build a stronger, more resilient central Ohio. THANK YOU TO THIS YEAR’S EVERYDAY KINDNESS HEROES!

Columbus Monthly, The Columbus Dispatch and Columbus CEO celebrate 18 people who are quietly leading with kindness, creating a better community for all.

Photos by Tim Johnson

BRENT DUTCHER

Aiding refugees in mobility and beyond.

By Lucy Clark

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and to be loved in return.”

These words, with their origin from Nat King Cole’s hit song Nature Boy, serve as a personal mantra to Brent Dutcher, a board of directors member and driving instructor for Rides 4 Refugees. The nonprofit focuses on getting refugees driving instruction and cars, though Dutcher’s involvement hardly starts, or stops, there.

For refugees, the most important concern—second only to learning English—is becoming mobile. Studies show the number of jobs available by car is significantly higher than those available by walking or using public transit, Dutcher says.

After Dutcher and his wife, Pat, retired, they began traveling extensively. “The things that really interest us are geology, geography, architecture and culture,” he says.

Kabul, Afghanistan, fell to the Taliban in August 2021, and by that November, refugees were starting to resettle in Columbus.

The Dutchers’ church established the Indian Run United Methodist Church’s Refugee Support Team, and Dutcher became its co-leader in 2022. “Pat and I looked at each other and just said, ‘This is right up our alley,’ ” Dutcher says.

He didn’t stop at teaching people how to drive. “I started working with my church then to say, ‘Hey, what can we do to get cars for people?’ ” They’ve since built up a fleet of vehicles both for training and for families to use temporarily as they get on their feet.

Even still, there was the issue of helping people find permanent cars. Dutcher describes working with Rides 4 Refugees as “step two.” He already was sending people to the nonprofit for their grant program, which matches up to $4,000 for the cost of a vehicle, and he’s been a board member since 2024.

While his work primarily focuses on getting refugee families mobile, Dutcher and his wife have become deeply entrenched with the local Afghan community—their efforts are extensive, and include helping with health care, housing, banking, community events and more.

Dutcher’s work has helped 76 refugees get their licenses. Of these, 67 percent are women. He’s also helped acquire a total of 45 cars for families, 36 of which were acquired through Rides 4 Refugees.

“The word to describe Brent is ‘indefatigable,’ ” says Jean Childers, who works with Dutcher on the church’s Refugee Support Team along with her husband. “[Brent] told us in his younger life that other people at their church had helped his family in tough times, and he never forgot that. He is always looking for ways to help people. Always.”

His involvement, Dutcher says, has been anything but one way. “There’s nobody more highly compensated than me in terms of love and friendship.”

About Brent Dutcher

What is a challenge you have overcome?

It’s hard to answer that question. We’re just blessed beyond belief— we’ve got hundreds of friends we didn’t have two years ago.

What inspires you?

I would have to say God. I see the hand of God in so many things. When challenges do come up, He shows me the path I can take.

What keeps you engaged?

Brent Dutcher’s travels inspired his work with Rides 4 Refugees.

SEAN MCKAY

Turning a backyard garden into a local food movement.

By Sophia Veneziano

With the Garden District Corp., Sean McKay doesn’t just grow plants. He grows people.

After planning to become a music teacher, McKay’s life was changed when he sat through a college class on plant science in 2013. This class ignited an interest in growing food and unveiling inequities in food systems, he says.

In the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Sean McKay grew 700 pounds of food in his backyard that he donated to Lutheran Social Services.

After his husband, Corey Joseph Brown, pointed out that this operation was not sustainable for their home’s garden, McKay assembled a board and started the Garden District Corp. in May 2021. Just like the plants, the nonprofit started to grow.

The Garden District now manages eight community gardens and urban farms across the Columbus region.

One is a redesigned garden at Columbus City Schools’ Berwick Alternative Elementary School, which is just down the street from McKay’s backyard garden that started it all.

About Sean McKay

What is a challenge you have overcome?

Widening my social lens and truly understanding the complex intersections that exist within our food system ... how deeply issues like racial inequity, poverty, homelessness and food access are woven together.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by the process of discovery—uncovering how history, culture and policy shape our communities—and by the chance to turn that understanding into meaningful action.

What keeps you engaged?

“Mission moments.” That’s what I call the everyday experiences that remind me why this work matters.

From these eight gardens, the nonprofit distributed over 5,000 pounds of food across the region and donated almost $23,000 to people experiencing food insecurity in 2024.

All this work is an unpaid, volunteer labor of love for McKay, or his “7-9” before his 9-5 as the farm education coordinator at Mid-Ohio Food Collective.

He said the combination of his work at MOFC and Garden District provides him the reach of a large nonprofit organization with the grassroots movement of a community-focused initiative.

Katie Young, the farm-to-school/ nutrition coordinator for Columbus City Schools, says McKay’s work brings

awareness to the possibilities of what gardens can do to build community, and he does it all with a smile on his face.

“I love the way that he’s very inclusive with all of our students. He wants to make sure all of them can have a positive experience with growing food,” she says.

“I don’t know that he sleeps,” Young adds. “He’s constantly doing for others.”

Beyond growing plants, fighting food insecurity and educating the next generation, McKay cultivates people.

He says that he believes farming is for everyone who chooses the path. While Brown playfully disagrees, joking that farming isn’t for him, he says he is McKay’s No. 1 supporter regardless.

Sean McKay, founder of the Garden District Corp.

KIP ROOKS

Growing up without a lot inspired generosity in Kip Rooks, founder of Blessing

By Linda Lee Baird

Kip Rooks knows what it’s like to go without. He says when he was growing up, his family was often in need. And the people who helped them then inspired him from an early age. He recalls telling his mother when he was about 6 years old, “Mom, once I get older, we’re going to give back, God willing.”

Today, he’s fulfilling that long-ago promise in the Pataskala area where he was raised and now works as a Realtor. It started in 2019, when he gathered 20 Thanksgiving meals into his truck and gave them to those in need. “Every individual had a touching story that made me feel that we needed to do more. And those 20 meals went really quick,” he says.

The next year, he mobilized a team of volunteers to deliver 150 Thanksgiving meals. “And then it just kept growing. ... So now we have local churches that join our forces, Krogers, Meijers. It keeps getting bigger and bigger, and the need keeps getting bigger and bigger,” he says. This year, Rooks is on track to serve 450 meals.

But he wasn’t content to stop there. Instead, as he’s learned of more unmet

About Kip Rooks

What is a challenge you have overcome?

I had a single mother. Growing up, we didn’t have some of the things the other kids had as far as material things.

What inspires you?

One of the inspirations comes from my childhood, knowing that there was someone there to help us when we were in need. But also my children—I want to set a good example for them.

What keeps you engaged?

Family keeps me going and committed. And then also a lot of people depend on me, and I don’t want to let anyone down.

Hands.

needs, he’s found additional ways to help, formalizing his commitment to service through his nonprofit, Blessing Hands.

Rooks now organizes an annual backto-school drive, filling backpacks with supplies for area kids. He helps families create holiday memories through a Christmas event, where they receive gifts, cookies and pizza, and visit with Santa and the Grinch—all at no cost. This too was inspired by Rooks’ childhood.

“At the Summit Station Lions club [in Pataskala], they used to do a Christmas event where they’d have Santa Claus come and you sit on his lap. … We actually used that exact same location, and I brought that back,” he says.

Rich Scott, a member of the Lions Club who has helped during some of Rooks’ events, calls Rooks “by far one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.” Scott praised the behind-the-scenes work that Rooks puts into these events, securing donations and coordinating volunteers. “His voice is so impeccable,” Scott says. “When he asks, they know that there’s a need.”

From founding the Charles J. Rooks “24” Memorial Scholarship in his late brother’s name to mobilizing cleanup following tornadoes in Pataskala, Rooks steps up wherever he can. “And we’re not done yet. We’re constantly trying to find ways that we can help the community,” he says.

Kip Rooks at the Sozo Church in Pataskala, where he has organized clothing drives.

MICAH SUTTLE

The sixth grader from Westerville balances running cross country with giving back to his community.

By Sophia Veneziano

Five years ago, the Suttle family committed to finding a way to give back to the community once a month, every month.

While it would have been easy for the family to get too busy for service over the many months, the rhythm eventually became a routine.

Through this pledge, the family’s eldest of three boys, Micah Suttle, began volunteering with Seeds of Caring, a nonprofit that connects kids to community service, when he was just 7 years old.

“I would probably say that even the smallest things can help. You should get every person you can involved, because the more the merrier, and every small piece helps,” the now 12-year-old says.

This includes putting together care kits for those who need extra help, picking up trash around town, and making cards for people in the hospital or who are moving to a new home, among other acts of service.

“Thinking about how good this could make other people feel, that just encourages me to keep going,” the Westerville

About Micah Suttle

What is a challenge you have overcome?

Battling nerves before my races.

What inspires you?

Seeds of Caring has inspired me to help the community. It taught me that I can make a difference, even as a kid. [Middle distance runner]

Yared Nuguse inspires me as a runner because he’s really good but also OK with just being different and being himself.

What keeps you engaged?

I just like knowing that I’m helping other people who need it, and maybe something I do puts a smile on their face.

sixth grader says.

Micah’s mom Markita says there is no better compliment as a parent than to watch her child, on his own accord, want to help other people and to try to make his community better. He now asks his mother when his next Seeds of Caring event will be.

Since he was in the third grade, Micah has taken community service into his own hands. Inspired by Seeds of Caring, he selects a nonprofit to support and teaches his classmates about each group’s mission.

This includes facilitating an annual volunteer activity for his peers.

In past years, he selected Seeds of Caring, the Columbus Diaper Bank and Home for Families. This year, he would like to collect holiday toys for

kids involved with Franklin County Children Services.

When he isn’t volunteering, Micah can be found running or playing basketball. When he grows up, he wants to be an Olympic athlete. The young runner competed in the Ohio Cross Country Middle School and Elementary School State Championships in late October. He was the state runner-up in the elementary division in 2024. He explains he can manage the stress and pressure well and he hopes he can inspire other kids to add volunteering to their busy schedules.

Markita says watching her son balance community service activities and athletics makes her proud as a former athlete herself. “He’s constantly thinking about little ways to make things better,” she says.

Micah Suttle puts together packages of essentials for people transitioning out of homelessness.

MAYA WARD

Supporting foster care families at every stage of their journey.

By Sophia Veneziano

Alicia’s Closet is truly a family affair.

The group’s founder and executive director, Maya Ward, personally learned about the needs of foster families when she and her husband, Eric, adopted their daughter, Alicia—the namesake of the Columbus area nonprofit—and her brother EJ in 2018, a few months before starting Alicia’s Closet.

While the couple made the decision to foster children in 2017, Ward’s journey with the foster care system started many years earlier. Her late father, Ricard Eugene “Gene” Ayers, worked in social work, primarily with teens and young adults aging out of foster care.

“A lot of this and my heart for this is due to his influence in my life, even as a young child, just being aware of the need that existed,” Ward says. “It is a cool thing to be doing this to carry on his legacy, and, of course, for our own family. We’re

About Maya Ward

What is a challenge you have overcome?

Leaving the classroom. It was a huge part of my identity for so long. To start over and pivot to something completely new was difficult to say the least.

What inspires you?

The families we serve. The kids. There is such brokenness in this world, they are working against so much and they continue to overcome so much every day. It’s an incredible blessing and privilege to walk alongside them.

What keeps you engaged?

For many families, life has given them every reason to give up, but they keep going. And that is contagious. It reminds me that what we’re doing is about so much more than clothing or tangible items or providing a service—it’s about dignity, hope, ongoing connection and relationships built on trust and care.

on both sides of things.”

The nonprofit now operates a free store, support groups and respite programs for area foster care families.

It also organizes special programming, like its upcoming Help for the Holidays wish list program, that supports kinship families, reunified families and former foster youth—groups that often are not eligible for foster care resources.

“Our kids have walked in the shoes of the children that we serve,” she explains.

Crediting her Christian faith with her inspiration to leave her career as a teacher launch the nonprofit, Ward says she is thankful for the families who have entrusted her and her team with their lives and stories.

“This organization is not about me. I can’t take credit for this organization. I really can’t,” Ward says. “It’s an un-

expected thing to be led to run something like this when it’s completely off the trajectory that you were thinking.”

Through Alicia’s Closet, Ward became close friends with another mother, Molly Thompson. Alongside her husband, Zach, Thompson began adopting a sibling group of four in 2020.

The couple finalized the adoption of their youngest child in March 2025.

Thompson explains this community support helped her family as it navigated the challenges associated with foster care and adoption. For the Thompsons, this included learning to take breaks and lean on others for support.

“Maya really makes sure to empathize with families, and it actually works because she knows what all of us are going through. She’s been there herself with her family. She’s just so warm and welcoming,” Thompson says.

Maya Ward and her husband have adopted kids from foster care and in the process created Alicia’s Closet to supply free clothing and supplies to those in the foster system.

CARTER KEFAUVER

A 13-year-old is paying his mother’s lucky lottery ticket forward in spades.

By Sophia Veneziano

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Robin Kefauver bought a few $5 50/50 raffle tickets to support those in the service industry who were struggling financially.

When she found out she won the $275 prize, Kefauver donated her winnings to the same cause. Reflecting on the donation, she says her young son, Carter, then 8, was a bit confused by her generosity.

“He said, ‘That’s a lot of money you gave away. Why did you give away so much money?’ And I just simply told him, ‘I didn’t give away $275. I gave away $5. I chose to be kind with $5, and I was lucky enough to be able to give them all of it,’ ” Kefauver recalls.

“And he said, ‘I want to do that. I want to start making people happy with $5.’ ”

From there, the family began “sprinkling” kindness.

They purchased $5 gift cards for the young boy to pass out to sanitation or postal workers to make them feel seen and appreciated.

That lasted until the $5 gifts started to add up, forcing the family to limit the boy to give only five gift cards per week.

Hoping to ramp the operation back up once again, Kefauver made a post on Facebook explaining what they were doing and asking for support.

“By the next morning, Carter had

About Carter Kefauver

What is a challenge you have overcome?

Dyslexia: Learning to read and literacy is the largest and most important thing. It’s 100 percent the reason Carter Kindness has free kindness book boxes.

What inspires you?

Family and kindness in general. Every act of kindness inspires me to do more!

What keeps you engaged?

Seeing people benefit from my platform’s kindness keeps me going.

$700,” his mother says. “And then it just never stopped.”

Now a local movement, “Carter Kindness” works to fight food insecurity, improve literacy and promote all-around kindness. Carter, now 13, says his No. 1 goal in the operation is “filling tummies.”

The group has 1,500 members on Facebook and has been working to gain nonprofit distinction.

The movement has two “blessing boxes” of food and three free little libraries of new books. It collects dresses for school dances and passes out holiday baskets for members of the community.

Those who want to support Carter Kindness can donate to the cause through an Amazon Wishlist, on Cash App at “$Kefauver50” and on Venmo at “CarterKindness.”

The group additionally launched the Carter Kindness Scholarship to celebrate graduating seniors at Whitehall-Yearling High School who plan to attend college or technical school and have practiced kindness in the community.

Carter Kindness is not planning to slow down anytime soon.

The 13-year-old boy says his work won’t be done until he’s 99.

Carter Kefauver with one of the blessing boxes he keeps stocked in Whitehall.

COLLIN MARSHALL

Seeking a cleaner Columbus, Collin Marshall built a committed community.

By Sophia Veneziano

Driving from his home in Dublin to his workplace near Easton Town Center, Collin Marshall couldn’t help but notice the trash on the side of the road.

“It was always sad to see. And I started thinking, ‘Man, someone should just come here and clean it up,’ ” Marshall says. “I figured, why not have that be me?”

He bought a trash grabber and some bags and began taking walks to clean up trash near his apartment in his free time.

Feeling like he found a fun and fulfilling way to make a difference in his community, Marshall made a series of posts on Reddit inviting others to join him in his trash-cleaning efforts.

Two others joined and 10 bags of trash were filled during the first official week.

In a matter of months, Marshall was leading a group ranging from 20 to 50 volunteers that would show up to various sites throughout central Ohio each weekend to clean up trash.

Marshall said he originally attended a trash cleanup held by the city of Colum-

About Collin Marshall

What is a challenge you have overcome?

I temporarily lost my vision from a severe viral eye infection a few years ago. I try not to take anything I have for granted now.

What inspires you?

Seeing a small idea be able to effect change across the city. These ideas can catch on and lead to momentum in so many other areas. It helps me realize that redemption for people and places in our community really can be achieved.

What keeps you engaged?

Understanding it’s a constant journey of unlearning things that aren’t meant for us and relearning important lessons that can transform the way we live.

bus and its Keep Columbus Beautiful initiative several years before he started his own cleanings. The city office is now a partner of the volunteer-led group, providing supplies for the work and arranging trash pickups once it has been collected and bagged.

Volunteers can get connected to the group on Reddit, where Marshall posts sign-up forms. He also started a Venmo account, @TrashParty614, to collect money for supplies.

The group has disposed of discarded tires, shopping carts and propane tanks in addition to more routine trash. Altogether, this added up to over 48,000 pounds of garbage collected as of early October.

Beyond making the area a cleaner and more beautiful place, Marshall says a goal is to create a community of people

to connect not only with what he calls “forgotten spaces,” but also one other.

This has included cleaning and connecting with homeless encampments— giving attention to forgotten people, along with the spaces society has overlooked.

Sarah Bramley has been one of Marshall’s core volunteers who now helps with planning and organizing.

Like many others, Bramley got involved through one of Marshall’s posts on Reddit.

Noting the grassroots nature of organizing, Bramley says she has been moved by the diverse group of people who show up to make a difference, build community and make central Ohio a better place.

“It’s really just reinforcing how accessible something like this really is,” Bramley says.

Collin Marshall organizes volunteer groups for local trash cleanup.

TONI WILLIAMS MOORE

An annual winter drive honors the memory of her late son’s kindness and generosity.

By Sophia Veneziano

Years ago, Jordan Alexander Moore was driving and saw a young man on the side of the road wringing his hands in the cold winter air.

He pulled over and gave the man his gloves, explaining to a friend in the car alongside him that he would go buy new gloves later, but he wanted to make sure the stranger had them in that moment.

On May 6, 2016, the then 27-year-old passed away after falling while at work in tree services.

That same year, his mother, Toni Williams Moore, began collecting hats, socks, scarves, and—of course—gloves for the homeless in her son’s memory.

When Moore started collecting in 2016, she received seven boxes of items. By the ninth year in 2024, the drive had expanded to 66 boxes.

Throughout 2025, Moore has collected items for her 10th annual winter drive, which has now expanded to all kinds of items to give to the United Methodist Free Store on Parsons Avenue.

“He’d be impressed,” she says of her late

About Toni Williams Moore

What is a challenge you have overcome?

Grief is ongoing. It’s a process. I’ve come a long way. I will never get over the loss of my son, Jordan. I take it day by day and sometimes minute by minute.

What inspires you?

We are inspired by Jordan. I am so proud of him and the fact that he wanted to help people less fortunate than he was.

What keeps you engaged?

Having a goal, a purpose. When you lose a child, you have to find a purpose. Mine has been to make sure I live my life to make my son proud.

son. “I truly believe he’s smiling down and thinks it’s a good thing.”

The Columbus mother wraps boxes of items each year to donate for those in need each December, since Jordan loved Christmas. She will continue to collect items through the beginning of December, before dropping off the gifts around Dec. 20.

As Jordan’s friends have become more involved with the project, Moore and her sister, Terri Williams Miller, who helps organize the annual drive, learned stories of Jordan’s kindness from them.

Since he was a child, Jordan inspired those around him. He was the only child in the neighborhood who would stop

and play with the youngest neighbor. He drove friends to job interviews with him—even as he interviewed for the same position—in the hopes one of them would get the job. Both Moore and Miller explain they are trying to continue the impact Jordan made in his 27 years.

“For me, it’s bittersweet. I feel like I’ve gotten to know Jordan better since he passed,” Miller says through tears.

“He was even better than I thought he was, and I never knew it. So, to hear all these things and to not know it when he was here, it made me sad to know, but it also made me happy because I knew he was special.”

Sisters Terri Williams Miller, left, and Toni Williams Moore started a clothing drive to honor Toni’s late son.

KAREN THIMMES

After her aunt changed her perspective on incarcerated people, Karen Thimmes began working to change their lives.

By Sophia Veneziano

In the early ‘90s, Karen Thimmes’ aunt, Emma Cox, would write her letters from Tennessee describing a group of women that would go a nearby prison to chat with the inmates and hold a Bible study.

Previously believing everyone in prison was simply a “bad guy,” Thimmes says hearing of this connection changed her perspective toward incarcerated people.

Her aunt sent her a copy of Prison Legal News magazine, and she began reading of prison happenings and legislation. In the magazine, she read two stories of Ohio prisoners, John Perotti and Dan Cahill, who were protesting prison conditions while incarcerated.

The articles encouraged readers to write to the prisoners, and Thimmes took action out of curiosity.

“I started a correspondence with both of them, and they were telling me a lot about prison life that I was unaware of: prison conditions and horror stories,” she said of the two men, now both deceased, who became her friends and changed her life.

About Karen Thimmes

What is a challenge you have overcome?

My challenges seem to be largely tech-related, as I am an older person and do not grasp technology very well.

What inspires you?

My prison friends know there is somebody out here who cares about them, who sends them news articles, cartoons, birthday and Christmas cards.

What keeps you engaged?

Knowing my “people” depend on me ... and care about me. I can’t just suddenly drop out of their lives! I’ve been doing this work for over 30 years and can’t stop now!

“It made me more eager to start fighting the system and getting involved.”

The now 80-year-old visited each man in prison, and when Cahill was released, he came to live with her for several months.

A few years later in the mid ‘90s, Thimmes learned a chapter of Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE) was launching in Ohio. She attended the first meeting, excited to get involved, and she walked away as the group’s secretary.

It was while working as CURE Ohio’s secretary that Thimmes met Michel Coconis, a social worker who has spent her career working with inmates on death row.

Coconis was impressed by the sheer number of letters that Thimmes would send each year atop the countless nights

she spent driving to pick up individuals being released from the Franklin County Corrections Center.

“She had this huge collection of letters that she got back from people. I read two years’ worth, which was over, I don’t know, 4,000 letters,” Coconis says.

Thimmes continued writing to inmates, and she built a network of nearly 30 prisoners with whom she would keep regular contact over the years to come.

One such friend was Patricia Wernert, who began her incarceration in 1976 on an aggravated murder charge and was originally sentenced to death. Her sentence was commuted to 20 years to life in 1978.

Wernert, her longtime friend, was released in February 2025, after 48 years inside.

Karen Thimmes volunteers her time to get reading material to inmates though Redbird Books to Prisoners.

MARGIE THOMPSON

A family’s effort to help people experiencing homelessness became a regular activity.

By Sophia Veneziano

People experiencing homelessness are often invisible to those with a roof over their heads.

One group, Saints Alive, doesn’t just think of the homeless on the streets: it joins them there.

Almost six years ago, Margie Thompson and her brother, Jim Toner, started cooking hot dogs and handing out bags of chips from the back hatch of Thompson’s car. The charity was part of outreach by St. Aloysius Parish, where their brother, Father Patrick Toner, was a priest with the Catholic Diocese of Columbus.

The group rapidly grew in just a few months, and it has developed into a fullscale operation with a base of 30 volunteers in five years.

The team started going out every Sat-

About Margie Thompson

What is a challenge you have overcome?

As we were growing in the beginning, figuring how to transport all of our supplies to our distribution location. Saints Alive is God’s ministry, whenever we had a need and couldn’t figure how to fix or acquire something, a door would open and God would say, “Come this way, I got you covered.”

What inspires you?

The people on the street 100 percent. These people have my heart. They are so grateful, loving, giving. They make me want to be a better person.

What keeps you engaged?

First of all, it’s the people, they have become my family. Second, it’s our long-time visitors who come to tell us that because of us, they have gotten into an apartment or got a job.

urday morning at 9:30 a.m. to the corner of West Broad Street and Davis Avenue in Franklinton to serve a hot meal and hand out groceries and warm clothing to people struggling with housing insecurity.

“They have told us, ‘We feel invisible. Nobody will look at us.’ When we heard that, we made sure we knew their names when they came through,” Thompson says.

Thompson’s husband, Wayne, says the group has grown to a sizable team of volunteers that now includes his 94-yearold mother, Betty.

“I’ll say for myself, I never paid attention to the homeless. You know, I’d see them on the street and everything,” he says. “I learned quickly that they’re just like everyone else. They need the help.”

As of October, due to economic constraints, the group had to suspend its Saturday mornings. It still serves hundreds of sandwiches, snacks and water bottles

every Wednesday afternoon and supplies camps with socks and other items.

For Saints Alive, the work extends beyond time volunteering.

Margie said she has built genuine friendships with the people the group serves. Saints Alive helped 15 people find housing and has partnered with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to help get groceries to families in need.

One of the individuals the Thompsons helped find housing is Jonathan “Eagle” Benson, who lived in a homeless camp for years.

“It was 1:30 in the morning when my propane went out, and it was in the middle of a blizzard. I called Margie, and she literally drove from her home,” Benson says. “Without their church’s beauty and their help, I honestly don’t think I would be here to this day. I think I would have probably frozen that night.”

Margie Thompson from Saints Alive

JACQUES ANGELINO

Founder, Feed and Read Ohio

What makes you a hero? “We take food, hygiene products, children’s books and backpacks to food insecure families, but most importantly, we take love, hope, encouragement, respect, recognition and sometimes laughter to them.” This fall, Jacques’ team organized supplying 109 school bags for children for the 2025 school year. Currently, much of his work is focused in Linden and East Columbus, but he has served families for over 20 years across Columbus and in Athens.

What is a challenge you have overcome? At 72 years old, I started to learn another language. It has allowed me to get closer to the families that I help so that they trust me and I am able to help them more completely.

What inspires you? The families that I am fortunate to know. They go to work everyday at low paying jobs that are frequently demeaning and unfulfilling just to provide for their [needs].

What keeps you engaged? The love, respect and trust these families show me. I consider them family and they consider me family.

MADDY KATZ

Community volunteer and advocate for Ohioans with disabilities

What makes her heroic: Katz volunteers at multiple organizations including the Red Cross and with local arts groups such as the Harmony Project, where she is also a performer. She initiated an annual food drive to benefit Neighborhood Services Inc., where she volunteers weekly. And while she has faced social challenges as a person on the autism spectrum, Katz uses her voice to advocates for Ohioans with disabilities. In her own words, “I do whatever I can to make sure other people are happy. My life motto: Think of others before yourself.”

What is a challenge you have overcome? When people are short with me, not losing my temper. ... Another challenge is [that] people assume I am too young to make a difference. You are never too young to make a difference!

What inspires you? When I see ... people who are young making a difference, it keeps me motivated to do better in the world. And the friends I have made doing projects also ... inspires me to do more service work.

What keeps you engaged? Wanting to see the big impact I have on society and the friends that I volunteer with continue to push me to do better.

ELAINE MAY

Volunteer at local hospitals and for Canine Companions

What makes her a hero: I have been doing ‘pet therapy’ for the last 25 years and every time I enter a hospital I see people (adults, children, patients and staff) smile. Hospitals can be very stressful places and I hope to bring a few moments of joy to everyone I meet there.

What is a challenge you have overcome? When I first started taking a dog into hospitals it was not a common sight. I’ve had to advocate and demonstrate how beneficial pet therapy can be.

What inspires you? I am inspired by the strength I see in the staff, the families and the patients I meet every time I visit a hospital. If I can make the day brighter for just one person when I visit it makes my life that much more fulfilling.

What keeps you engaged? The people! I have met so many wonderful folks in my years volunteering and they have enriched my life immensely. I can only hope that I have touched their lives in a positive way.

What makes them heroes? Rials: Susan and I are the directors of Columbus Food Rescue—which means we organize volunteers to pick up excess food from businesses and organizations [and deliver it to] agencies serving folks in need. CFR also operates Ro’s Kitchen, where some of the surplus food we rescue gets transformed into ready-to-eat meals that we deliver to organizations whose visitors may not have regular access to kitchens or cooking equipment.

What is a challenge you have overcome? Swinford: Fear of failure, of not knowing what we’re doing, of doing things wrong. This was especially true when we first took over food rescue at the onset of the pandemic, because so much was uncertain

EMILY RIALS AND SUSAN SWINFORD

Directors of Columbus Food Rescue

in the arenas we were operating in.

What inspires you? Swinford: The people on the front lines, working without much fanfare or support, choosing daily to face the Sisyphean task of making food accessible to those who need it. Rials: We meet so many individuals who work with food ... who go out of their way to try to keep that food from going uneaten.

What keeps you engaged? Rials: I remember that our work ... also connects to working for access to education, to healthcare, to housing, to dignified work conditions, to a livable planet. Swinford: I’m engaged because being a part of [food access and food justice] is one of best ways I could imagine spending my time.

REV. JENNIFER HINKLE, JIM DIETZ AND EMILY HINTON

First Presbyterian Church, Delaware

What makes them heroes? Rev. Jennifer Eastman Hinkle is the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Delaware, overseeing mission work including Laundry Love, which provides regular laundry services and snacks to the community and is organized by Jim Dietz, and the Kitchen Ministry, which provides over 170 bimonthly meals and is spearheaded by Emily Hinton.

What is a challenge you have overcome? Hinkle: Sometimes it is difficult to find people who are willing to give their time and monetary gifts to support our mission and ministry. However, our leadership continues to think outside of the box to make things happen.

What inspires you? Dietz: Being with others, caring about them and seeing them succeed and hearing their stories. It is amazing when others allow me into their space and share a small part of their journey—they inspire me.

What keeps you engaged? Hinton: When working to feed those in need, a deep sense of purpose keeps me going. Every meal served is a tangible way to make a difference in someone’s life, reminding me that even small actions can have meaningful impact. ... It’s about being part of a compassionate network that cares, supports and uplifts those who need it most.

Community Event

The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus Monthly and Columbus CEO and our partners—Center for HumanKindness at the Columbus Foundation and sponsors AEP Ohio and United Way of Central Ohio—will honor the 2025 class of Everyday Heroes at a Dec. 3 awards reception at Vitria on the Square, where two top Everyday Kindness Heroes will be announced. The Columbus Foundation’s Center for HumanKindness will provide grants to all honorees to bestow on the nonprofits of their choosing: $300 for five semifinalists, $500 for eight finalists and $3,000 each for the top two Everyday Kindness Heroes, who are chosen by the judges.

JUDGES

The following individuals reviewed dozens of Everyday Kindness Heroes nominations and chose the finalists and semifinalists included in this feature package.

Jill Geiger Director, Content & Communications United Way of Central Ohio

Julanne Hohbach Editor Columbus CEO

Laura Arenschield Vice President, Customer Experience AEP Ohio

Kate Oliphint Director, Center for HumanKindness The Columbus Foundation

Katy Smith

General Manager, Dispatch Magazines and Editor, Columbus Monthly

Sophia Veneziano

Everyday Kindness Reporter

The Columbus Dispatch/Dispatch Magazines

Eric Wygle

Marketing Promotions & Community Affairs Manager

The Columbus Dispatch

Artemisia Gentileschi, Hercules and Omphale (detail), about 1635–37. Oil on canvas, 78 3/4 × 98 7/16 inches (200 × 250 cm). Sursock Palace Collections, Beirut, Lebanon © 2025 J. Paul Getty Trust

BY TIM JOHNSON

Scoring for Columbus

How Clark Kellogg continues to give back to his adopted hometown

By Laura Newpoff

Clark Kellogg is a former basketball star and commentator who serves as chairperson of the Governing Committee of the Columbus Foundation.

PHOTO

When Clark Kellogg was growing up on the east side of Cleveland in the 1960s and 1970s, his dad and his uncle were police officers with the Cleveland Division of Police. As a Black man, his dad occasionally experienced racism on the job. He told his children that while some people would treat them differently because of the color of their skin, they were always to treat others based on their humanity and individuality.

During his children’s formative years, the high school three-sport athlete exposed his five kids to the world of sports, knowing the value it would bring to them as an avenue to make friends and understand the importance of teamwork. Kellogg remembers attending Cleveland Browns home games on Sundays where police officers helped with crowd control. “I couldn’t wait to tag along with dad and my uncle as a 9- and 10-year-old, freezing my behind off at the stadium,” he says. “I’d bundle up and the fans would take care of me and make sure I had a hot chocolate and a hot dog.” Sometimes he got to go on the field after games and into the locker room and, if he was really lucky, was gifted an official NFL football. The whole experience offered him a sense of belonging and community.

It was around this age that Kellogg started playing sports himself. It was basketball, though, that truly captivated him. He played at W.H. Kirk Middle School and then attended the Catholic and predominantly white Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School (VASJ). “Clark-Special-K-Kent-Kellogg” would go on to have a high school basketball career that’s been referenced as one of the finest in Cleveland’s history, including a 51-point game that still is an Ohio state finals record. In 1979, he was named Mr. Basketball USA as the high school sport’s best player and a McDonald’s All-American.

In reflecting on his time at VASJ, Kellogg wrote that “sports in general is a powerful yet imperfect example of how the values of care, commitment, effort, love, sacrifice, service and teamwork can bridge socioeconomic and racial gaps. It’s powerful because in my experience in the game of basketball at every level, folks from diverse backgrounds and races have coalesced around the game and a common goal, embracing the work of ‘the many becoming united as one,’ and bearing the fruit of enriched lives

through shared personal experiences and relationships.”

It’s a sentiment the lead studio college basketball analyst at CBS Sports has carried forward to this day through an unwavering commitment to his faith and community service. Kellogg serves as the Governing Committee chairperson of the Columbus Foundation, one of the top 10 largest community foundations in the country. It serves nearly 3,000 individuals, families and businesses that have created unique funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. He was officially appointed to the committee in 2020. His threeyear term at the helm ends at the end of 2025, though he will remain on the committee afterward.

“As an extension of stewardship, I think it’s important to try to lend what God gives you to the causes that can help lift people up and move them forward,” Kellogg says. “That’s how I view having the privilege and honor of

Kellogg was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in September.

From top: Kellogg shoots over several Northwestern players in a 1981 game; Kellogg (33) collides with Paul Heuerman after Kellogg scores a basket at St. John Arena Feb. 7, 1980. Kellogg drew a charging foul on the play but finished with 11 points and 9 rebounds for the game; Kellogg at St. John Arena Feb. 14, 1980.

serving on the Governing Committee. It really leverages the generosity that exists in the community from individuals and businesses alike.”

Coming to Columbus

As a high schooler, Kellogg was considered one of the top players in the country and began being recruited to play in college after his sophomore year. He and his parents met with coaches and traveled to four potential schools—Ohio State University, University of Michigan, Notre

PHOTO BY JOSHUA A. BICKEL/COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Clark Kellogg

Title: Lead studio college basketball analyst, CBS Sports

Experience: Former member of the Ohio State University Board of Trustees; former player for the Indiana Pacers; director, First Merchants Bank; director, RLI Corp.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, marketing, Ohio State University

Community involvement: Chairperson of the Columbus Foundation Governing Committee

Resides: Westerville

Family: Married to Rosy Kellogg, three children and four grandchildren with a fifth on the way

Dame and the University of Kentucky— before he made his decision his senior year in 1979. This was the first time the family flew on an airplane together.

During the process, Kellogg felt like he was being recruited by the entire state of Ohio. He received letters from elementary school kids, governors, prominent business figures and Ohio State University alumni—all encouraging him to become a Buckeye. “Being an Ohio kid, being a Buckeye, would give me great opportunities post-basketball,” is how Kellogg describes it. “I didn’t understand that fully at age 17 or 18, but I could kind of picture it a little bit, and it felt good.” He also liked that his teammates were talented Ohio guys who could contend for championships in one of the best conferences in the country.

Kellogg played for Ohio State from 1979 to 1982 and earned All-Big Ten Conference and Most Valuable Player honors. Highlights included making two free throws to beat Indiana during his freshman year and contending to be conference winners his junior season.

Another highlight of coming to Columbus was meeting a girl named Rosy Swayne during his freshman year at an R&B concert. Kellogg got her phone number, but got cold feet and never called. A couple months later, when his brother’s high school basketball team came to Columbus for a game, he attended and Rosy was there, too. “That’s when we reconnected and I made good

on my second chance,” he says. They’ve been together ever since, marrying in the summer of 1983.

A Career Cut Short

Kellogg declared for the NBA after his junior year. The Indiana Pacers selected him with the eighth pick of the 1982 draft. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1983 and was considered a budding superstar. He even had his own “Special K” sneaker through an endorsement deal with Converse. “I was excited about being amongst the best players in the world,” Kellogg says. “I was trying to prove that I belonged and could stand out in time. There was great excitement and a lot of gratitude for having been able to realize that dream.”

Kellogg developed chronic knee problems that required surgeries in 1984, 1985 and 1986. It was one of the most pivotal points of his life.

“I came to an awakening around my faith and gave my heart and life to Christ in the winter of 1986,” he says. “That became really the driving force of my life, that personal relationship with God through faith in Christ, realizing my life was a gift from him and that stewarding my life was going to be most important in every dimension moving forward. Basketball has been great for me as a player, but it wasn’t the totality of who I was. And so that big change in terms of my perspective and allegiance and loyalty really helped me navigate having to give up playing. It gave me a purpose beyond just chasing a dream of being a pro player. When I had to give up playing, it was painful and disappointing and it brought forth some tears of loss and grief. But it also was, even though I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do, I knew that I had given my life and future to God and was able to trust he would be able to handle what I entrusted to his care.”

Kellogg continued to take college classes after he left Ohio State and earned his marketing degree from the school in 1996. Because of the good relationship he had with the Pacers, the organization hired him to serve as an analyst on the team’s radio broadcasts in 1987. That was the springboard to a future in broadcasting, including serving as a game analyst for the CBS Sports coverage of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in 1993. He joined the station full-time in 1997 as the lead in-studio game analyst for college basketball coverage. A career

highlight was working alongside A-listers Jim Nantz, Tracy Wolfson and Steve Kerr from 2009 to 2013 as the main onsite commenting team for the Final Four. Another was his youngest son Nick’s magical run with Ohio University during the 2012 tournament. CBS put a special monitor next to Kellogg so he could keep track of his son’s games, “a real personal one shining moment” for the family.

Kellogg went back to the studio in 2014. This past September, he was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, receiving the Curt Gowdy Media award. He’s known for personalizing his approach to broadcasting by coining his own buzzwords like “spurtable” and “spurtability” to describe teams that can go on scoring runs.

Connecting to Community Through Philanthropy

Kellogg and Rosy have three children: Clark, Nick and Talisa, all of whom played Division I college sports. The couple has four grandchildren with a fifth on the way, and they have called Westerville their home since 1993. They enjoy board and word games, travel and golf, and watching movies and documentaries with the grandkids.

Among Kellogg’s other accomplishments was serving as an Ohio State University trustee from 2010 to 2019. It allowed him to more fully understand the depth and breadth of the university’s impact in a role that was “one of the highlights of my life.”

Kellogg’s time as a trustee overlapped with that of Judge Algenon Marbley, United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio, and the two have been friends for about 20 years. Both are part of a group of 12 men called the “Golf Nomads” who travel across the country to play different courses as part of their love of the sport. Marbley describes Kellogg as “erudite, well-read and cerebral” and the one who leads group discussions when the men gather for dinner.

With all of his success, Kellogg has remained grounded.

“You won’t find anyone more humble,” Marbley says. “When we travel and people come up and want to take a picture with him or ask questions about basketball, he never is too busy to have time for an adoring public. He doesn’t seek it out, but he makes himself approachable. He’s as real in person as that person you

see on TV.”

After he left the OSU trustees role, Columbus Foundation CEO Doug Kridler reached out and asked Kellogg to consider serving on the Governing Committee when the time was right. For Kellogg, it was the right fit.

“Rosy and I always have tried to be supportive of issues, programs and agencies that promote uplifting people through education, sport, faith, and [we] have always been engaged in philanthropy as a family,” Kellogg says. “In terms of Christian organizations, sports, our church or social service organizations where we can contribute our time, talent and treasure, it’s been a huge part of who we are in terms of connecting to our community and trying to move the world that we can influence forward using what God gives us in platform, visibility, name recognition and resources. Serving with the Columbus Foundation has been an extension of that.”

Kridler says Kellogg has played an important role in the “perpetual fulfillment

Kellogg, a member of the Board of Trustees, waits with other administrators and trustees to enter during Ohio State University’s during Ohio State’s commencement in May 2018.

Clark Kellogg walks on stage to deliver the invocation during the Scholar Athlete Awards at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in 2019.

of the promise of an anchor institution like this devoted to generosity.” He is a positive thinker and team player who believes in the potentiality of people and situations.

“It’s often easy to underestimate folks who are generous in spirit and kind, as if they don’t possess the grit, determination or even fire to achieve. Clark has all of those attributes,” Kridler says. “He has a generosity of spirit along with a finely honed competitive spirit to win. In his case, the win-win is he likes to be a part of a winning team and community, and he’s found that at the Columbus Foundation and in Columbus.” ◆

‘Meeting the Moment’

New Columbus Foundation programs support nonprofits

Nonprofits are facing the dual challenges of increased needs and reduced funding streams, especially as federal government priorities shift rapidly. To “meet the moment,” the Columbus Foundation recently created two initiatives this fall.

The Emergency Response Fund II offers individuals and businesses a way to help provide financial support to area nonprofits as they respond to the increasing pressures they face. Early grants have been made through the fund to organizations serving immigrants and refugees, youth, families and adults experiencing homelessness, food access, educational enrichment programming in schools, and to support local public radio stations.

The Center for Change Management is a new resource being developed at the foundation to help nonprofits build capacity as they navigate and address evolving needs. Hosted within the foundation’s Community Research and Grants Management department, the Center for Change Management will help nonprofits navigating timely and critical change—whether that’s funding shifts, program realignment, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, workforce pressures, partnerships and mergers, or responsible sunsetting.

“The Emergency Response Fund II gives individuals and businesses a way to step up and support organizations responding to urgent needs, while the Center for Change Management will help nonprofits strengthen their capacity to adapt and lead through change,” Doug Kridler, CEO of the Columbus Foundation, said as part of the programs’ announcement. “Together, these initiatives reflect the Columbus Foundation’s commitment to both immediate relief and long-term resilience for the nonprofits that serve our community every day, and to provide strategic ways for donors to maximize the impact of their giving.”

The foundation also honored community members with two awards this past fall. Named in honor of Harrison Sayre, the foundation’s founder and former volunteer director, the Harrison M. Sayre Award recognizes leadership in philanthropy in central Ohio. This year, the award was presented to the Edwards Family in recognition of their many contributions to the Columbus region’s architectural, civic, artistic, cultural, athletic and philanthropic landscape. The family, led by Suzie and the late Peter Edwards, has provided longtime support to numerous area organizations and has created enriching spaces for the benefit of the community. In 2021, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium opened the Suzie Edwards Conservation Education Classrooms, a space dedicated to inspiring children through programs on sustainability and wildlife preservation. The family also supports Adaptive Sports Connection, an organization dedicated to providing recreational opportunities to people with disabilities. Peter Edwards’ son, Dr. Pete Edwards and his wife, Dr. Chris Edwards, recently chaired the organization’s Power of Ability Campaign to raise money for the Adventure and Wellness Lodge, which is under construction.

The Columbus Foundation Award, which recognizes organizations that have made a difference in the quality of life in central Ohio, was awarded this year to ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. Established in 1979, ProMusica is known for its exceptional artistry and community engagement as well as its adventurous programming and commitment to new music. Led by CEO Janet Chen, the organization serves roughly 20,000 central Ohio residents each year through its outreach programs, all at no cost to participants. As part of the award, ProMusica will receive a $100,000 unrestricted grant

BY THE NUMBERS: COLUMBUS FOUNDATION

2024 grants awarded: $307 million

Nonprofit recipients: 5,050

2024 scholarships awarded: $6.5 million, a single-year record

Awarded since its founding in 1943: $4.2 billion

Powering Possibility

GIVING

A GUIDE TO PHILANTHROPY

Acts of kindness have the power to transform lives and communities. The Center for HumanKindness is on a mission to strengthen our connections to one another and spread kindness throughout the community. Kindness starts with each of us.

Kridler

FROM CHANGE TO CONNECTION: A FRAMEWORK FOR OUR TIMES

Even as we each carry our own needs and worries, it is such a fulfilling practice to provide help to others, strengthening our community along the way, and we thank Columbus Monthly for providing this helpful Giving section, and you for giving your consideration to its contents.

I was asked in a recent interview how I was processing these changing times. After observing that there probably is not a leadership course anywhere that has prepared its students young or old for the rate and scope of change underway right now, I offered what I call the Five Cs as a reflection on the times we are in. They are Change, Concern, Commitment, Counsel and Connection. I will briefly cover them here.

For the sake of brevity and their linkages, I take Change and Concern together. These are among the forces that are ever present in the lives of nonprofits and their leaders. Societal and economic changes, from epidemics to financial market corrections, have

always been present as variables. Never have they been particularly predictable and they remain that way, perhaps even more so today—and our nonprofits are being reasonable and responsible when they articulate their concerns for their futures and the futures of those they serve. We are deeply grateful to all who are navigating through these variable headwinds to keep nonprofits alive in their service to others.

Likewise, I take Commitment and Counsel together, in this case because they are two ways we can as donors, volunteers and supporters of our nonprofits, see our way through to prudent responses to the alarm bells we are hearing from our nonprofit leaders. Commitment is something that is in our control, despite all the change and concern, and being able to rely on us all for support in good times and bad will help nonprofits buffeted by the winds of change. Counsel is what can help you develop your discernment of what to support, and when to support

it, ensuring your giving has its maximum strategic and enduring effect. Counsel and community knowledge is at the core of what has propelled The Columbus Foundation’s success as one of the world’s top 10 community foundations today.

Finally, Connection. Connection is, in the end, what giving is all about. We are, as a human species, hard-wired to care for others, and giving is one of the most powerful and satisfying ways to show that care and connection to others. We hope you enjoy reading through the following pages, taking stock of the tremendous work being done by nonprofits, and are moved through your connection and support to celebrate their sacrifice and service to others.

Doug Kridler, President and CEO The Columbus Foundation

Doug

given me hope that we are Your support has and reassurance not alone.”

—Gifts of Kindness Recipient

The Gifts of Kindness Fund at The Columbus Foundation provides timely, critical support to help individuals and families weather the unexpected. Working in partnership with dozens of central Ohio nonprofits, the Gifts of Kindness program helps ensure that one setback doesn’t spiral into prolonged instability.

Established in 2014 through the generosity of the Walter Foundation, the Gifts of Kindness Fund is now supported by hundreds of donors.

Be a part of the extraordinary kindness engine fueling our community!

SPEAK! FOR THE UNSPOKEN

PO Box 534

Grove City 43123

740-237-7325

speakfortheunspoken.com

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $327,295

Employees: 0

Established: 2013

SpeakForTheUnspoken

@speakfortheunspoken

@speak4theunspoken @SpeakfortheUnspoken

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Adoption fees: 10%

Corporate donors: 10%

Grants: 5%

Merchandise sales: 5%

Individual donors: 70%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Andrea Kochensparger

Executive Director

BOARD MEMBERSHIP

Andrea Kochensparger, Chair

Paula Biancone

Elisha Gregory

Abby Shackelford

WHO WE ARE

At Speak! for the Unspoken, we believe every animal—regardless of ability—deserves a life filled with love and care. Based in Columbus, we are a 100 percent foster- and volunteer-powered rescue dedicated to saving dogs and cats with special needs and giving them their best lives. Founded in 2013 to save double merle dogs born with hearing and vision impairments, Speak! has grown into a life-saving network that now supports animals with a wide range of disabilities and medical conditions. From congenital heart disease and orthopedic surgeries to heartworm, parvo and complex dental needs, we provide the care that others often cannot. Our motto says it all: We see possibilities, not disabilities.

WHAT WE DO

Speak! specializes in medical rescue, rehabilitation and adoption for dogs and cats who might otherwise be overlooked. In 2024, 66 percent of the animals we saved had special needs, while the remaining came from special circumstances—puppy mills, shelters or owner surrenders where their future was uncertain. Whether a dog is blind, deaf or simply in crisis, we believe no life is too complicated or too costly to fight for. Every dog and cat in our care lives in a loving foster home, never in a shelter. With a foster network spanning six Midwestern states, there’s always a loving home waiting for an animal in need.

OUR IMPACT

Since our founding, Speak! has saved more than 3,000 animals and invested over $1.6 million in critical vet services.

In 2024 alone, we rescued 185 dogs and cats, covering over $200,000 in veterinary care. Each animal received individualized treatment, rehabilitation and the chance to thrive with a forever family. Our work challenges the misconception that special needs pets are “less than.” Instead, we prove every day that these animals are extraordinary, capable, and deeply deserving of love. From puppies abandoned in livestock trailers to mill dogs learning how to walk on grass for the first time, each rescue is a story of resilience and second chances.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Every year, more than 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized in the U.S., many with treatable conditions or unfairly judged for their disabilities. Speak! steps in where others cannot, but we can’t do it alone. You can help by fostering, donating or volunteering to support dogs and cats with urgent medical needs and special circumstances. Together, we can keep saying “yes” to the animals who need us most. Learn more at speakfortheunspoken.com.

25 Ways You Can Help This Holiday Season

Adopt a family at the Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center or Furniture Bank of Central Ohio.

Have your work holiday lunch catered by LA Catering, a social enterprise of LifeCare Alliance, or Freedom a la Cart.

Give memberships and event tickets to nonprofit museums and performing arts organizations as gifts, such as Columbus Museum of Art, CAPA and the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio.

Do your holiday shopping at Goodwill.

Volunteer with your family through Seeds of Caring or Besa.

Make fleece blankets to comfort patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Take your family to volunteer by serving meals at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio or LSS Faith Mission..

Organize a neighborhood Jingle Run and Walk (with hot cider!) to benefit a local food bank.

Stay at an Arc of Appalachia lodge and support conservation of Ohio’s forests.

Instead of gifts, ask friends and family to make donations to charities.

Craft a personal mission for 2026 that focuses your giving on a few key areas of impact, such as housing or food insecurity.

Become a member of WOSU and support public media.

Knit, crochet or sew blankets to give to Blankets for the Homeless Columbus.

Foster a pet instead of adopting or buying one, since so many are returned after the holidays.

Help Franklin County Children Services grant a Holiday Wish to a child or teen.

Buy Sauce Boss Gang’s locally made Heat with Heart salsas to benefit addiction services at Maryhaven.

Volunteer to read to children at a school or library.

Go caroling at a senior care facility.

Spend time socializing with the shelter cats at Cat Welfare Association.

Host a pet food donation drive for Columbus Humane.

Volunteer to work with English language learners at Festa.

Offer to review resumes and application materials for people looking for work at the OhioMeansJobs Center Columbus–Franklin County.

Donate clothing to job seekers through Dress for Success.

Challenge children or grandchildren to organize a bake sale or other fundraiser for Kids for Wish Kids to support Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

Sign up to be a “food rescuer” and retrieve donations for Columbus Food Rescue.

ALS UNITED OHIO

1170 Old Henderson Road, Suite 221

Columbus 43220

614-273-2572

alsohio.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $3,012,637

Employees: 12

Established: 1983

ALSOhioCnS

SOURCES OF FUNDING

OUR MISSION

To provide comprehensive support and advocacy for people with ALS and their families, while advancing research for new treatments and an end to ALS.

WHAT WE DO

ALS United Ohio is the only local not-for-profit provider of free and comprehensive services to individuals and families living with ALS in Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeastern Indiana. We provide free local care and services. We amplify the collective voice of the ALS community to fight for public policy initiatives that will improve the lives of people living with ALS. We support research and discovery to find causes, treatments, and ultimately cures for ALS.

Organizational giving: 1%

Cause-related: 1%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Marlin K. Seymour

President & CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mark Stach, Chair

Wendy Pingree, Treasurer

Ben Duckworth

Jay Eiben

Cory Messaros

Judy Schmitz

Jennifer Turnes

Beth Wilch

Our three mission pillars are Local Care, Advocacy and Research, and local care is always our first priority. While many organizations fight ALS more broadly, ALS United Ohio works right here at home, providing personalized, local support to those affected by ALS in our communities.

ALS United Ohio was founded in 1983 to serve the unique needs of those living with ALS, their families, and their caregivers. We provide all programs and services free of charge, thanks to the generous contributions of individuals, businesses and foundations in the community. Donations, sponsorships and grants are the organization’s sole source of revenue.

ALS United Ohio services include:

• One-on-one case management by licensed professionals;

• Phone and in-office consultations;

• On-site continuing education;

• Collaboration with hospital-based ALS multidisciplinary clinics at OhioHealth, University of Cincinnati and Premier Health;

• Loans and purchases of durable medical equipment and supplies;

• Loans of assistive technology devices;

• Smar t home technology;

• Quality of life reimbursement grants;

• Education and exchange groups;

• Family and caregiver support;

• Resources for children;

• Bereavement support;

• Caregiver appreciation;

• Newsletters;

• A lending library; and

• Referrals to additional resources.

OUR IMPACT

Last year we served nearly 600 people with ALS, along with their families and caregivers. More than 1,000 pieces of durable medical equipment, supplies, and smart home items were loaned or given to people with ALS. More than $220,000 was provided in quality of life reimbursement grants. 482 patient visits were held at ALS multidisciplinary clinics, and 163 visits took place in the home or office. 73 in-person and virtual support groups were held for patients, caregivers and survivors.

Each person with ALS is assigned a care services coordinator—a licensed professional who is always at the other end of the line. Everything we do is powered by 12 team members who live right here in our area. ALS United Ohio is your trusted resource for navigating life with ALS.

We are present at clinics, we deliver equipment by hand, and we know the people we serve by name. Our team members are more than employees— they’re lifelines. Our nurses and social workers are knowledgeable about the complexities of ALS care. They guide people with ALS through all aspects of their support and care, with personalized attention and continuity of care.

ALS United Ohio’s experienced team members are boots-on-the-ground helping people navigate their illness with independence, connection, comfort, peace of mind and quality of life.

THE BUCKEYE RANCH

4653 E. Main St.

Whitehall 43213

614-875-2371

BuckeyeRanch.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $80 million

Employees: 650

Established: 1961

Areas served: State of Ohio

Locations: 6 locations across Ohio

the-buckeye-ranch/ buckeyeranch/ @thebuckeyeranch

SOURCES OF FUNDING

ABOUT US

Mission: To raise hope and provide healing for children, youth, and families.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Vickie

Thompson-Sandy President and CEO

Fraser Scoyne Chief Financial Officer

Christina Massey

Executive Vice President, Programs and Services

Dottie Garrity

Executive Vice

President, Administrative Services

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Rick Mariotti Chair

Doug Muszynski, Vice Chair

Luke Overmeyer Director at Large

Corporate/ individual: 2%

Government funding: 98%

Mark Howard Honorary Board Member

Joe Gallo Honorary Board Member

Chay Rankin, Immediate Past Chair

Mike Zampini, Secretary

Jessica McNamee, Treasurer

Chip Livisay

Joe Rezabek

Alessandro Ciaffoncini

David Kristal

Beau Arnason

Jessica Cecconi

Reema Abdalla

Brad Beman

Mike McCullough

Our goals: The Buckeye Ranch is a private, nonprofit provider that has been serving children and families in Ohio for over 60 years. Our goal is to continue to understand the lived experiences and evolving real-time needs of those we serve so that we can develop services and programs that set youth and families up for long-term success. Through this understanding, we can fill mental health support gaps, provide comprehensive support to enhance access to services, and ultimately dismantle barriers to care within our community.

Services we provide: Each day, thousands of youth benefit from The Buckeye Ranch’s care, receiving services designed to help them become successful within their families, schools, and communities. With six locations and over 650 dedicated staff, our four service lines-child welfare services, community and education-based mental health services, residential treatment services and integrated care services-operate 17 programs for youth and families across the state of Ohio. In fiscal year 2024, The Buckeye Ranch served over 9,200 individuals via 20,000+ mental health prevention and education encounters through our services in the community.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT

• Monetary Donations: To support The Buckeye Ranch today, visit BuckeyeRanch.org/2025-Giving-Guide

• In-Kind Donations: The Buckeye Ranch accepts a wide range of timely inkind donations for the youth and families we serve in the community through-

out the year. These needs change month-over-month based on real-time needs of those we serve, and you can find our updated list of critically needed items at www.buckeyeranch.org/ get-involved/in-kind-donations/

• Hope for the Holidays 2025: Our Hope for the Holidays program matches donors with families receiving support from The Buckeye Ranch. To become a donor to the program, email hopefortheholidays@buckeyeranch.org with interest. You can also learn more about the program by visiting buckeyeranch.org/ get-involved/hope-for-the-holidays/.

• A Positive Note 2026: The Buckeye Ranch’s signature annual fundraiser celebrates the power that hope and healing have in the mental health journeys of children, youth, and families we serve! Our 5th annual A Positive Note 2026 celebration will happen on May 7, 2026 at Kemba LIVE! If you’re interested in supporting the event, please email Abby Maenle, Director of Development, at amaenle@buckeyeranch.org with interest. To learn more about the event, visit buckeyeranch.org/get-involved/ a-positive-note/.

• Home Runs for Hometown Kids 2026: Each year, The Buckeye Ranch partners with the Columbus Clippers to raise funds to support hometown kids in our community. Donors pledge $1, $3, or $5 for every home run the Clippers hit this season, and at the end of the season, pledge amounts are multiplied by the total number of home runs hit by the team. To learn more about the program or pledge today, visit buckeyeranch.org/ get-involved/home-runs-for-hometownkids/

QUESTIONS?

Reach out to Abby Maenle, Director of Development, at amaenle@buckeyeranch.org or 614-729-9673.

Neighbors Serving Neighbors

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

197 E. Gay St.

Columbus 43215

614-221-5891

colscss.org

LOCATIONS

Franklin County

Our Lady of Guadalupe Center 3631 Soldano Blvd., Columbus

Licking County 1031 Brice St. Newark

Muskingum County

422 Main St., Suite 400, Zanesville Scioto County 2311 Stockham Lane, Portsmouth

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $7M

Employees: 70

Established: 1945

Locations: 5 offices plus 13 senior affordable housing properties where we offer services

colscss @colscss.org

SOURCES OF FUNDING

ABOUT US

Since 1945, Catholic Social Services (CSS) has been a source of compassion, dignity and hope for those Christ calls us to serve throughout our community. Our mission is to help poor and vulnerable seniors and families in central and southern Ohio—regardless of their background—to reach their full potential. Serving over 11,000 individuals annually, our mission is supported by dedicated staff and passionate volunteers who help seniors find connection, guide families towards a brighter future and assist persons with disabilities in finding new freedom. Rooted in the belief that every person reflects the image of God, we journey together as neighbors, empowering individuals to shape their own futures with our unwavering support.

CSS continues to respond to the

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

S. Kelley Henderson

President & CEO

Nicholas Borchers

COO & SVP of Administration

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Angela Savino, Chair

Klaus Diem, Vice Chair

Dr. Mary Ann Abrams, MD

Heidie Cotey

Myranda Duhart

Brian Elliott

Cole Ellis

Deacon Dave Bezusko

Joe Hayek

Tom Heise

Katie Grayem

Joelle Khouzam

Sean Lansing, PhD

Anthony Lobello

Jim Negron

Jodi Naderoff

Fr. Vince Nguyen

Jeff Powell

Kelly Reidenbach

Christine Saunder

Erin Shannon

Michael Shoenfelt

Matt Stroop

John Woods

rapidly growing senior population in central and southern Ohio. With the increasing needs we have developed a strategy to double the number of seniors served in the next 10 years through innovation, volunteer engagement and partnerships. Similarly, CSS has renewed its focus on responding to the unmet needs of families who are trying to build better lives for themselves, but who are balancing the complicated and interrelated challenges of poverty. We help our clients use their own strengths and leverage the support of the entire community to reach their goals. With the addition of new support for families with infants and toddlers, CSS will now serve all generations within our community.

CSS is accredited by the Council on Accreditation to illustrate our commitment to best-practice social services and sound business management.

COCIC-FRANKLIN COUNTY

LAND BANK

845 Parsons Ave.

Columbus 43206

614-724-5263

cocic.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $23.9 million

Employees: 14

Established: 2012

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Grants & External: 62%

DTAC: 16%

General: 14%

Non-DTAC: 8%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Curtiss L. Williams

President/CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Cheryl Brooks-Sullivan, County Treasurer, Chairperson

Frederick Ransier, Secretary-Treasurer

Robert Weiler, Vice President

Sadicka White, Vice President

Joy Bivens

James Jewell

Ron Pritchard

Michael H. Stevens

Victoria Troy

Eric Wagenbrenner

ABOUT US

The Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation (COCIC) is a quasi-independent public entity, known as COCIC-Franklin County Land Bank. In 2012, the Franklin County Commissioners designated COCIC as the agency to combat blight through demolitions, help transfer properties to productive use and provide a countywide resource to assist in neighborhood and community redevelopment.

COCIC works cooperatively with local units of government, nonprofit organizations and other community partners to effectively create opportunities for blight elimination, economic development and community revitalization. Our partnerships help make change happen in each neighborhood, as every partner organization brings certain expertise and experience to the table to help develop healthy, mixed-income and inclusive communities.

To accomplish our vision of “Removing Barriers, Reusing Land, and Rebuilding Communities,” COCIC programs have evolved over the years from an initial focus of demolition to a diverse array of programs geared toward commercial and residential property renovation, land assembly, property transactions, affordable housing, remediation of abandoned gas station sites for redevelopment and stabilization of historic structures.

COCIC’s interventions have done more than just stabilize local real estate markets; they have changed neighborhoods and improved lives in Franklin County.

In 2018, in partnership with the City of Columbus and Franklin County,

COCIC-Franklin County Land Bank established the Central Ohio Community Land Trust (COCLT) to address and promote affordable housing. Operating as a subsidiary of COCIC, the COCLT constructs new, high-quality, single-family homes on land bank lots throughout Franklin County and the City of Columbus.

COLUMBUS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION

1390 Dublin Road Columbus 43215

614-240-7410

cmafohio.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $4.2 million Employees: 12

Established: 1958

columbusmedicalassociation

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Foundation supports healthcare heroes innovative physician-led programs that care, and encourage leadership, good emotional health.

the QR code for more visit cmafohio.org

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Tracy L. Davidson

CEO

Paula Cosby Director

Laurie Hawkins

COO/CFO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Karen King, MD President

Mark Stamm

Vice President

Al Rodack

Secretary Treasurer

Luis Alcalde

Edward Bope, MD

Don Brown

Lamont Clay, MD

Peter Edwards, MD

Jasmine Green

Kanny Grewal, MD

Brett Kockentiet, MD

Jacob Liu, MD

Ahmad Mostafavifar, MD

Marc Parnes, MD

Gaibrelle Reissland

Gayle Saunders

Sara Sukalich, MD

Lisa Wesolek

Columbus Medical Association Foundation

ABOUT US

icine and the Youth Advisory Council. Made for Medicine is a programmatic solution designed to remedy the underrepresentation of African Americans in the medical field. It provides African American youth (grades 6-12) with interests in medical careers with critical foundational knowledge, hands-on learning, simulations, mentoring and more through a three-phased, six-year program.

Investing in the health of your community.

The CMA Foundation supports healthcare heroes and fosters innovative physician-led programs that ensure equitable care, and encourage leadership, self-growth, and good emotional health.

Scan the QR code for more or visit cmafohio.org

The Columbus Medical Association (CMA) Foundation has a long history of investing in the health and well-being of our community. Since 1958, we have served as the CMA physician’s voice to spark innovative programs that solve health and wellness issues impacting Central Ohioans. The foundation’s grant-making philosophy prioritizes initiatives that offer significant, constructive change in health systems. We are committed to improving the delivery and coordination of healthcare services to uninsured, underinsured and vulnerable populations; saving and improving lives through the coordination of trauma and emergency health care resources across a regionalized system; and teaching physicians to improve the patient/provider relationship by combining wellness with leadership. The foundation is actively committed to developing the next generation of physicians and philanthropists through its two youth programs—Made for Med-

The Youth Advisory Council provides a platform for young people (ages 1318) to engage in health care philanthropy and prepares them for futures in community leadership. The council has granted more than $361,000 since 2001 to support programs that target health care and wellness issues affecting youth such as mental health needs, addiction/substance abuse disorder, reproductive health, bullying, self-esteem, equity and inclusion and general basic needs.

For more information, go to columbus medicalassociationfoundation.org.

COLUMBUS URBAN LEAGUE

788 Mt. Vernon Ave.

Columbus 43203

614-257-6300

cul.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $13.8 million

Employees: 51

Established: 1918

TheColumbusUrbanLeague @columbusurbanleague columbus-urban-league

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Government: 57%

Corporate: 31%

Special events: 6%

Other: 4%

Individuals: 2%

ABOUT US

Since 1918, your Columbus Urban League has worked to make opportunities accessible to all. And we are not done. Connecting people to the high-wage, high-growth jobs of the future; building wealth and promoting

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Stephanie Hightower President/CEO

Kesha Garrett Chief Operating Officer

Christina Boulding VP of Advancement

Lorenzo Brent AVP of Financial Empowerment Services

Tonya Little AVP of Adult Workforce Development

Tawanna Williams AVP of Youth Leadership and Workforce Development

Mario Hall Director of Grants Compliance

Sara Bowman Director of Human Resources

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jim Negron Board Chair

Beth W. Murphy Vice Chair

Hussein Awada Treasurer

Brandon Nelson Secretary

Darren Shepard At-Large

Nichole Barnes

Marshall

Melissa Blount-Garner

Tristan Hall

William Jefferson

Giavonni Lucas

Monica Oliverio

Viren Patel

Larry Walker

homeownership in every community; supporting entrepreneurs and growing small businesses; advocating for UNSTOPPABLE people; contributing to a potential $42 billion expansion of our regional economy in the next decade. JOIN US.

EverydayKindness Heroes

Sometimes the beneficiary is a stranger. Sometimes it’s a friend, acquaintance or colleague. We look to honor those who perform extraordinary selfless acts to improve, heal and unite our community.

Consider lifting up the volunteer quietly aiding their neighbors or the community member tirelessly advocating for change. We need your help to recognize the kind, selfless heroes among us.

The Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation has partnered with The Columbus Dispatch to highlight those making our community a better place. Help us inspire kindness by suggesting people, initiatives, or organizations for Reporter Sophia Veneziano to profile. She can be reached at sveneziano@dispatch.com Learn more at ColumbusMonthly.com/Kindness.

DIOCESAN EDUCATION CORP. DBA

EMMAUS ROAD SCHOLARSHIP FUND

197 E. Gay St. Columbus 43215

614-221-5829 giveandgetback.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $4.5 million

Employees: 7

Established: 2021

SOURCES OF FUNDING

OUR GOAL

The goal of the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund is to open the doors to a high-quality, Catholic education in the Diocese of Columbus regardless of financial means.

WHO WE ARE

Individuals: 99%

Corporate and matching gifts: 1%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Fr. Michael Hartge, President Kevin Lowry, Treasurer

Dr. Adam J. Dufault, Secretary

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Adam J. Dufault, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Columbus

Seth Burkholder, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Operations

Leigh Jahahn, SGO Development Assistant Mary Kettinger, Associate Director for Government Affairs

Karen Lasswell, Finance Manager, The Notre Dame Schools, Portsmouth Cecelia Pitt, Principal, St. Vincent de Paul School, Mount Vernon

Fr. Edward Shikina, Pastor, Sacred Hearts Church, Cardington and Marion Saint Mary Church

Theresa Vivona, Associate Director for Advancement

Established in December 2021, the Diocesan Education Corporation is the state-certified scholarship granting organization (SGO) of the Diocese of Columbus formed to allow Ohio taxpayers to redirect their tax dollars to scholarships for education. In exchange for a contribution, donors receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against their Ohio tax liability—up to $750 for an individual or $1,500 if married filing jointly—and help make K-12 Catholic education affordable for all who seek it.

OUR IMPACT

In the four years since its inception, the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund has transformed accessibility to Catholic education for families throughout central and southern Ohio, while providing income tax relief to thousands of Ohio residents.

Our impact includes:

• Nearly $9 million in need-based scholarships awarded and counting!

• 6,500+ scholarships granted

• An average scholarship award of $1,350

• An astonishing 6,823% increase in fund revenues

• Over $10 million saved for Ohio taxpayers!

WHY GIVE

Making a high-quality, Catholic education affordable and accessible for all families who seek it is a philanthropic priority for the Diocese of Columbus. With your gift to the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund, you help open doors to an education that fosters academic excellence, faith, virtue, and leadership, while receiving a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Ohio income tax bill and potentially increasing your refund.

We accept donations via check or on our secure web site throughout the calendar year. Donations may be designated for scholarships at any of the 50 schools in the Diocese of Columbus, or left unrestricted to support families at any school who have the greatest financial need.

Based on tax rates posted by the Ohio Department of Taxation, an individual with an annual income of $40,000 has an average state tax liability of $750. Consult a tax advisor for guidance on your specific situation.

Reduce your income taxes. . .

Did you know that you can redirect the Ohio income ...and invest

It’s true! When you give to the Emmaus Road taxes you al eady pay to create need-based scholarships for students to receive a faithbased education in the Diocese of Columbus?

Scholarship Fund, the state of Ohio allows you to claim a dollar-for-dollar credit* against your state tax liability. Giving - and getting - couldn’t be easier!

income in the state of Ohio, you qualify for this credit.

Five Steps to Making An Impact

Visit www.giveandgetback.org to make a secure gift or mail us a check!

Designate the school(s) of your choosing or choose the unrestricted fund that helps students in greatest financial need.

Save the official tax receipt mailed to youyou’ll need it come tax time!

Enter your donation on line 15 of the Ohio IT 1040 Schedule of Credits

www.giveandgetback.org

Watch your Ohio tax liability melt away dollar-for-dollar and potentially increase your refund!

HATTIE LARLHAM

9772 Diagonal Road

Mantua, OH 44255

330-274-2272

hattielarlham.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $80.9 million

Employees: 988

Established: 1961

Locations: Provides services at more than 90 locations in Northeast and Central Ohio

hattielarlham

@hattie_larlham

hattie-larlham

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Medicaid/ Government reimbursement: 96%

Corporate Support, Individuals, Grants: 3%

Investment Income: 1%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Stephen Colecchi, CEO

John Keverkamp, CFO

Mary Horoszko, Chief Development Officer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Michael J. Weinhardt, President

Kathleen J. Sanniti, R.N., Vice President

James E. Virost, Treasurer

Daniel K. Glessner, Esq., Secretary

Joey Arnold

Peter B. Billington

Thomas G. Caldwell

Stephen Colecchi

Brennan Dias

Jeffery D. Foster

Richard Grossberg, M.D.

Ronald J. Pagano, Ph.D.

Michael Rapaport

Tina Sanzone

WHO WE ARE

Hattie Larlham is a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Statewide, we provide medical, residential, recreational, work training and community employment services to more than 1,300 people. We are proud to provide these services, which benefit not only the people we serve, but also their families, loved ones and communities.

WHAT WE DO

• Round-the-clock medical and daily care to residents at the Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities and at our five Intermediate Care Facility community homes in Northeast Ohio.

• Daily suppor ts and care to residents at 70+ group living community homes throughout Central and Northeast Ohio.

• Classes, activities, and recreational outings through our Excel at Hattie Larlham adult day support programs in Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Summit counties.

• Early intervention preschool education and enrichment at Dahlberg Gibson Learning Center in Columbus.

• A wide variety of work-training and employment services for adults and teens with disabilities in Central and Northeast Ohio.

HOW WE CONNECT

Hattie Larlham proudly embraces dozens of community and corporate partnerships each year to raise critical funds and visibility for the work we do. Our sponsors and partners represent a wide range of industries and trades throughout Ohio and we are fortunate for their support. To us, partnership is about more than just dollars- it’s about a shared vision for brighter futures and inclusive communities. Hattie Larlham is honored to partner with many notable Ohio-based companies, including Brewer-Garrett, that embrace our mission and help us empower all abilities. For over 12 years, Brewer-Garrett has supported Hattie Larlham through various philanthropic initiatives and have generously supported this Profiles of Giving listing.

HEINZERLING COMMUNITY

1800 Heinzerling Drive

Columbus 43223

614-272-8888

heinzerling.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $45 million

Employees: 450

Established: 1959

Locations: 4

@HeinzerlingCommunity

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Medicaid: 98%

Corporate Gifts: 1%

Individual Gifts: 1%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Robert E. Heinzerling

Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rick A. Wanner, Chair

Linda S. Heinzerling, RN, Vice President

Matthew Lehner, CIMA, Treasurer

James P. Marrie, PT, Secretary

Brendan Feheley, Esq.

Karen Heinzerling, DVM

John E. Hollback, Jr.

Leslie Johnson

Rob Koogler

Adam Wilson

ABOUT US

Heinzerling Community provides 24hour care and residential services for individuals with severe or profound developmental disabilities. For more than 65 years, we have provided love and support to over 200 residents who live in Heinzerling Community.

MISSION

The mission of Heinzerling Community is to provide a loving and nurturing home that enriches the development, education and quality of life for people with profound developmental disabilities. Heinzerling Community staff members work around the clock to nurture and develop each resident. This is accomplished through a personalized approach involving many supports, including physical and occupational therapy, communication and social skills, life skills, nursing, nutritional plans, and sensory development for residents. These activities occur at Heinzerling Community and during community outings.

Heinzerling Community provides an important resource for families and is the only service provider in Central Ohio that exclusively focuses on individuals with severe or profound developmental disabilities. Many families seek us out to care for their loved one if they are unable to do so in their own home. Families maintain an active role in their family member’s life while Heinzerling Community provides the day to day care.

SUPPORT OPTIONS

Donate – individual donations provide our residents with adaptive equipment for therapy, daily living, personal

care items, and opportunities to attend community outings. Donate at heinzerling.org/get-involved/donate.

Volunteer – We are currently looking for volunteer groups to spend time doing planned activities with our residents. This is a great opportunity for corporate teams, organizations, and school-age youth. Also, we are in need of volunteers to join and support our fundraising event committee.

Sponsorship opportunities – Support our events with a sponsorship for our annual auction gala, and our annual golf classic.

Make a planned gift – As we plan for the future, we have established the Heinzerling Legacy Society. Donors can make more significant, planned gifts that will have a lasting impact on current and future residents.

HOME

FOR FAMILIES

727 E. Main St.

Columbus 43205

614-461-9247

homeforfamilies.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $8.4 million

Employees: 64

Established: 1986

homeforfamiliescbus

@homeforfamiliescbus

homelessfamfdn

WHO WE ARE

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Government: 84%

Private: 16%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Beth Fetzer-Rice

President & CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Stephanie Couhig, President

Charles Wentzel, Vice Chair

Natalie Cernansky

Glen Dugger

Tammara Flagler

Cassidy Horton

Devin Hughes

Holley King

Stacey Pollock

Andrea Roper

Anita Smith

Home for Families (HFF) is one of Central Ohio’s largest non-shelter providers of housing and stability services for families and youth. We work with more than 1,200 families and youth annually (over 2,500 individuals), to resolve their housing crises, strengthen financial stability, and bridge education gaps to prevent future homelessness.

WHAT WE DO

HFF exists to end family homelessness and disrupt generational poverty. We provide:

• Housing crisis intervention and eviction prevention

• Financial and employment suppor t to foster independence

• Educational enrichment to young learners to break the cycle of poverty

We serve as a long-term exit strategy from shelter—not just a short-term fix— so families can thrive independently and avoid future recidivism.

HOW WE DO IT

We work collaboratively with families to create a personalized path out of crisis. Our many wraparound services include:

• Intensive housing case management and rapid re-housing strategies

• Referrals and access to mental health care, transportation, childcare, and employment support

• Academic enrichment programs, including afterschool support, summer learning, and SPARK (kindergarten readiness)

Our family-centered model is rooted in holistic, trauma-informed care, recognizing that stable housing, economic

mobility, and education are all essential to long-term success and overcoming poverty.

WHO WE SERVE

Our programs support high-barrier families, often overlooked in traditional housing models:

• Over 75% of our clients are Black or African American

• 90% are single mothers under 34

• Over 50% of families enter our programs with zero income

• Many have multiple prior evictions and limited access to community support

These disparities have resulted in record-high family shelter stays, now averaging 118 days in Franklin County. At HFF, we provide families with a critical exit plan from shelter that allows families an opportunity to regain control, stabilize, and rebuild their futures.

WHY OUR WORK MATTERS

HFF’s success is powered by many community partnerships and collaborations. We work with:

• An extensive network of local landlords

• Local, county, state, and federal agencies

• Community-based organizations and corporate and foundation partners

• Hundreds of generous individual donors and families across the country

Together, we address the full spectrum of family needs, ensuring not only a safe, affordable, and stable place to live, but also the skills, tools, and confidence to sustain it for the long-term.

HOMEPORT

3443 Agler Road, Suite 200

Columbus 43219

614-221-8889

homeportohio.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $15.4 million

Employees: 35

Established: 1987

Communities: 47

SOURCES OF FUNDING

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Leah F. Evans

President and CEO

Lisa Roberson

Vice President, Human Resources

Valorie Schwarzmann

Chief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President, Program Operations

Shameikia Smith

Vice President, Programs & Impact

Aaron Wasserman

Vice President, Real Estate Development, SAM

ADAMS | KeyBanc Capital Markets

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tasha Booker, Action For Children

Dawn Carpenter, Community Leader

Robert “Bo” Chilton, Impact Community Action

Scott Failor, Nationwide

Robyn E. Judge, Fifth Third Bank (Retired)

Matthew Keating, Huntington National Bank

Emmett M. Kelly, Frost Brown Todd, LLC

Stephanie Meredith, State Auto Insurance

Cindy Millison, PNC Bank (Retired)

Matthew Orr, Community Leader

Larry Price, L. Price & Associates

Michael Purcell, GBQ Partners, LLC

Denise Robinson, Alvis House

Jose Rodriguez, City Of Columbus

John Rothschild, Newmark

Angie Rybalt, AEP

Cheryl L. Snyder, Park National Bank

Brent Swander, Columbus Realtors

Jill Tangeman, Vorys Sater Seymour & Pease, LLP

Charleta B. Tavares, Community Leader

Sinuon “Sam” Todd, Ohio Department Of Development

Jim Weiler, Robert Weiler Company

Non-Voting Board Member

Christy L. Hune, Team Fishel (Retired)

ABOUT US

Homeport is the leading nonprofit developer of affordable housing in central Ohio. Having served the area since 1987, Homeport owns 3,000 affordable rental apartments and homes in 47 communities. Our 6,500 residents, families and seniors can access a broad range of services, from after school programming to emergency assistance for rent and utilities. Homeport partnerships also link our residents to food, furniture, employment assistance, and medical and mental health services. Homeport is also the largest provider of homebuyer education, downpayment assistance and budget and credit counseling for central Ohio.

We are committed to closing the housing gap for low-to-moderate income individuals, families and seniors, with special emphasis on residents making 60 percent of the area median income or less, which is $61,980 for a family of four in Franklin County.

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER–ARTHUR G. JAMES CANCER HOSPITAL AND RICHARD J. SOLOVE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

460 W. 10th Ave. Columbus 43210

800-293-5066 cancer.osu.edu

ABOUT

Employees: 6200+ faculty and staff, with more than 1,500 cancer researchers and 200+ subspecialty oncologists

Established: 1976

Sites: 21

@OSUCCCJames

@OSUCCC_James

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Individual Gifts 40% Foundation Gifts: 36%

Other Organizations 15% Corporations 9%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD Chief Executive Officer

JAMES FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS

Helena Anderson

Joe Apgar

Josh Barkan

Jeri Block

Kenton R. Bowen

Michael H. Carpenter

William H. Carter

Jeg Coughlin Jr.

Dale Darnell

Tammy Dosch

Ron Ford

MINDY INSPIRES OUR VISION OF CREATING A CANCER-FREE WORLD Mindy never imagined she would one day face a cancer diagnosis. But when she discovered an unexplained lump above her collarbone, she made an appointment with her doctor.

A series of bloodwork suggested cancer, so her doctor referred her to The James Cancer Diagnostic Center, where it was determined she had stage two Hodgkin lymphoma–a rare cancer of the lymph nodes.

It was life-changing news for Mindy, but her Ohio State team’s immediate action provided some reassurance amid the fear and uncertainty, and after six months of treatment, she learned that she was cancer-free.

“On my third PET scan, I got a clean bill of health,” Mindy says. My team

Steven G. Gabbe, MD

Libby Germain

Sarah Benson Hatcher

Cindy Hilsheimer

Lisa A. Hinson

Peter Z. Horvath

Irene J. Levine

Ted Lin

G. Scott McComb

Jimmy Merkel

Cameron Mitchell

Diane Nye

Marnette Perry

Raphael E. Pollock, MD, PhD, FACS

Rich Porter

Mark Puskarich

Luciana Ramsey

brought me out a birthday card, signed ‘happy birthday’ and ‘happy cancer free,’ and there were lots of hugs and tears. It was one of the absolute best days of my life.”

Mindy’s remarkable story underscores the power of early detection and inspires the doctors, researchers and all of us at the OSUCCC–James.

Everyone has been touched by cancer–whether personally, through a loved one or a friend–and that reality fuels our commitment to excellence in patient care and to making medical breakthroughs.

To help more patients like Mindy and support leading-edge research that translates to highly targeted patient care, consider making a gift to the Cancer Strategic Support Fund at: go.osu.edu/supportthejames

W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD

Charles Ruma

Mark Ryan

Amy Shepherd

Julie Sloat

Doug Ulman

Robert C. White, Jr.

Alec Wightman

Jay Worly

Michelle Yeager-Thornton

EMERITUS MEMBERS

William B. Farrar, MD

Cheryl Krueger

Jane T. McCoy

James V. Pickett

David E. Schuller, MD

James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute

The best outcomes for treating cancer come from early detection – and early diagnosis. The James Cancer Diagnostic Center at Ohio State is designed to provide rapid evaluation and a clear diagnosis. We’re transforming care by giving patients direct access to cancer experts who study and treat cancer every day. If you suspect you have cancer, the choice is clear. Choose The James Cancer Diagnostic Center. Visit, cancer.osu.edu/diagnosticcenter.

Mindy, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor and Cancer Diagnostic Center patient.

JEWISHCOLUMBUS

1175 College Ave.

Columbus 43209

614-237-7686

jewishcolumbus.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $15.7 million Employees: 35 Established: 1926

JewishColumbus

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Annual fund donations 74% Foundation administration fee 12%

Grants and other designated funds 10%

Grants for security 3%

Program fees and other income 1%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Julie Tilson Stanley President and CEO

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jonathan Feibel, Chair

Terri Meldrum, Vice-Chair

Josh Barkan, Secretary/Treasurer

Liz Shafran, Immediate Past Chair

Jonathan Azoff

Nicki Bloch

Jason Block

Max Brickman

Andrea Britcher

Bill Byers

Caroline Cohn

Patricia Finkelman

Michael Hallet

Devorah Lipkind Weprin

Michael Lord

Harlan Louis

Sue Podell

Harlan Robins

Aimee Sanders

Liz Sklaw

Phil Weinerman

Alex Weisler

Meredith Weprin

Steve Werman

OUR MISSION

To make Jewish life vibrant, accessible and secure in Columbus, Israel and around the world.

JewishColumbus is where passion meets purpose, the engine powering Jewish life across our city. From early childhood to senior living, JewishColumbus is the largest funder of Jewish programs in central Ohio, fueling connection, education, care and security.

But this is about more than funding, it’s about future-building. Every initiative, partnership and dollar raised strengthens the bonds of community and ensures that Jewish life in Columbus is not only sustained but thrives. Our network of partners, including schools, synagogues, agencies and cultural institutions reflects one shared goal: a united, secure and inspired Jewish community for generations to come.

OUR IMPACT

We build Jewish pride and combat hate. We ignite Jewish identity and belonging through powerful experiences and lifelong learning. From Jewish camps to Israel trips, from PJ Library to leadership training, we connect people of all ages to their heritage and to each other.

PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY

Safety and security are essential to Jewish life, allowing every member of our community to live, learn and celebrate without fear. JewishColumbus is committed to fostering awareness, preparedness and resilience so that our

community remains strong, connected and free to thrive.

CARE FOR THOSE IN NEED

Jewish values call us to show up for everyone. Whether it’s helping seniors age with dignity, addressing mental health needs or combating food insecurity, we ensure that no one is left behind.

CONNECT WITH ISRAEL AND WORLD JEWRY

Our responsibility doesn’t stop at the city limits. JewishColumbus stands with Israel and Jewish communities around the globe—responding to crisis, funding trauma recovery and rebuilding resilience.

TOGETHER, WE ARE THE FUTURE

At JewishColumbus, we believe the strength of our community lies in unity, generosity and shared purpose. Every contribution of time, talent or treasure builds a safer, more vibrant, more connected Jewish future.

JOIN US

Say YES to community. Say YES to JewishColumbus.

JewishColumbus.org

We are living through uncertain and unsettling times. Safety feels fragile. Community feels more important than ever. In moments like these, we are reminded of our deep responsibility—to one another, and to the future of Jewish life.

NOW MORE THAN EVER we must stand together to safeguard Jewish life, provide dignity, expand access, deepen belonging, honor legacy, and inspire generations to come. When we unite as one community, rooted in trust, respect, and connection, we don’t just endure, we thrive.

JEWISH

FAMILY SERVICES

1070 College Ave. Columbus 43209

614-231-1890

jfscolumbus.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $7.3 million (non-operating, pass-through revenue not reflected: $2.8 million)

Employees: 74

Established: 1908

Facebook JewishFamilyServices

Instagram @cbusjfs

LinkedIn jewishfamilyservices

SOURCES OF FUNDING

ABOUT US

Jewish Family Services helps individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency and emotional stability. Driven by Jewish values, our agency has evolved to serve individuals of all backgrounds, both Jewish and non-Jewish, from across central Ohio, including Franklin County and contiguous counties.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Karen Mozenter, CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jennifer Goldson, Chair

Stephen Keyes, Vice Chair

Brian Benson, Treasurer

Dough McCollough, Secretary

Austin Barger, Immediate Past Chair

Ayelet Ben-David

Lavea Brachman

Rabbi Alex Braver

Haley Brickman

Marilyn Brown

Robin Canowitz

Tiffany Grinstead

Kathy Kahn

Sherri Lazear

Rick Meizlish

Gayle Saunders

Alexandra Schimmer

Monica Welt

Rachel White

Rabbi Dr. Tali Zelkowicz

We take an individualized approach to our services, acknowledging the life each person brings when they walk through our doors. We help job seekers from entry level to C-suite find good jobs; partner with companies to expand their talent pipeline; support older adults navigating age-related challenges; help refugees integrate and contribute to the local economy; and empower families to strengthen their well-being.

When community members are facing life’s challenges, from losing a job to caring for an aging parent, Jewish Family Services is here to help.

OUR IMPACT

Our work has a personal and economic impact. Last year we supported 6,426 households, including:

• 2,419 individuals improved their stability through case management and basic needs supports–a 53% increase

• 599 people secured jobs earning average wages of $20 per hour. In one year, those individuals will earn $25 million in wages and generate $6.2 million in tax revenue.

• 630 individuals received 1:1 financial counseling and, collectively, achieved a $1.7 million decrease in

non-mortgage debt and a $540,000 increase in total savings.

• 868 older adults navigated agerelated challenges, including 142 local Holocaust Survivors.

• 231 refugees resettled in central Ohio and began building a life here.

• GET INVOLVED

• Contact events@jfscolumbus.org to learn about our events.

• Make a financial contribution to support our work. You’ll not only make a difference in the lives of the clients we currently serve, but you’ll also make a difference in the lives of their families for generations to come! Visit jfscolumbus. org/donate/.

• Share your time and talent as a volunteer. Opportunities support year-round and seasonal needs, including friendly visitors/callers, senior transportation, professional services, yard clean-up, holiday gift bags, Mitzvah Week and English language support (ESOL). To sign up, contact volunteer@ jfscolumbus.org.

JONI AND FRIENDS

2682 N. Columbus St., Suite C Lancaster 43130

ohio@joniandfriends.org joniandfriends.org/ohio 614-861-8920

LEADERSHIP

Joni Eareckson Tada

Founder and CEO

Shawn Thornton

President and Chief Ministry Officer

Peter Schulze

Chairman of the Board

Jamia Cinelli

Area Director, Joni and Friends Ohio

At Joni and Friends Ohio, we serve people living with disability throughout Ohio, Eastern Indiana, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Columbus is known to be a good area for individuals living with disability; we want to make it even better. Our teams host retreats and getaways and care year-round for families living with disability, connecting them with local service providers and inclusive Christ-honoring churches. Our Family Retreats provide spaces of respite, connection, and joy for special needs families, and our Marriage Getaways offer support for couples navigating life with the disability of a spouse or child.

In addition to serving people with disabilities, our team has a passion for equipping and training church leaders and volunteers for disability ministry. And Joni and Friends Ohio is here to help your church and community become a place where special needs families not only belong but thrive. Together we can follow the call of Jesus in Luke 14... until God’s house is full!

In the U.S. and around the world,

Joni and Friends sees and meets the needs of people with disabilities, all in the name of Jesus. For over 45 years Joni and Friends has been sharing the Good News of Jesus and mobilizing the global church to evangelize, disciple, and serve people living with disabilities. We envision a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ.

Learn more about the programs and outreaches of Joni and Friends, which are making an impact every day. We’d love to get to know you better!

Lower Lights Health

LOWER LIGHTS CHRISTIAN HEALTH CENTER

1160 W. Broad St.

Columbus 43222

614-274-1455

llchc.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $33.2 million

Employees: 199

Established: 2002

Locations: 7

lowerlightschc lower-lights-christian-health-center

SOURCES OF FUNDING

ABOUT US

A community cannot thrive without healthy residents. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and nonprofit 501c3, Lower Lights Health is committed to closing the health equity gap by ensuring every individual has access to high-quality, affordable care, regardless of their ability to pay.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Anton Johnson

CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Steffan J. Moody, Board Chair

Thomas Slemmer, Board Vice Chair

Paul McMillin, Board Secretary

Andy Dorr, Board Treasurer

Seana Mollette

Brooke Jackson, JD

Soledad Nilo

Dannielle Schroeder

Tracy Whalen-Payne

Pastor Chuck Wilson

We provide comprehensive, whole-person care for the mind, body and spirit. Our integrated services include primary care, behavioral health, dental, vision, pharmacy and women’s health, all available to insured and uninsured patients alike. We offer a sliding fee scale to ensure cost is never a barrier to wellness.

Our patient-centered model fosters long-term relationships between providers and patients, ensuring lasting health outcomes and a foundation for our community to thrive.

OUR MISSION

Lower Lights Health ministers the love of Christ as a full-service medical home, focused on whole-person wellness and available to all in Central Ohio.

OUR VISION

To transform the overall health of central Ohio, one individual and family at a time, serving as the heart of the community.

MID-OHIO FOOD COLLECTIVE

3960 Brookham Dr. Grove City 43123

614-277-FOOD (3663) mofc.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $133.6 million

Employees: 181

Established: 1980

Locations: 12

mofcollective

@mofcollective

mofcollective

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Donated food value: 75%

Individual giving: 7%

Corporate & foundation: 6%

Government: 5%

Earned income: 3%

Other: 3%

Workplace giving: 1%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Matt Habash

President & CEO

Nick Davis, Chief Innovation Officer

Arvind Kohli, Chief Financial Officer

Tiffany Bryant, Chief People and Legal Officer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Eric Joyner

Brendan Healy

Christine Murry

Ariana

Ulloa-Olavarrieta

Carol Bradford, MD

Mark Bruce

Donald Dennis

Alex Dinovo

Tony Dowdy Jr.

Liliana Esposito

Amy Gilmore

Caitlin Graham

OUR HISTORY

Mid-Ohio Food Collective was established in 1980 with a mission to end hunger within our communities.Through the years, we’ve grown to become the largest hunger-relief organization in central and eastern Ohio, now partnering with over 600 local charities across 20 counties to feed more than half a million hungry Ohioans every year.

OUR SERVICES

We offer a variety of services including distributing nutritious food through the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, providing meals through Mid-Ohio Kitchen, running free food markets via Mid-Ohio Markets, advancing Food as Health initiatives through Mid-Ohio Farmacy, and educating through our innovative “smart farms” with Mid-Ohio Farm.

OUR IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

family at a time.

DOUBLE YOUR DONATION DAY | DECEMBER 10, 2025 Make your gift go twice as far! For one day only, every donation is matched during our live Telethon with NBC4.

Rev. Virginia Lohmann

Bauman

Mike McCoy

Tammy McConnaughey

K.C. Moss

Lacey Picazo

Brian Pierson

Damon Porter

Brian Sherrick

Matt Weger

Rev. Michael Young

Our services significantly address food insecurity in our region, providing enough food for over 180,000 meals per day. We offer person-centered, grocery-store-style shopping experiences, deliver innovative solutions to access healthy food, and provide educational farming opportunities–all contributing to healthier, hunger-free communities.

OUR UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS

HOLIDAY MEALS | OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2025 Share the Joy of the Season— Give the Gift of Food. This holiday season, you can help make the celebrations brighter for families in need. Support the Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s Holiday Meals Drive and provide comfort, nourishment, and hope—one meal and one

OPERATION FEED | MARCH – JUNE 2026 Rally your team and be a force for good! Join our annual Operation Feed Campaign and help provide nourishing meals to neighbors facing hunger. By uniting your employees around this powerful cause, you’ll strengthen your workplace culture and make a lasting impact in our community. Contact: CorporateGiving@mofc.org to learn how you can get involved.

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT US

When you volunteer with us, you help feed families while building a stronger community. Every hour you give helps us get fresh food to people who need it. Whether you’re sorting food at Mid-Ohio Foodbank, greeting shoppers at a MidOhio Market, getting hands-on at a MidOhio Farm, or preparing meals with the Mid-Ohio Kitchens, you’re part of ending hunger in our community. Our work requires more than 1,000 volunteers each week to meet the community’s needs. mofc.org/volunteer

PELOTONIA

2281 Kenny Road, Suite 450 Columbus 43210

614-221-6100

pelotonia.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $36.93 million

Employees: 20

Established: 2008

Pelotonia @RidePelotonia

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Programmatic Revenue: 86%

Operational Contributions: 14%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Joe Apgar

CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert H. Schottenstein, Chair

Doug Ulman, Vice Chair

Carol R. Bradford, MD, MS, FACS

Renee Cacchillo

Victor Crawford

Cindy Hilsheimer

Raphael E. Pollock, MD, PhD

W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD

Daniel Rosenthal

Steve Steinour

Abigail Wexner

ABOUT US

Pelotonia is a community that is passionate about ending cancer. Through its signature series of iconic and impactful events featuring cycling, outdoor adventure, entertainment and volunteerism experiences, the Pelotonia community accelerates funding for innovative cancer research. In 2025, 7,500 riders, 350 runners/hikers, 3,000 volunteers, 1,800 challengers and countless spectators participated in Pelotonia events including Opening Ceremony and Ride Weekend in August and the third annual Gravel Day, which included the inaugural Trail Run/Hike, in October.

Thanks to generous funding partners, Pelotonia directs 100 percent of every participant-raised dollar to accelerate innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC–James). Since 2008, the Pelotonia community has raised more than $330 million.

The research funded by the Pelotonia community is powering significant scientific advancements and breakthrough discoveries in cancer research that are changing and saving lives. Pelotonia dollars support seven key areas of research funding at the OSUCCC–James: idea grants, Pelotonia Scholars Program, researcher development, strategic investment initiatives, instruments of discovery, statewide initiatives, and the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology. Pelotonia’s impact partnership with Victoria’s Secret & Co., the Victoria’s Secret Global Fund for Women’s Can-

cers, is designed to improve outcomes specifically for women’s cancers, directly supporting progress in the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of women’s cancers.

By supporting Pelotonia, you are accelerating innovative cancer research that is enhancing treatment and therapies for patients, investing in the next generation of scientific talent, and fueling improvements in cancer prevention and early diagnosis. To learn more about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, visit pelotonia.org.

To contribute to Pelotonia’s mission of ending cancer by making a donation, visit pelotonia.org/give.

Light

The Lawn. Light Up A Life.

SAVE A WARRIOR

P.O. Box 218117

Columbus 43221

614-259-8424

saveawarrior.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $2.3 million Employees: 10 Established: 2012

SaveAWarrior save_a_warrior_saw

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Veteran & Fraternal Organization Gifts: 50%

Corporate Gifts: 30%

Individual & Event Gifts: 10%

Private Foundations: 10%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Dr. Ronald S. “Jake” Clark Founder and President

Adam Carr, MBA Executive Vice President

Suzette Heller, MLS Director of Development

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Todd Robinson, Chairman

Larry Wendling, Secretary & Treasurer

Dr. Ronald S. “Jake” Clark, Founder

Adam Carr, Board Member

Tim Scherer, Board Member

ABOUT US

Pioneered by experienced Warriors, Save A Warrior (SAW) is an evidencebased, holistic intervention for activeduty service members, returning veterans and first responders who feel desperately alone. SAW offers more than a program—it offers an invitation to rediscover meaning, purpose and connection through community and science-backed healing.

At the heart of SAW’s transformative work is an integrative approach that draws upon a rich tapestry of disciplines—neuroscience, depth psychology, mythology, ontology, biology, linguistics, metaphysics, art, storytelling and mindfulness. With its patented Warrior Meditation technique, this convergence creates a 72-hour intensive integrative intervention followed by the 500-Day plan for lasting change. The result is a program that meets the full complexity of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress (CPTS)—with equal parts compassion, science and spirit.

Founded on evidence-based practices and an unwavering belief in the human capacity to heal, Save A Warrior has achieved a 99.7% success rate in preventing suicide among its Warriors. As the nation’s first and only National Center of Excellence for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress, SAW stands as a beacon of hope for veterans and veteran families and Ohio first responders.

Each day at SAW’s S/SGT Dick Wood Warrior Village in Hillsboro, men and women take a courageous step toward healing—not only for themselves, but

for all who follow.

Since 2012, SAW has served 3,000 Warriors.

In 2024, we served:

• 63 first responders in

• 38 veterans actively serving as first responders

• 205 veterans

• 11 civilians

• 35% of Warriors are female

• 34 states represented

• 33 cohor ts and four alumni intensives

• 104 alumni return in service

• 87% of donations used directly to Warrior programming

• 2,500 volunteer hours given to SAW

Together, we are building a world where every Warrior is supported in their journey toward healing, purpose and peace.

SOUTHEAST HEALTHCARE

16 W. Long St. Columbus 43215

614-225-0990

southeasthc.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $69 million

Employees: 580

Established: 1978

Locations: 18

Southeast-Healthcare

SOURCES OF FUNDING

ABOUT US

Since 1978, Southeast Healthcare has provided healthcare solutions with a person-centered approach. Our affordable, quality services and programs are available throughout Franklin County and are designed to help you become an active participant in your healthcare decisions. Through ongoing training and continuing education opportunities, our licensed and credentialed doctors, nurses, therapists, case managers, counselors, and administrators provide quality, patient-centered care. In addition to Franklin County, we have locations in seven other Ohio counties. We assist our patients regardless of their ability to pay, and serve people of all ages, cultures, races, religious preferences, genders, and sexual orientations.

WHAT WE DO PRIMARY CARE HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Designed to treat the whole person, our primary care health and wellness services are an integrated model promoting care across all specialties.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Bill Lee

President and CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pat Halaiko, Chairperson

Rev. Tony Burns, Immediate Past Chair

Dianne Fidelibus, Vice President

Kate Hamilton, Treasurer

Steve Sielschott, Secretary

Art DeLeon

Kori Manus

Sarah Lenkay

Tom Shanahan

Eileen Goodman

Kimberly Standfield

Dr. Davina Hicks

Jack Tresoline

David Lane

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

From counseling and therapy to support groups for families and individuals facing life’s challenges, our licensed professionals provide tools and compassionate, confidential support needed to foster healing, resilience, and hope.

SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES

Judgment-free, evidence-based care including prevention, education, outpatient treatment, and recovery support to help individuals and families heal from the effects of substance dependence or abuse.

HOMELESS SERVICES

Our homeless services offer a range of supports to individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity.

VOCATIONAL SERVICES

We view employment as a vital part of the overall recovery process, and our vocational services support community members in overcoming emotional and other challenges by focusing on

employment, economic stability, and life skills.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

We go beyond traditional care to meet the unique needs of our community through affordable, high-quality programs designed to bridge gaps in care, promote wellness, and address social and environmental factors that can affect health. Among our numerous programs are our Rapid Response Emergency Addiction and Crisis Team (RREACT), Heroin Overdose Prevention and Education (HOPE), Human Trafficking Task Force, and Transition Age Youth (TAY) services.

THE P.E.E.R. CENTER

205 N. Hamilton Road

Columbus 43213

614-453-4830

thepeercenter.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $1.3 million

Employees: 35

Established: 2007

Locations: 2

thePEERcenter

@the_p.e.e.r._center

the-p.e.e.r.-center

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH)

84%

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health 9%

Fundraising/ Other 7%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Juliet C. Dorris-Williams, MSW, LISW-S Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tracy Roediger, MBA, Interim Board President Macquarie Asset Management, Distribution Strategy and Innovation Lead

Priscilla Woodson, Secretary/Treasurer

Priscilla Woodson Music Wellness LLC, CLC, Certified OHMAS Professional, and national recording and performing artist

John Dawson, BS, LCDCIII, OCPC

Community for New Directions, President/CEO

Roxann Payne, BA, SWA

Mount Carmel Health System, Manager, Social Care, Community Health & Well-Being

Peter J. Van Allsburg

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Executive Director-Head of ESG Sourcing

Cheri L. Walter, MA

Retired, Community Recovery Advocate

ABOUT US

The P.E.E.R. Center (TPC) is a nonprofit peer recovery organization. We offer daily drop-in wellness, recovery and support services for individuals living with mental health, addiction and trauma. We also offer a daily WarmLine. TPC is 100 percent staffed by persons in long-term mental health, addiction and trauma recovery. Founded in 2007,

our mission is to be a safe, inclusive space for hope, healing and recovery. TPC envisions a world where “Recovery Journeys are Honored, where Lives are Transformed, and where Hope is Sustained.”

Hope Lives Here. Healing Begins Now.

At The P.E.E.R. Center, we believe recovery is not just possible it’s powerful.

We are a sanctuary in the heart of Columbus for anyone navigating the challenges of mental illness, addiction, or trauma. Our doors are open. Our hearts are, too.

Here, you’ll find:

• Peer-led support from those who’ve walked the same path

• Daily activities that spark joy, connection, and purpose

• A media and computer lab to help you build skills and confidence

• A warm meal and a welcoming smile—over 26,000 served last year

• Workshops and events that celebrate every step forward

UMCF

431 E. Broad St.

Columbus 43215

614-885-5020

umcf.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $18.8 million

Employees: 163

Established: 1911

Locations: 5

SOURCES OF FUNDING

ABOUT US

UMCF is a private nonprofit dedicated to helping youth and families thrive across Ohio. With more than 110 years of history, we have remained committed to providing safety, stability and hope to children in need. Formerly known as UMCH Family Services and CHOICES, our organizations united under the new name UMCF to strengthen our impact and expand our reach.

• Transitional Age Youth Services –preparing teens for independence and adulthood.

• Counseling & Psychiatry – mental health support to foster healing and resilience.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Alisha Murray, CEO

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jerry Saunders, Chairperson

Lori Parks, Vice Chairperson

Patrick Rafter, Treasurer

Jim Wilson, District Superintendent

David Hoffman Sr.

Cheryl Taylor-Carson

Alycia Orcena

Donald Hayashi

Margaret “”Peg”” Addington

Sam Gradwohl

Phil Warner

Marsha Wickliffe

From our early beginnings as a ministry of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, operating the Children’s Home in Worthington until 2010, our programs have continued to grow and adapt to meet the evolving needs of children and families. Today, we provide foster care, aging out foster care support, mental health services and family preservation programs that make a lasting difference in our communities.

OUR IMPACT

UMCF helps kids and families heal, grow, and thrive. This year alone, we expect to serve more than 2,000 children through our impactful programs. Every service we provide is rooted in our mission: to strengthen our communities by offering care, nurture, and treatment for children and families who have experienced trauma.

Our programs meet youth and families wherever they are on their journey. We provide:

• Treatment Foster Care & Adoption – safe, loving homes and permanent families.

• Parenting Supports & Community-Based Services – tools and guidance to keep families strong. We serve both youth in the custody of children’s services agencies and community-based youth and families connected through Ohio Medicaid providers.

YOUR DONATION

When you give to UMCF, you’re helping children heal from trauma, find stability and step confidently into brighter futures.

Your generosity makes it possible to:

• Expand access to mental health services for hundreds of youth each year through our community-based programs.

• Recruit and support diverse families for diverse kids across Ohio, ensuring every child has a safe and loving home.

• Provide safety and stability for kids, whether they are with a foster family for a short time or finding forever through adoption.

• Create moments of joy for youth through donor-sponsored events and celebrations throughout the year.

Together, we can bring lasting change to children and families who need it most.

There are more than 16,000 children in foster care in the state of Ohio and less than 8,000 foster families licensed in the state of Ohio. Reports show that more than 25% of the children in foster care are located in and around Franklin County.

UMCF provides services to support foster families and youth including:

- Weekly case management - 24/7 on-call services

- In-home mental health services: psychotherapy, behavioral health services and sensory integration with a occupational therapist - Psychiatry - Ongoing trainings

- Community activities with youth and families

- Support groups/ mentorship

- Recruitment, retention and licensing services

umcf.org 614-885-5020

Connect with us on socials

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL OHIO

215 N. Front St., Suite 600

Columbus 43215

614-227-2700

liveunitedcentralohio.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $26 million

Number of employees: 44

Established: 1923

SOURCES OF FUNDING

A TRUSTED PARTNER

Since 1923, United Way of Central Ohio has served as a trusted convener, bringing together people, organizations and systems to solve difficult community issues. In the more than 100 years we’ve worked to mobilize the caring power of the community, we’ve empowered individuals to succeed at every stage in their lives. And even as we’re constantly evolving to meet community needs, our commitment to uniting the community to achieve measurable results that change lives remains steadfastly the same.

Our long history of strong partnerships and understanding of our community has led us to the front of the line to focus our expertise on the needs of our students and their families with Success by Third Grade.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Lisa S. Courtice, Ph.D.

President and CEO

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Robert Tannous

Chair

Dan Crane

Past Chair

Laura Arenschield

Dr. Seleshi Asfaw

Ayalew

Dawn Barkley

Dorian Bass (PDPL Board Fellow)

Tal Bendor

Barbara Benham

Mark Bidstrup

Rachel Caviness

Dr. Angela Chapman

John Coneglio

Doreen Delaney

Crawley

Jeremy Gutierrez

Robert Heidorn

David Lee

Melissa Marino

Elizabeth Martinez

Steve Mason

Kenny McDonald

Bill McGee

Rocky Parker

Kathryn Rainieri

Stacy Rastauskas

Martyn R. Redgrave

Carolina Trindade (PDPL Board Fellow)

Dr. Sharee Wells

Matt Zarnosky

SUCCESS BY THIRD GRADE

Our young learners are tomorrow’s leaders and innovators. To build a strong future for our community, every child must have opportunities to succeed. Through Success by Third Grade, United Way has joined forces with corporations, school districts, nonprofits, individual donors and volunteers, and government organizations to put every student in Franklin County on a pathway to success by the time they leave third grade.

The ability to read by third grade plays a significant role in a child’s success later in school and in life. Success by Third Grade is not focused on classrooms. We address the barriers that

hold our students back, and work to ensure all children have stable homes, nutritious meals, equal opportunities and resources, and the support they need to succeed. United is the Way to create a better future for our children and for central Ohio.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

• Give to our Community Response Fund to support Success by Third Grade through your workplace or online at liveunitedcentralohio.org/ donate.

• Get involved and meet others who share your passion for a stronger, more resilient community by texting UWCO to 26989 and following us on social media.

TOP PHOTO BY IRA GRAHAM III. BOTTOM TWO PHOTOS BY JONATHAN

VALUES-IN-ACTION FOUNDATION (KINDLAND)

6700 Beta Dr., Suite 120

Mayfield OH 44143 440-463-6205

BeKindland.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $3.6 million

Employees: 30

Established: 1994

SOURCES OF FUNDING

ABOUT US

Presented by Values-in-Action Foundation, the Kindland movement is bringing together communities, businesses, organizations and schools by recognizing and sharing acts of kindness to inspire a ground swell of positivity and goodness. Kindland relies on the power of the people to do, recognize, report and share the acts of kindness happening every day.

Founded in 1994, Values-in-Action’s school programs have trained over 2.6 million students in 73 Ohio counties and across all 50 states to lead with kindness, caring and respect. Its programming provides a variety of ways

we can share acts of kindness, inspire others to do the same, and start important, value-centered conversations.

History has shown that just as easily as people can come together, we can be torn apart by meanness, intolerance and hatred. Kindland focuses on how kindness can continue to be the inspiring link and the bridge that brings our communities together as we work to find solutions and common ground. The goal is to create schools and communities that can sustain a unified sense of kindness, compassion, empathy and understanding.

To learn more, visit BeKindland.com

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Stuart Muszynski

Co-Founder, President & CEO

Susan Y. Muszynski, PhD Co-Founder, VP Training & Evaluation

Mary Alice Casalina VP Education & COO

Amanda Guarnieri VP Marketing & Community Impact

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Carl Allamby, MD, Cleveland Clinic Akron General

Drew Barnholtz, Attorney

Akram Boutros, MD, Community Leader

Mary Champa, American Heart Association

Dan Charney, Direct Recruiters

Alec Davidson, McDonald Hopkins

Tim Dimoff, SACS Consulting & Investigative Services, Ic.

Hon. Francine Goldberg, Cuyahoga County

Domestic Relations Court

Chris Hodgson, Driftwood Catering and Restaurants

Venera Izant, 2Knights Wealth LLC

David Knight, Community Leader

Mayor Ed Kraus, City of Solon

Ray Leach, The O.H.I.O. Fund

Howard Lewis, Founder & Chairman

Emeritus of Family Heritage

Steven Muszynski, Splash Financial

Stuart Muszynski, Values-in-Action

Boyd Pethel, First National Bank

Scott Phillips, Plante Moran

Joshua Sanders, Calfee

Harvey Siegel, COIT Cleaners

Sam Thomas III, Esq., Sam Thomas

Attorney at Law LLC

Sam Vawters, Bedford Schools

Chuck Whitehill, CWE Corp

YMCA OF CENTRAL OHIO

1907 Leonard Ave., Suite 150 Columbus 43219

614-389-4409

ymcacolumbus.org

ABOUT

Annual revenue: $65.5 million

Employees: 494 full time, 1,067 part time and 26 seasonal

Established: 1855

Sites: 13 community centers, 83 licensed child care sites, 1 overnight camp, 1 New American Welcome Center

@YMCA of Central Ohio

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Fees & Government Grants: 45%

Membership: 25%

Programs: 17%

Contributions: 7%

United Way: 3%

Investment & Other Income: 2%

Resident & Related Services: 1%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Tony Collins

President & CEO

Brad McCain

Chief Financial Officer

Erik Farley

Chief People

Equity & Inclusion Officer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Catherine Strauss Chair

ABOUT US

Mission: To serve the whole community through programs expressing Judeo-Christian principles that build a healthy spirit, mind and body.

Vision: Strong communities where all people reach their full potential.

Values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

WHO WE ARE

Garry Linn Chief Operating Officer

Melissa Garver Chief Development Officer

Mark S. Slayman, Immediate Past Chair

Christopher Clinton Vice Chair

Andy Priday Treasurer

Dr. L. Shon Burch

Tara Campbell

David Cepek

Sherean Dudley

Chad Frush

Autumn Glover

We’re more than a gym! We are a cornerstone of the community, serving five generations every day and working alongside our neighbors to meet critical needs throughout central Ohio. The YMCA is the original social enterprise, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that generates revenue through donations, programs and services to fund initiatives that build strong communities. Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility are the three pillars that guide the YMCA’s intentional steps to empower young people, improve individual and community health and inspire action and change in our communities.

Wesley Hall

Darrin Haubert

Todd M. Kegler

Melissa Laber

Jennifer MacKenzie

John North

Robert J. “Skip” Weiler, Jr.

Tim Wells

Lorina Wise

OUR REACH

The YMCA of Central Ohio has a regional scope with a local presence, serving as the heartbeat of 13 communities and five central Ohio counties: Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Logan and Pickaway.

OUR HISTORY

Since its founding in 1844, the YMCA has strengthened communities and improved lives worldwide. Established locally in 1855, the YMCA of Central Ohio continues a 170-year legacy of meeting critical community needs, connecting generations and strengthening communities.

OUR IMPACT

In 2024, the YMCA connected our community to the resources needed for healthier, stronger, more connected lives. We served 44,377 youth through youth development programs, supported 5,000+ working families with quality child care and helped 160,933 individuals improve whole-person health. We provided $1.3+ million in financial assistance to increase access and delivered critical shelter, housing and outreach services to 11,974 individuals, families and seniors to meet their basic needs.

WAYS TO SUPPORT

Give today to the YMCA to empower youth, strengthen families and build a stronger, more connected central Ohio: ymcacolumbus.org/give

PHOTO COURTESY YMCA

Accelerating Angels Foundation is building a community where women entrepreneurs and angel investors learn, connect and thrive. Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit equips women founders with the education, mentorship and resources to secure funding, while preparing new investors to support them. Your gift today fuels growth and opens doors for women-led startups. Together, we create lasting social and financial impact. Join us: AcceleratingAngels.com/foundation

ACCELERATING ANGELS

5 North St., Dublin, OH 43017

614-339-6477 acceleratingangels.com

Dress for Success Columbus empowers all women to achieve economic independence through career development, professional attire and a supportive network. As a leading workforce development organization, we help women build confidence and advance toward self-sufficiency. Our programs promote equity and ensure women can obtain, sustain and grow in their careers—creating lasting impact for themselves, their families and the community.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS COLUMBUS

1204 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43219

614-291-5420

www.dfscmh.org

As the nonprofit arm of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation ensures every Columbus resident can play, explore and thrive. The foundation supports green spaces and youth programs, protects the environment and promotes health and wellness. By bridging funding gaps, we champion access to critical green spaces for generations to come.

COLUMBUS RECREATION AND PARKS FOUNDATION

P.O. Box 156 Columbus, OH 43216

614-626-5740

crpfoundation.org

Families Flourish offers a three-year program that transforms the lives of low-wage working families and their children by providing a comprehensive path to economic mobility and wellness. This is accomplished through life coaching, rent support, and monthly required programs that promote housing and economic stability, career advancement, and generational change for their children. Families Flourish creates a future where our families are empowered to unleash their talents.

FAMILIES FLOURISH, INC.

633 Parsons Ave. Columbus, OH 43206

614-787-7129

familiesflourish.org

Modcon Living is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving homes and revitalizing neighborhoods so individuals can live safely, independently, and with dignity. Through programs like Safe at Home, the Tool Library, and the annual Rebuilding a Healthy Neighborhood event, we provide essential repairs, accessibility modifications, and volunteer-driven projects for seniors, veterans, and low-income families. Together, we’re strengthening communities, one home at a time.

MODCON LIVING

3840 E. 5th Ave. Columbus, OH 43219

614-258-6392

modconliving.org

Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center was founded in 2000 by a survivor who discovered a critical gap in the criminal justice system: crime victims had rights, but no place to report and receive assistance when their rights were violated. OCVJC has provided free legal assistance to over 11,500 crime victims and established favorable case law that protects individual victims and reduces victims’ rights violations. Join us in the movement!

OHIO CRIME VICTIM JUSTICE CENTER

P.O. Box 369

Powell, Ohio 43065

614-848-8500

ocvjc.org

A changing world needs a strong foundation. At Oakstone Academy, we combine tradition with innovation to create a learning environment where every student can thrive.

3 Content-rich K–12 curriculum

3 Preschool: Multi-sensory experiences

3 Small learning groups

3 Character education

Discover how Oakstone Academy helps students grow.

OAKSTONE ACADEMY 900 Club Drive Westerville, OH 43081

614-899-2838

oakstoneacademy.org

Join us and learn to fold origami (paper folding)! Ohio Paper Folders has taught thousands of people of all ages to fold origami. Origami is a fun art form that can be learned quickly, yet is limited only by your imagination. OPF hosts free monthly meetings and teaches origami in libraries, hospitals, festivals and other venues. Visit our website for meeting schedule.

OHIO PAPER FOLDERS

P.O. Box 264 Granville, Ohio 43023

740-334-4213 ohiopaperfolders.com

Beautiful trails in natural settings. Education and events for all ages.

The 13 parks and trails in the Preservation Parks of Delaware County system exist to protect and conserve natural and historical features and to inspire outdoor exploration and learning.

Your support preserves habitats that are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visit preservationparks.com to learn more or preservationparks.com/foundation to donate.

PRESERVATION PARKS OF DELAWARE COUNTY 2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, OH 43074 740-524-8600 preservationparks.com

Vineyard Community Center is a faith-based nonprofit in Westerville/Columbus partnering with Vineyard Columbus and local organizations to serve our city. Through programs like ESL classes, free medical clinics, a crisis pregnancy program, food pantry, immigration counseling, adult day services and a counseling center, we strengthen individuals and families. Our mission: To become best friends with our city, one life at a time.

VINEYARD COMMUNITY CENTER 6000 Cooper Road Westerville, OH 43081 614-259-5238 vineyardcommunitycenter.org

CELEBRATING COLUMBUS WITHSTORIES THAT INFORM, INSPIRE AND ENGAGE

A special quarterly section of Columbus Monthly

EDITED BY JULANNE HOHBACH

HELPING MOMS AND BABIES THRIVE

Local organizations are focusing on maternal health as part of a broader effort to help babies reach their first birthday. Page 94

THE GO-TO GUIDE: SLEDDING HILLS

24 winter fun spots offering thrills from mild to wild Page 98

BY TIM

CelebrateOne staffers (from left)

Agata Brenneman, Danielle Tong, Amanda Zabala and Asha Basha at the program’s First Birthday Bash

PHOTO

JOHNSON

Helping Moms and Babies Thrive

CelebrateOne, Moms2B and others are working to boost maternal health as part of a broad-based effort to reduce infant mortality rates in Franklin County.

By Kathy Lynn Gray

When Jalyn Cantrell moved to Columbus from Dayton in 2021, the single mother of two boys spent much of her time shuttling her oldest son, Jaidyn, back and forth to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for kidney dialysis.

She also was pregnant and knew few people in the city.

But Cantrell has never been shy about seeking help, so when she heard about two programs that help moms-to-be, she jumped at the chance to participate.

“They’re like the family I didn’t have here,” Cantrell says about the organizations, CelebrateOne and Moms2B. “They made me feel safe, at ease and at home, and there was no judgment at all.”

The organizations are perhaps the most recognizable ones in Franklin County seeking to curb the area’s higher than average infant mortality rate, defined as the number of babies who die before the age of 1 per 1,000 live births.

When CelebrateOne was established in 2014 by Columbus City Council, Franklin County’s infant mortality rate was 8.4, significantly higher than the national rate of 5.82 deaths per 1,000 births and the Ohio rate of 6.8.

Even more troubling was the disparity between the number of white and Black babies who died. At the time, nearly three times as many Black babies died before their first birthday than white babies. CelebrateOne was set up to change that by helping pregnant women both through direct services and referrals, targeting the 16 ZIP codes in Franklin County with the highest infant mortality rates. After 11 years, the efforts seem to be working.

Franklin County’s overall infant mortality rate dropped to 7.4 per 1,000 live births in 2024, compared with 8.4 in 2014. The rate for non-Hispanic Black babies fell to 10.2, compared with 16.2 in 2014, and the rate for non-Hispanic white babies was 4.7, compared with 5.7 in 2014. The most recent data for Hispanic babies shows a rate of 5.9 for the five-year period between 2019 and 2023.

While Franklin County’s overall infant mortality rate remains higher than

the national rate of 5.5 and the state’s 6.6 rate, Ohio’s rates for both non-Hispanic Black babies (12.6) and non-Hispanic white babies (5.1) both were higher in 2024 than the county’s rates.

“We’ve seen a steady decrease in the rate,” says CelebrateOne executive director Danielle Tong, noting that the program’s goal is to bring the county’s overall infant mortality rate to 5.0 by 2030.

Tong became CelebrateOne’s director two years ago, but her passion for the work began much earlier, when she worked in infant and maternal health for the Ohio Department of Medicaid. In 2016, when she was 29 weeks pregnant, her uterus ruptured and she nearly died. Her son was hospitalized for seven weeks after birth.

The experience cemented her drive to help other pregnant women. She realized that when she was rushed to the hospital with severe pain, she was admitted only because her husband is a doctor and convinced hospital personnel to do so. Her uterus ruptured a few hours later and hospital staff saved her life.

Other women in similar situations might not be as fortunate. “I could see why babies and their moms were dying; so many moms are discharged and bleed out at home,” she says.

While her son was hospitalized, she had to quit her job with Medicaid so the family could join her husband’s health insurance plan rather than paying for her costly COBRA coverage. “I loved my job, but I had my husband to fall back on, and there are so many families who don’t,” she says. “Having this happen gave me a whole different perspective, and that’s why I can’t step out of this work.”

Moving the Needle

CelebrateOne, as well as Moms2B and other organizations, are trying to keep babies healthy in part by focusing on maternal health.

The leading cause of infant mortality is premature birth, defined as a birth before 37 weeks of gestation; this accounted for a quarter of the infant deaths in 2024 in Franklin County, according to the city of Columbus Infant Mortality Report. Tong says multipronged tactics to reduce premature births are behind many of her group’s efforts, including reducing stress by helping to provide adequate housing and nutritious foods to eat.

CelebrateOne provides multiple direct services to women, including free pregnancy tests available for pickup at local libraries, classes on safe sleep practices and infant safety, and free diapers,

Moms2B staffers at a doula support event at Ohio State’s Healthy Community Center

car seats and portable cribs. It also puts on two major events each year. One is a baby shower, where moms-to-be can connect to job services, educational opportunities and community organizations, as well as receive necessities like diaper bags. The second is the First Birthday Bash, where families can connect with community organizations and celebrate with smash cakes and other free items. In 2025, 1,500 people signed up for the birthday party, which was held Oct. 25 at COSI.

“We try to make sure all aspects of a family’s pregnancy work together, so families don’t have lapses in care,” Tong says.

Of CelebrateOne’s 24 employees, eight are connectors, who help moms-to-be set up appointments with obstetricians and link them with organizations that can provide housing, food assistance and infant education classes. In 2024, the organization began providing doula services to help participating women before, during and after a baby’s birth.

“I like to say we’re troubleshooters,” Tong says. “We work wherever we need to.”

About 35 percent of CelebrateOne’s $7.2 million annual budget comes from the city of Columbus, and the rest is funded by grants from the state and other supporters, including Franklin County, the Worthington Companies Foundation and Huntington National Bank.

Beyond providing direct assistance, much of the group’s work helps families indirectly, linking them to numerous nonprofits and government agencies that partner with CelebrateOne. Those include Columbus Public Health, Moms2B, Physicians CareConnection, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, Dads2B and Mothers Cove. Those groups and many others also refer women to CelebrateOne.

Moms2B’s Mission

A program of Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Moms2B was founded in 2010 by pediatrician Dr. Patricia Gabbe and infant mental health specialist Twinkle French Schottke as a 10-week research project to help women in poverty learn about nutrition. The hope was that the project would reduce the high infant mortality rate among urban African American women. Now, the program helps about 600 women a year through weekly meet-

ings, both virtual and in person, where pregnant women and new moms share their stories and learn how to care for their babies.

Participants receive diapers, wipes, a first aid kit and other necessities, as well as check-in calls from Moms2B team members.

Dr. Kamilah Dixon, medical director of Moms2B, says the organization is funded through multiple sources, including CelebrateOne, Ohio Medicaid and donations. Women come to the program through word-of-mouth, social worker or physician referrals, other organizations and health fairs. There are no income requirements, but Dixon says a good portion of participants are on Medicaid. Moms2B has 10 employees excluding Dixon and a fiscal 2026 budget of $1.6 million.

Dixon says she’s constantly trying to innovate ways to help moms and pregnant women, which is how the virtual weekly meetings started. The group also sponsors a virtual breastfeeding support group on Tuesdays and is considering creating an app. “We continually look at how we can serve people better and how we can expand to serve more people,” she says.

Cantrell has been an avid Moms2B participant, first when she was pregnant with her now 4-year-old, Jaxon, and again with her 4-month-old, Ryder.

She attends their weekly support meetings and has welcomed many of the free baby supplies they’ve offered, including diapers, wipes, a car seat and a portable crib. But the most important help has been the emotional support the groups have provided.

“They constantly check in on you, and they’re nurturing,” she says. “It’s for new moms, young moms, even seasoned moms. It’s your family.”

Physician Referrals and Support

Physicians CareConnection is another group helping pregnant women. An affiliate of the Columbus Medical Association, it has provided health care for vulnerable people since 1993. Since 2016, it has served pregnant women in Franklin and contiguous counties by reviewing their needs and connecting them with prenatal services, says President Isi Ikharebha Green. PCC also offers charity medical and dental appointments and social support services.

CelebrateOne, hospitals and other partners refer women to the organization, and then the group’s 11 care coordinators get to work. “We help them find a physician and link them with services they might need,” Green says.

“The idea is to help the moms-to-be and their child and to set them on the road to a good future.” After a referral to prenatal care, PCC circles back to make sure the woman has taken advantage of the care, Green says, and provides additional help if needed.

“The biggest issue with prenatal care is transportation, and we can directly provide that and teach a pregnant woman how to set up transportation,” she says. “A lot of these moms, we help organize things for them and help them understand and maximize the resources that exist.”

RESOURCES FOR EXPECTANT AND NEW PARENTS

CelebrateOne, a city of Columbus initiative to reduce infant mortality, columbus.gov/government/ mayors-office/initiatives/ celebrateone

Moms2B, an Ohio State University affiliated program whose mission is to help low-income women have healthy babies, wexnermedical.osu. edu/obstetrics-gynecology/ pregnancy/moms2b

Dads2B, part of the Urban Family Development Center, offers educational sessions to help expectant dads be successful, urbanfdc.org

Ohio Better Birth Outcomes, a collaborative working to reduce the infant mortality rate by improving health services for women and their families, ohiobetterbirthoutcomes.org

Motherful, a nonprofit organization founded by single mothers that offers support, activities and help to other single moms, motherful.org

Physicians CareConnection, connects women with affordable, convenient prenatal care and resources for a healthy pregnancy, pcchealth.org

One woman was living in her car when Physicians CareConnection stepped in. They found her a place to live, paid her rent and, when she moved to Toledo to escape family violence, helped her finish her medical assistant education and then attend nursing school. Because of the assistance, she was able to keep her baby and eventually support herself.

“We can be as high touch as they need,” says Green. “We let them decide if they want us as an advocate throughout their pregnancy or just once.” Last year, the group helped 500 women and is on track to help even more in 2025, she says.

Another local group striving to bring down the infant mortality rate is Ohio Better Birth Outcomes, a coalition of OSU Wexner Medical Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, OhioHealth and Mount Carmel Health System.

Christine Sander, OBBO’s director, says the group’s role is to improve prenatal care and to connect that care with other organizations. One push has been to encourage obstetricians to question moms-to-be about 10 social determinants of health, such as safe housing and food stability, once a trimester. Using that information, OBBO connects women to community programs that can help.

OBBO also encourages safe sleep for infants by giving new moms baby “sleep sacks” to take home from the hospital, helps pregnant women get prenatal care and links them to the Legal Aid Society.

“We are focused on the long term,” Sander says. “This is marathon work, but we’ve seen our rates decrease over the last 10 years. We need to keep doing what we can keep doing. If we’re not ensuring pregnant women have food, transportation and housing security, we’ll still have infant mortality. That’s where groups like Moms2B and others come into play. It takes all of those things to really make an impact over time.” ◆

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Quentin McBride enjoys a cupcake with his mom, Demaris McBride, at the CelebrateOne First Birthday Bash.

Snow Much Fun: Sledding Hills to Explore

Here are 24 spots to find winter fun, with downhill options ranging from mild to wild.

By Nichole Frederick

When the perfect snow conditions are in place, it’s an ideal time to hit the hills.

To help maximize your winter fun, we’ve curated a list of the Columbus area’s top sledding spots. Whether you’re seeking a thrill ride down a steep slope or looking for a gentle hill for youngsters, you can bundle up, embrace the chill and find a new place to explore.

Many of these sites have designated sledding hills while others, including a number of Columbus city parks, simply have suitable hills for a safe and fun slide. Remember to put safety first. Don’t sled or snowboard near trees, fixed objects or ponds, and make sure your child wears a helmet.

Check city and park websites and social media for up-to-date information and possible closures.

To suggest an addition to our list, send an email to contact@columbusparent.com.

COLUMBUS/CENTRAL

Scioto Audubon Metro Park

400 W. Whittier St.

Just south of Downtown on the Scioto River, visitors to this 120-acre park will find a sledding hill located between the obstacle course and the bocce courts.

COLUMBUS/CLINTONVILLE

Clinton-Como Park

3299 Riverside Drive

Great for younger kids, this long but milder sledding hill is located near West Weber Road in the southern half of the park. There is limited on-site parking.

Whetstone Park and Columbus Park of Roses

3923 N. High St.

The 13-acre Park of Roses, located within Whetstone Park, offers hills and other rolling spots perfect for winter thrills. The surrounding park area pro-

vides wide-open spaces that are ideal for fun in the snow. Ample parking is available.

COLUMBUS/NORTHWEST

Antrim Park

5800 Olentangy River Road

Little sledders will love riding down the gentle, snowy hill at this 123-acre park between Clintonville and Worthington.

Quarry Trails Metro Park

2600 Dublin Road

Built at the Marble Cliff Quarry site, this park features two sledding hills across from the mountain bike area. One, the largest in the Metro Parks system, takes riders on a 350-foot run that drops nearly 100 feet, while the other is more suitable for younger children. There also are designated trails for cross-country skiing. Parking is available at the top and bottom of the hill.

PHOTO BY

Children sled at Olentangy Parklands in Worthington during a snow day in January.

COLUMBUS/SOUTHWEST

Big Run Park

4205 Clime Road

Derby Hill, a dedicated track for soap box derby racing, becomes a popular sledding spot when snow covers this 273-acre park. Sledders can choose between the hill’s bumpy side or a smooth side. Follow the main road to the end to find the sledding area.

DELAWARE

Delaware State Park

5202 U.S. Route 23 N.

A sledding hill can be found near the Sweet Gum picnic area close to the south entrance to Mink Run Trail. Visitors can also cross-country ski on the hiking trails, conditions permitting.

DUBLIN

Ballantrae Community Park

6350 Woerner Temple Road

In winter, “Bunny Park,” nicknamed after the Dancing Hares sculpture that sits atop the sprayground hill, turns into a sledding destination. The city places hay bales on the hill for safety.

GAHANNA

Gahanna Municipal Golf Course

220 Olde Ridenour Road

You’ll find this popular sledding hill on the north side of the course. Parking is available at the clubhouse.

GALLOWAY

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

1775 Darby Creek Drive

Park at the Alkire Road entrance and find three sledding hills near the canoe launch and the Ohio to Erie Trailhead. With hills of different heights, there’s something fun for every age.

GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS

Wyman Woods Park

1520 Goodale Blvd.

Find an ideal sledding spot with moderate inclines for all ages at this small city park. Parking is available, and restrooms are open at the shelter house.

GROVE CITY

Fryer Park

3899 Orders Road

A family fun destination for Grove City residents, this 110-acre park has a desig-

nated sledding hill near the Century Village historical area. The park has a shelter area, restrooms and ample parking.

GROVEPORT

Walnut Woods Metro Park

6723 Lithopolis Road

An easy-to-navigate hill perfect for young riders is located in the Buckeye Area of this 1,400-acre park. Visitors also will find parking, restrooms and a shelter.

HILLIARD

Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park

3800 Veterans Memorial Drive

On a snowy day, you’ll find the locals in the city’s largest park, which has a designated sledding hill between the baseball fields and the aquatic center.

LEWIS CENTER

Alum Creek State Park

3615 S. Old State Road

This park might be known for boating and swimming, but there’s also a great sledding hill near the multipurpose trail off Africa Road. Sledding is prohibited near the dam.

Highbanks Metro Park

9466 U.S. Route 23 N.

The Big Meadows picnic area hosts two sledding hills, one for children ages 10 and younger. The picnic area in this 1,200-acre park has a shelter, large play fields and restrooms.

PICKERINGTON

Sycamore Creek Park

481 Hereford Drive

This scenic city park features a designated sledding hill. Restrooms are not open during winter months.

POWELL/LIBERTY TOWNSHIP

Liberty Park

2845 Home Road

This spacious township park has a slope for sledding at the east end next to the accessible playground. Restrooms are available near the tennis courts.

REYNOLDSBURG

Blacklick Woods Metro Park

6975 E. Livingston Ave.

The park’s golf course has a moderate-sized hill that turns into a prime sledding location in winter. The course’s restrooms are available to visitors.

UPPER ARLINGTON

Thompson Park

4250 Woodbridge Road

The hill in Thompson Park has long been a local favorite. Find it in the middle near the north shelter, but be aware there is a bit of a walk from the parking lot. Ample parking and restrooms are available.

WESTERVILLE

Alum Creek Park South

535 Park Meadow Road

Opened in 2019, the sledding hills here were crafted for winter fun, offering a steep slope for adrenaline seekers and a gentle hill fit for young riders.

Sharon Woods Metro Park

6911 Cleveland Ave.

The sledding area is located just north of the main entrance and includes two slopes, one a “bunny” hill for little thrill seekers.

WHITEHALL

Whitehall Community Park

402 N. Hamilton Road

This city-owned park offers winter fun for all ages, with multiple hills suitable for sledding. Shelters are available, but restrooms may not be open.

WORTHINGTON

Olentangy Parklands

600 W. Wilson Bridge Road

No sled? No problem! This park has its own Little Sled Library where riders can grab a sled, hit the slopes, and return it when they’re done. The park has two sledding hills to suit various ages. Go to columbusmonthly.com/columbus-parent for an extended version of this story with 19 more sledding hills.

Twins Emma (bottom) and Mo Wilkins sled at Olentangy Parklands.

home & style

BY

TIM JOHNSON

A Custom Dream The Bellepoint Company helped design and build a fully custom, Texas Hill Country-inspired home in Powell. Learn more about the process and inspiration, Page 102.

PHOTO

Grand piano in the Bellepoint Co. custom build

Nature Inspires a Custom New Build in Powell

When Sam Teitt visited a college friend in Austin, Texas, in the fall of 2020, they took a day trip to drive through Texas Hill Country. Known for rolling hills, scenic rivers and picturesque towns, the co-founder of custom homebuilder Bellepoint Company was struck by the region’s architectural style. The homes are inspired by the rugged landscape and blend the use of natural, local materials like stone, wood and metal with modern amenities. The homes feature seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces and are designed for practicality and functionality.

In the spring of 2021, Teitt was introduced to a couple by Realtor Laurie Elsass when they were looking for a place to build their dream home. That fall, they purchased an 11.25-acre property in Powell that features woodlands, a meadow, creek and natural foliage like prairie grasses. When Teitt asked the couple what kind of architectural style they were considering, he sensed they were unsure.

“I asked them if they had ever heard of the Texas Hill Country style and they said, ‘No, never,’ ” Teitt recalls. “I pulled out my phone and started Googling images. ‘That is awesome,’ they said. It takes the country rural aesthetic but has this modern styling to it. They are very clean, simple structures made with local materials.”

After the meeting, he met with the couple’s architect, Brian Jones of the Jones Studio in Columbus. “We met with Brian and shared that we had been discussing the Texas Hill Country architectural aesthetic,” Teitt says. “In classic Brian fashion, he took that early idea and elevated it to a level we hadn’t imagined.”

The two companies partnered to design and build a 7,350-square-foot home that was finished in the fall of 2023. It features several different structural zones, including a resort-like outdoor space with a pool, hot tub, bar and sauna; outdoor terraces; and large panes of glass to let in natural light and provide dramatic exterior views of the pool, meadow and creek. Materials used include several different types of wood (including white oak), as well as steel, metal, concrete and stone inspired by the masonry of many structures in the nearby historic Dublin.

“There’s an integration of rustic wood materials juxtaposed with more modern window sizes and metal roofing and a very simple massing of the structures—it’s not just one big block of a home, it is separated into different masses and simple shapes,” Teitt says. “The architectural style is something that doesn’t look out of place in Columbus, but it’s not familiar to the area. It’s new and it fits this hobby farm, rolling hill setting the clients have at their property.”

Teitt’s favorite feature is the cantilevered portion of the first floor at the rear of the home. “It’s a distinctive architectural element that sets the back of the house apart and showcases the architect’s creativity,” he says. “A simple form, executed in an unexpected way, creating a striking and memorable design moment.”

Jones says the new build is organized unlike traditional homes that have a room behind a room behind a room. “This is organized almost like a train car,” he says. “If the landscape is the 50-yard line, the rooms are really set up to have that view. The house turns its back to the front and all the views

Story by Laura Newpoff | Photos by Tim Johnson

are at the back, toward the pool, meadow, creek and woodlands.”

The house was designed to avoid being the typical suburban structure. That includes the way the landscape was handled. There are no conventional box wood foundation plantings. The meadow comes right up and meets the house and there are little, natural lawn paths that make their way out into the landscape.

“My favorite feature is the siting and the way the house knits into the landscape,” Jones says. “The way you approach the house, it feels like it has a domestic Ohio character. It feels solid with Ohio materials of barn wood and stone you can see in Old Dublin. But then when you come inside, it’s like, ‘Oh, wow!’ You feel that connection between the modern expression of the glass and its relationship to the landscape.”

Jones also designed the home to have differences in scale. The main living and kitchen space when you enter the home has high ceilings and could easily support a gathering of 30 people. That contrasts with the smaller children’s bedrooms with sloping ceilings.

Jenn Teitt, Bellepoint’s lead designer and Sam’s wife, took her clues for the interior design from Jones’ intent to make everything feel like it belonged on the landscape. “There are lots of natural materials, natural colors, neutral tones and an intention to bring the outdoors in and the indoors out,” she says. “There are really fluid living spaces. It was also important, because the couple has young kids, to make sure everything was really durable and easy to take care of. That was a priority in terms of choosing fabrics and furniture pieces.”

Photos clockwise from left: primary bedroom; open concept living room; staircase leading to open concept living room; pool and slide in the backyard; open concept dining room

Bellepoint worked with Schlabach Woodworks in Millersburg to bring the woodwork into the home and give it a warm feel. That included the ceiling in the main living area, stairways, custom doors, hardwood flooring and custom wood countertops in several areas. Shrock Premier Custom Cabinets and Schlabach Woodworks are Amishowned companies Bellepoint partners with regularly. “One of the unique advantages of building in this region,” Teitt says, “is access to exceptionally skilled craftsmen, whose talent adds to the qual-

ity and character of every home.”

Serena Schwallie, Bellepoint’s senior designer, said the use of all the different materials made the project fun and unique. “Bringing in all those natural elements is something that I love,” she says. “Using these different wood tones and bringing exterior stone inside in places like the big family room fireplace in the basement makes it feel both earthy and homey. It is a modern house but it doesn’t feel sterile or soulless. There definitely is a particular soul and style to this home.” ◆

ON THE FIELD. IN THE LOCKER ROOM. ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL.

If it’s happening in Scarlet & Gray, it’s happening here.

Top 25 Home Sales

Oct. 1-31, 2025

PRICE ADDRESS

$2,400,000 275 E. Beck St., Columbus

$2,350,000 7018 Hanbys Loop, New Albany

$2,200,000 4945 Yantis Dr., New Albany

$2,000,000 4155 Clairmont Rd., Upper Arlington

$1,820,000 1741 Upper Chelsea Rd., Upper Arlington

$1,672,500 569 S. 6th St., Columbus

$1,500,000 7532 Ogden Woods Blvd., New Albany

$1,500,000 5654 Hickory Dr., Lewis Center

$1,500,000 5441 Medallion Dr. E., Westerville

TURNING MOMENTS INTO MEMORIES.

$1,360,000 7288 Berkley Sq N, New Albany

$1,350,000 247 E. Deshler Ave., Columbus

$1,316,250 5560 Wild Pine Ct., Westerville

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Creative floral design for events that mark milestones.

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$1,150,000 3725 Prestwould Close, New Albany

$1,100,000 2558 Bryden Rd., Bexley

$1,100,000 6802 Rosewell Ln., New Albany

$1,079,110 2061 Ellington Rd., Upper Arlington

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$1,050,000 4324 Langport Sq. N., Upper Arlington

$1,00,5000 4170 Outville Rd., Granville

Holiday Gift Guide

Oakland Nursery

Enjoy our two unique shopping experiences this holiday season: Oakland HOME and Oakland INSIDE & OUT. For more information, visit oaklandnursery.com and click the “Specialty Shops” tab.

Oakland HOME

4271 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. Dublin, OH 43017

614-874-2400

Oakland INSIDE & OUT 5211-B Johnstown Rd. New Albany, OH 43054

614-573-8648

2026

U.S. Senior Open at Scioto Country Club

Give a gift that goes beyond the holidays. U.S. Senior Open tickets are now available for July 2-5 — and for a limited time, receive a holiday scarf with a $50 minimum single purchase (before taxes and fees).

ussenioropen.com

FALL 2025 COCKTAIL

COMPETITION

On November 13, Columbus Monthly’s Cocktail Competition brought together the city’s top bartenders and standout bar programs for an unforgettable evening.

We thank our sponsors and participants.

Liquor Sponsor:

Venue Sponsor:

food & drink

BY TIM JOHNSON

Warm Welcome Fresh roasted coffee beans at Lalibela Restaurant and Bar, where comforting Ethiopian cuisine invites conversation. Get a taste on Page 114.

PHOTO

Food & Drink | Profile

The ‘Cake Boss’ of Columbus

Local baker Timbo Sullivan shares what it takes to compete in the world of hyperrealistic cake making.

By Linda Lee Baird

Timbo Sullivan says he has always been an artist, but the traditional path bored him. He recalls attending an art trade school during his senior year at Mifflin High School: “Every day it would feel like the same thing. ... They would set a bowl of fruit or something in the front of the class, and we would just draw.”

Realizing that art school wasn’t what he wanted, he went to college, but found himself still unsure of his next steps when he finished in 2011. Sullivan decided to take some time to plan his future, and with his new found free time, watched an episode of baker Buddy Valastro’s Food Network show Cake Boss on a recommendation from his cousin. “I saw things on there that I never even knew was possible with cake,” he says. He was particularly inspired by a bak-

er on the show named Ralph Attanasia (who he would later compete against on Super Mega Cakes). “I credit him for being the reason why I started doing cakes. He did faces and animals and things like that, and especially here in Ohio, I had never seen anything like that.”

It didn’t take Sullivan long to start sculpting. The cakes he made for friends and family were well-received, but he quickly hit a roadblock trying to monetize his talent. “I applied for maybe eight different bakeries. ... They said, ‘You do amazing work, but we just don’t know how to sell that here. So if you’re going to work here, you’re going to be doing cupcakes, you’re going to be doing sheet cakes.’ ”

Knowing that wasn’t what he wanted, he founded Cakes by Timbo. As a business owner, Sullivan was still baking

traditional treats to make money, but he made sure to think bigger as he built his reputation. “I would only promote the cakes that I wanted to get orders [for],” he says. Those cakes caught the eye of the Food Network, who invited him to compete on Duff Goldman’s show Duff Till Dawn in 2015.

Sullivan and his partner Sarah Myers won.

Getting such an early start in the competitive baking world led Sullivan quickly to what many consider the upper echelons of the genre: serving as a TV judge, which is how Sullivan once found himself seated between Valastro and Martha Stewart.

“They’re like, ‘You get to live the dream now! How does it feel to be up here?’ And, I’m like, ‘Oh, it’s fine, it’s great,’ but in my mind, I’m like, ‘This is so boring. I

Timbo Sullivan on Food Network’s Super Mega Cakes

want to get my hands dirty. I’m not ready to give this up yet.’”

Though he tried judging again, that sentiment persisted. When he judged HBO Max’s Baketopia in 2021, the show even changed its format so Sullivan could help the contenders, giving him 10 minutes to advise them on collapsing cakes and other potential disasters.

After that experience, Sullivan decided to take a break from television, vowing not to go back until it made sense. “And that’s when Super Mega Cakes was presented to me,” he says.

‘Super Mega Cakes’ and More Super Mega Cakes, which aired on Food Network and streamed on HBO Max over the summer, brought together a “who’s who” group of hyperrealistic cake bakers. The goal was to create a colossal cake on a given theme over four days— such as a life-sized Superman jutting out of an ice sculpted Fortress of Solitude— and most importantly, to build a cake that would beat Duff Goldman’s.

Sullivan competed on a team with Myers and baker Sarah Ono Jones, tasked with designing an “architectural wonder” cake. He says they were not happy with the theme when they got it. “My team was looking at each other like … What are we supposed to do with a building?”

Knowing that the winners of the first round would go on to compete against each other, and that their potential competitors would have cakes that were more

dynamic (like that Superman), Sullivan’s team took a risk, constructing the lost city of Atlantis on the back of a giant sea turtle. They even created a legend to go with the cake, explaining the city was lost because it was constantly moving atop the turtle.

While they worried about being penalized for pushing the boundaries of the theme, the gamble paid off: Sullivan’s team defeated Goldman’s and came in second place overall. In further testament to its design, Food Network used Sullivan’s cake to promote the show.

Myers says imaginative cakes like the turtle are in keeping with Sullivan’s style. “Timbo to cake is like Tim Burton is to film,” she says. “Timbo has a dark edge, but it’s also vibrant and louder than life.”

Sullivan will return to the screen in November, baking in a holiday-themed season of Is It Cake? that premiers Nov. 25 on Netflix. He says it was his toughest competition yet. “It’s not just a cake competition, it’s a game show. So I’m not just trying to impress judges, I’m trying to trick judges,” he says. The creative license he’s known for may prove less relevant when the cake is judged against a decoy that looks just like it.

But despite the long filming days that Sullivan says can stretch up to 18 hours, competitive cake baking is something he keeps coming back to. “It’s high stakes, it’s very stressful, but if you love it, you can find the fun in that,” he says. ◆

Tips From Timbo

When he’s not too busy competing against other bakers, Timbo Sullivan offers cake and cookie decorating classes for kids and adults online and around Columbus. Sullivan says if you want to improve your holiday baking this year, start with a focus on the flavor. He suggests incorporating seasonal flavors like cinnamon and peppermint. “Definitely have fun with the bake, have fun with the flavors, try different things out,” he says. He suggests practicing a few times “so you’re not setting anything down for your family to test on Christmas morning.”

And if you’re really serious about design, consider taking one of his classes—which also make unique gifts for budding bakers. Learn more and register at cakesbytimbo.com.

Sullivan’s alligator cake

Sullivan’s holiday cookies

A fast food cake by Sullivan PHOTOS

An Ethiopian Institution

For good conversation and even better food, visit

By Zach Trabitz

The first time I had Ethiopian food— lauded for its ability to bring people together over an intimate, shared meal—was during a long night producing my college newspaper. Hungry hands collapsed into a communal assortment of meats and vegetables, and tense tempers soon were vanquished by love for a tasty bite.

So, when I got the chance to go to Lalibela Restaurant and Bar, one of Columbus’ older Ethiopian spots, I naturally took it.

Tucked into a strip mall in Whitehall, Lalibela’s inside sings with an appreciation for Ethiopian and Eritrean culture through wall art and beautifully intricate textiles. There’s even a poster depicting the restaurant’s namesake Ethiopian town, and an array of cultural items reflecting the restaurant’s rich heritage. Alemu Getachew, the owner and founder of Lalibela, explains that the restaurant has been open for just over 21 years, since 2004.

At Lalibela (and at most Ethiopian restaurants), the bulk of your food orders are put on the same platter. My family and I ended up ordering a diced lamb dish called ye beg wot ($14.99), sauteed

chicken tibs ($13.99) and beyaynetu ($13.99), a vegetable platter.

While I went in with the goal of ordering the shiro, a classic Ethiopian dish with ground chickpeas, our server recommended the beyaynetu to get a wider range of options. This was absolutely the right choice. The beyaynetu is made up of collard greens, lentils, cabbage and yellow split peas. I was most struck by just how colorful the assortment was, and each dish provided a balance to the heartier meat courses.

The meat dishes brought their own distinct flavors to the meal. The ye beg wot was creamy and saucy, with lamb that melted in my mouth. The chicken tibs, while more mild, were juicy and covered in a decadent sauce. And even my father, known for his pickiness, was happy to try a new cuisine since the lamb and chicken were just that good. Every option also came on top of and alongside a serving of injera, a spongy sourdough that’s a staple in Ethiopian cuisine.

Getachew says the consistency and kindness of his clientele is what keeps him going.

SHORTHAND

Lalibela

1111 S. Hamilton Rd., Whitehall 614-235-5355

lalibelarestaurant.net

Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day

If you go: Expect a communal dining experience and plenty of vegetarian options in addition to meat at this Ethiopian mainstay.

“My customers always support me,” Getachew says. “I have very quality customers. It’s important to have positive people, nice people, supporting you— that’s why I live longer.”

As for the (self-proclaimed) quality customers, my parents and I enjoyed our entire meal. It was the last meal we had together before I went back to university, and Ethiopian was perfect for the occasion. Much like the meal I shared with my friends at the newspaper, my family and I enjoyed a meal where fingers brushed and boisterous laughter was shared. ◆

BY TIM

PHOTO

JOHNSON

Vegetarian shiro, left, and goden tibs (beef short ribs)

Lalibela in Whitehall.

let’s eat

WHERE TO DINE THIS MONTH

Editor’s Note: Please call restaurants to check hours and menu availability.

$$$$ Very expensive, $26 and higher

$$$ Spendy, $16–$25

$$ Moderate, $11–$15

$ Affordable, under $10

NEW Restaurant has opened within the last few months. B Breakfast BR Brunch L Lunch D Dinner

Outdoor Seating

One of our 10 Best Restaurants

2023 Best New Restaurants

Let’s Eat comprises Columbus Monthly editors’ picks and is updated monthly based on available space. Send updates to eedwards@columbusmonthly.com.

BAR FARE

Barley’s Brewing Co.

The microbrewery offers an expansive selection of brews, which can be enjoyed at the hand-carved, century-old mahogany bar alongside American bar favorites like grilled wings, nachos and burgers. 467 N. High St., Short North, 614-221-9767. LD $$

Bodega

The Short North hangout is known for a huge selection of beers on draft and in bottles. The menu includes build-your-own mac ’n’ cheese, tacos, burgers and more. 1044 N. High St., Short North, 614-299-9399. LD $$

BrewDog Franklinton

Created out of a former mechanic shop, BrewDog’s Franklinton location boasts a two-level outdoor space and 24 beers on tap. The menu offers a selection of burgers and small bites. 463 W. Town St., Franklinton, 614-908-3077. LD $$

Gallo’s Tap Room

A dark, modern sports bar brimming with top-notch beers and an updated pub grub menu featuring burgers, wings and pizza. 5019 Olentangy River Rd., Northwest Side, 614-457-2394. LD $$

Visit columbus monthly.com to read about the latest restaurant openings.

Hey Hey Bar and Grill

This historic neighborhood pub dates back to the 1900s and hosts live music, including national acts. Locals and hipsters flock here for the hearty beer selection and Hey Hey’s famous sauerkraut balls. 361 E. Whittier St., German Village, 614-445-9512. LD $

India Oak Grill

Patrons feel right at home at this quaint Clintonville tavern with comfy booths and a front patio. Menu highlights include the classic Italian sub, homemade chili, patty melt and fried bologna sandwich. 590 Oakland Park Ave., Clintonville, 614261-9355. LD $

O’Reilly’s Pub

A casual, neighborhood Irish bar with a menu including the Pepper Burger, subs, sweet potato fries and wings. 2822 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-262-6343. LD $

Restoration Brew Worx

Located in downtown Delaware, this brewpub serves its own beers with a pub grub menu featuring Worx Pub Wings, OMG Chorizo Tots and the Restoration Burger. 25 N. Sandusky St., Delaware, 740-990-7120. LD $$

Slammers

A casual Downtown and LGBTQ+ friendly hangout, serving pizza, subs and salads. 202 E. Long St., Downtown, 614-221-8880. LD $

Wendell’s Pub

A local favorite with upscale décor but a casual atmosphere, with grilled salmon, French dip, fish and chips, and burgers. 925 N. State St., Westerville, 614-818-0400. BRLD $$

Yogi’s Bar & Grill

A neighborhood sports bar and grill with music, large flat-screen TVs, a jukebox and gaming. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, wings, pizzas and wraps. 3880 Hard Rd., Dublin, 614-799-2660; 5857 Karric Square Dr., Dublin, 614-798-1772; 1126 W. Henderson Rd., Northwest Side, 614-9148117. LD $$

COFFEE SHOP

Brioso Coffee

“Mean coffee, nice people” is the tagline at this pioneering Downtown coffee shop and roastery which offers baked goods to pair with excellent coffee and espresso drinks. 53 N. High St., Downtown, 614-670-8490; 329 E. Long St., Downtown, 614-754-9511. BL $

Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea

Offering a good spot to study or relax, Crimson Cup is an award-winning, Columbusbased coffee roaster, which roasts sustainably sourced coffee in small batches. 4541 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-262-6212; 2468 Northwest Blvd., Upper Arlington, 614641-7020. BLD $

Hey Hey Bar and Grill

PHOTO BY MARK FERENCHIK/THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Florin Coffee

The husband-and-wife duo behind this local coffee roasting outfit run this laid-back café offering Florin coffee, espresso drinks and breakfast pastries. 874 Oakland Park Ave., North Linden. BL $

Fox in the Snow Café

A bakery and coffee shop offering pastries made in-house daily and coffee from Tandem Coffee Roasters. Be sure not to miss the famous egg sandwich. 38 W. Bridge Street, Dublin; 210 Thurman Ave., German Village; 1031 N. Fourth St., Italian Village; 160 W. Main St., New Albany; 79 S. State St., Westerville. BL $

NEW The Light Meeting House Coffee Bar and Café

The former home of Addella’s On Oak has gotten a new life as the Light Meeting House Coffee Bar and Café. Enjoy classic caffeinated beverages and baked goods in the spacious interior or on the back patio. The business stays open for occasional late night hours to host poetry readings and other events. 1485 Oak St., Olde Towne East BL $

NEW Marib

Founded by the owner of Yemeni Restaurant, Marib is a Yemeni-style coffee shop serving beautiful baked goods alongside robust coffee, espressos and caffeine-free fruit refreshers. The signature knafeh is worth sampling. 610 W. Schrock Rd., Westerville, 347-993-9090. BLD $

One Line Coffee

Although One Line’s Short North café is known as a place to get your Chemex pour-over or Kyoto-style coffee fix, its coffee shop in the River & Rich development also serves beer, wine and a small food menu. 471 W. Rich St., Franklinton, 614-929-5877; 745 N. High St., Short North, 614-564-9852; 41 S. High St., Capitol Square, 614-8242642. BLD $

The Roosevelt Coffeehouse

A local coffee shop and roaster with a dogood mission, this nonprofit uses proceeds to fight injustices like human trafficking, hunger and unclean water. Roasts include blends from nationally renowned Stumptown and local One Line Coffee. 300 E. Long St., Downtown, 614-670-5228; 462 W. Broad St., Franklinton, 614-892-9633; 303 Green Meadows Dr. S., Lewis Center, 740-803-1561. BL $

Stauf’s Coffee Roasters

Columbus’ oldest roaster continues to grow. Go for the excellent coffee selection and espresso drinks in a low-key coffeehouse atmosphere. Grandview’s popular café offers a full breakfast menu. 627 S. Third St., German Village, 614-221-1563; 1277 Grandview Ave., Grandview, 614-486-4861; 59 Spruce St., Short North, 614-456-7685; 1334 Neil Ave., Victorian Village, 614-9283993. BLD $

Upper Cup Coffee

This coffee shop started out in historic Olde Towne East and now offers a second location in Gahanna. A small menu of sandwiches complement its single-origin coffees that are roasted in-house. 121 Mill St., Gahanna, 614-383-7496; 79 Parsons Ave., Olde Towne East, 614-220-0206. BLD $

DOUGHNUTS

Amy’s Donuts

The West Side doughnut destination opens at 4 a.m. (drive-thru 24/7). Amy’s offers a mind-boggling array of flavors and toppings, like Trix cereal, Almond Joy and peanut butter, banana chips and bacon (aka The Elvis). 650 Georgesville Rd., West Side, 614641-7721. BLD $

Buckeye Donuts

A Campus legend since 1969, Buckeye Donuts is open 24 hours to satisfy cravings for classic doughnuts and diner-style cuisine at all hours of the day. 1363 S. High St., Merion Village, 614-443-7470; 59 Spruce St., North Market; 1998 N. High St., Campus, 614-2913923. BLD $

Destination Donuts

Some of the city’s best (and biggest) doughnuts are served at Heather Morris’ doughnut shop, featuring rotating flavors like red raspberry hibiscus, butterscotch sea salt mojito and buckeye. 3519 N. High St., Clintonville. BL $

Donna’s Delicious Dozen

At Traci Lukemire’s doughnut shop, customers can adorn warm doughnuts with a variety of toppings, drizzles and icings. 5322 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna/New Albany, 614-245-4859. BL $

Duck Donuts

Offering warm, delicious and made-to-order doughnuts along with premium roasted coffees, sundaes and breakfast sandwiches. 7717 Sawmill Rd., Dublin, 614-726-9399; 10710 Blacklick-Eastern Rd., Pickerington, 614-604-9065; 825 Polaris Pkwy., Westerville, 614-896-6450. BLD $

NEW Rose Dough Donuts

The former ghost kitchen expanded into a brick and mortar in 2025, and frequent lines out the door attest to the shop’s popularity. Choose from brioche, old fashioned and French crullers in creative flavors. Get there early for the best selection. 3375 N. High St., Clintonville. B $

GERMAN

Gemüt Biergarten

Housed in a renovated 1890s firehouse building, this locally owned brewery, beer garden and restaurant is a great neighborhood spot to enjoy German-style beers and food. 734 Oak St., Olde Towne East, 614-725-1725.

BRLD $$$

PHOTO BY

The Roosevelt Coffeehouse Downtown

Hofbräuhaus Columbus

A splinter off the original Hofbräuhaus in Munich, this large brewpub serves Germanstyle comfort food from sausage to schnitzel, along with huge steins of house-brewed beer. 800 Goodale Blvd., Grandview, 614-2942437. BRLD $$

Schmidt’s Restaurant & Sausage Haus

Hoist a stein of beer and treat your stomach to some hearty German food and culture at this longstanding restaurant popular with out-of-towners and locals alike. Bring a friend to help you enjoy huge portions of sausage, Wiener schnitzel, Bavarian cabbage rolls and cream puffs. 240 E. Kossuth St., German Village, 614-444-6808 LD $$

Valter’s at the Maennerchor

The Columbus Maennerchor singing society (founded in 1848) enlisted the help of Valter Veliu to run this kitchen out of the German Heritage House. Expect well-made German fare, such as stout bratwurst, schweinshaxe and an excellent German potato salad. 976 S. High St., Brewery District, 614-444-3531. BRLD $$

ITALIAN

Due Amici

Exposed brick walls and modern black and white furniture give this Downtown Italian eatery an upscale feel. 67 E. Gay St., Downtown, 614-224-9373. LD $$$$

Iacono’s Pizza & Restaurant

The local chain’s homemade recipes were passed down from the owners’ Sicilian forebears. Pick from favorites like spaghetti, lasagna, meatballs and pizza. 4452 Kenny Rd., Northwest Side, 614-451-0234; 9303 Dublin Rd., Powell, 614-766-0444. LD $$

Martini Modern Italian

Cameron Mitchell’s classy Short North staple offers classic Italian cooking in a modern, vibrant setting. 445 N. High St., Short North, 614-224-8259. D $$$$

NEW Metsi’s Wood-Fired Italian Chef BJ Lieberman has repurposed the space that was previously home to Hiraeth into an Italian restaurant named for his favorite baseball team. The wood-fired hearth is well-utilized in main dishes like osso buco and herbed snapper. A negroni-centric happy hour is offered from 4-6 p.m. 36 E Lincoln St., Italian Village, 614-824-4516. D $$$$

Napa Kitchen + Bar

This attractive wine bar and restaurant from the owners of the Wine Bistro offers Italian-inspired dishes like baked brie, chicken saltimbocca and oven-fired pizzas. 7148 Muirfield Dr., Dublin, 614-726-9799; 4055 The Strand W., Easton, 380- 278-0400; 925 N. State St., Westerville, 614-523-4330. BRLD $$$

Pelino’s Pasta

At their cozy restaurant, Vinny and Christina

Pelino serve a prix fixe menu featuring house-made semolina pastas and seasonal ingredients. Don’t skip the scratch desserts. Menus change monthly. 245 King Ave., Dennison Place, 614-849-6966. D $$$$

Smith’s Restaurant and Deli

A neighborhood, family-owned restaurant that’s been serving classic Italian fare since 1961. Expect dishes like deli sandwiches, lasagna, pizza, Reubens and stromboli. 3737 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-267-7541. LD $

Speck Italian Eatery

Chef Josh Dalton tackles rustic Italian fare at this buzzy Downtown spot in the Nicholas building. The menu ranges from mortadella on house focaccia to rigatoni Amatriciana to scallop risotto. 89 N. High St., Downtown, 614-754-8544. LD $$$$

Vittoria Ristorante & Bar

This upscale restaurant brings together authentic Italian favorites with contemporary dishes. 10241 Sawmill Pkwy., Powell, 614791-8100. D $$$$

Z Cucina di Spirito

An upscale Italian restaurant offering a blend of traditional and modern Italian flavors with an emphasis on sourcing local ingredients. 6584 Riverside Dr., Dublin, 614-916-9200; 1368 Grandview Ave., Fifth by Northwest, 614-486-9200. LD $$$

JAPANESE

Akai Hana

This entertaining Japanese bento shop boasts some of the city’s best sushi and a wide range of Japanese and Korean entrées. 1173 Old Henderson Rd., Northwest Side, 614-451-5411. LD $$$

Fukuryu Ramen

Jeff Tsao, whose family owned the Kahiki Supper Club, brings his Melbourne, Australia, ramen shop stateside. It’s quick, modern, bustling and adds a little rock ’n’ roll to traditional Japanese fare. The Signature Tonkotsu and Red Dragon ramens are standouts. 4540 Bridge Park Ave., Dublin, 614-553-7392; 748 Harmon Ave., Franklinton, 614-696-6947; 2027 Polaris Pkwy., Polaris, 614 696-9682. LD $$

NEW Izakaya Ryu

Fukuryu Ramen transformed its Upper Arlington shop into an izakaya restaurant, serving small plates, bao buns, skewers and donburi rice bowls, though ramen fans can still get their noodle fix here. Signature cocktails and sake complete the menu. 1600 W. Lane Ave., Upper Arlington, 614-929-5910. LD $$

Meshikou Ramen

Meshikou is an open-kitchen ramen shop focusing on authentic preparations of noodle bowls, as well as a few Japanese comfortfood starters. Co-owner Mike Shek learned the ramen craft under a NYC chef—recipes to which Shek has added his own touch for Central Ohio palates. 1506 Bethel Rd., Northwest Side, 614-457-1689. LD $$

Song Lan Restaurant

Craft cocktails, sake and sushi are the focus of this upscale Bridge Park spot from the owners of 1126 Restaurant. Tempura, udon, hibachi and a mix of hot and cold starters round out the menu. 6628 Riverside Dr., Dublin, 614-389-2736. LD $$

Tensuke Express

A modern and authentic noodle shop located next to Tensuke Market and Sushi Ten in Kenny Centre’s Japan Marketplace, with udon, soba,

Akai Hana

ramen and curry rice. 1155 Old Henderson Rd., Northwest Side, 614-451-4010. LD $$

Yoshi’s Japanese Restaurant

This fine Japanese spot combines traditional Japanese cooking with modern twists. The large menu ranges from small plates such as sunomono and okonomiyaki to sushi, udon and Japanese curry. 5776 Frantz Rd., Dublin, 614-889-1275. D $$$

MEXICAN

3 Brothers Diner

This family-friendly spot combines American, Mexican and Cuban diner fare on one menu. You’ll find a variety of omelets, egg scrambles, breakfast burritos, French toast and pancakes, plus entrées like Cuban roasted chicken, jambalaya and more. 3090 Southwest Blvd., Grove City, 614-317-7798. BLD $$

Condado

This locally owned, Day-of-the-Deadthemed taco chain slings healthy helpings of fresh queso, guacamole and build-yourown tacos from a sushi-style ordering menu. Here, the tequila options and margaritas are plentiful. 2977 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-230-2786; 132 S. High St., Downtown, 614-456-7444; 102 N. High St., Dublin, 614-389-0097; 4077 Fenlon St., Easton, 614-532-5956; 8958 Lyra Dr., Polaris, 614896-8047; 1227 N. High St., Short North, 614-928-3909. LD $

Cuco’s Taqueria

Once a Mexican grocery store with a tiny taco counter, Cuco’s has grown into a full-fledged, successful restaurant that still sells a few Mexican goods alongside ceviche, burritos, tamales, tortas and tacos al pastor. 2162 W. Henderson Rd., Upper Arlington, 614-8000302. BLD $$

El Acapulco Mexican Restaurant

A Mexican restaurant with a festive décor and atmosphere, serving tacos, enchiladas, chicken fajitas and carnitas. 7475 Vantage Dr., Worthington, 614-781-0751. LD $$

El Vaquero

A popular Mexican restaurant chain with a vibrant atmosphere, serving a large menu of fajitas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas and margaritas. 600 N. High St., Short North, 614670-4477; 8231 N. High St., Worthington, 614-987-5975; 1780 Hilliard Rome Rd., Hilliard, 614-876-5157; 375 Stoneridge Ln., Gahanna, 614-428-1725; 9130 Dublin Rd., Powell, 614-336-1128; 10503 BlacklickEastern Rd. NW Ste. 100, Pickerington, 614-501-7125; 3230 Olentangy River Rd., Campus, 614-261-0900; 33 Wootring St., Delaware, 740-362-0919; 3580 W. DublinGranville Rd., Dublin, 614-659-0279; 1566 Stringtown Rd., Grove City, 614-801-9910; 2195 Riverside Dr., Northwest Side, 614486-4547; 420 Polaris Pkwy., Westerville, 614-392-2025; 9130 Dublin Rd., Powell, 614336-1128. LD $$

Los Agavez Taqueria

Authentic street tacos, tortas and more are served from this orange food truck at the corner of High and Pacemont. Don’t miss the popular birria tacos with consomé. Food Truck, 3166 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-2067634. LD $

Nonato’s Kitchen

Come for the tacos and stay for the fresh tortillas that are handmade on the spot. Add steak, chicken or marinated pork. Birria tacos, tortas and quesadillas are also available. 5362 Cleveland Ave., North Side, 614-7784176. LD $$

Pachucos Taqueria

A killer spot for authentic taco truck fare, including birria tacos, 15-inch machetes, tortas, enchiladas, horchata and more. Food Truck, 2095 Lockbourne Rd., South Side, 614-946-8589. LD $$

Spicy Cup Bakery & Café

An authentic Mexican bakery serving coffee, tea and freshly made baked goods and desserts such as conchas, churros and tres leches. On the savory side, Spicy Cup offers tamales, empanadas and chilaquiles. 1977 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., North Side, 614-5477117. BLD $

Taqueria Guadalajara

This no-frills but colorfully appointed, family-owned restaurant features authentic Mexican food that is heavy on flavor but light in cost, with tacos, tostadas, shrimp cocktail

and fajitas. 2448 Home Acre Dr., North Side, 614-818-9727. LD $

SMALL PLATES

Black Radish Creamery

This cut-to-order cheese shop also offers artisan preserves, chocolate, crackers and more. 59 Spruce St., Short North, 614-5179520. BLD $

Denmark on High

A European-style cocktail bar focusing on vintage and modern drinks, craft Ohio beers and seasonal small plates. On the second floor of the Yankee on High building. 463 N. High St., Short North, 614-914-6700. D $$

Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge

Cocktails and conservas rule the night at this intimate jazz room from the owners of Chapman’s Eat Market. Small plate options include Iberico ham, Black Radish Creamery cheeses, Castelvetrano olives and highquality tinned seafood with butter and crusty Dan the Baker bread. 17 Buttles Ave., Short North, 614-929-5298. D $$$

Lincoln Social Rooftop

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants’ first-ever rooftop lounge offers impressive views of the whole city from atop the Lincoln Building. Cocktails and socializing are the focus here, with a complementing menu of beach-y small plates and snacks. 9th Floor, 705 N. High St., Short North, 614-3009494. D $$

PHOTO BY JODI MILLER

Cuco’s Taqueria

Afra Grill

At this fast-casual spot specializing in East African cuisine, you build your own meal by choosing a base, protein, hot topping, cold toppings and a sauce. Don’t miss the chicken suqaar, malawah (sweet crepes) and spiced tea. 1635 Morse Rd., North Side, 614-5913816; 3922 Townsfair Way, Easton, 614-5913399. LD $$

African Paradise

An authentic African restaurant catering to the city’s Somali population, with spaghetti saldato, zigni (beef stew), muufo (flatbread) and curry rice. 2263 Morse Rd., North Side, 614-476-2163. BLD $$

Darbo Restaurant

A small eatery serving authentic and traditional Somali cuisine, with goat stew, shawarma and pasta dishes. 3764 Cleveland Ave., North Side, 614-475-8004. BLD $$

Hamdi Grill

Authentic food and a friendly staff, with chicken kebabs, roasted goat, lamb chops and salmon. 1784 Huy Rd., North Linden, 614-447-0199. LD $

Hoyo’s Kitchen

This family-run restaurant started serving fast-casual Somali cuisine in the historic North Market in 2019. Order a bowl of flavorful spicy rice (or salad), top with proteins such as chicken suuqar or hilibari (goat) and then choose from a variety of veggies and sauces. Don’t skip the house chai. 6750 Longshore St., Dublin, 614-683-8798; 59 Spruce St., Short North, 614-745-3943. LD $

SPANISH

Barcelona Restaurant & Bar

Longstanding Barcelona is a classic for approachable Spanish tapas and other palate-expanding fare with an American influence. The patio is one of the most charming in the city. 263 E. Whittier St., German Village, 614-443-3699 BRLD $$$$

Lupo on Arlington

From La Tavola’s Rick and Krista Lopez, this tapas spot offers a menu of seasonal small plates combining Spanish and Italian influences. The full bar focuses on aperitivoinspired cocktails and a curated list featuring Spanish and Portuguese wines. 2124 Arlington Ave., Upper Arlington, 614-9145455. D $$$

Vaso

Located on the rooftop of the AC Hotel in Dublin, Vaso offers small plates and a large bar selection, with beautiful views of the Scioto River and historic downtown Dublin. 6540 Riverside Dr., Dublin, 614-698-2525. D $$$

Creative Space

Lance Johnson

Photos by Tim Johnson

The complex sounds of jazz and hip-hop emanate from Lance Johnson’s garage studio, where he creates his graffiti inspired artwork. The textures of the music are reflected in the layers of spray paint, recycled objects and power words stenciled on his canvases. “I love this space— I get the music going and just vibe,” Johnson says.

Inspired by seeing a documentary on the Harlem Renaissance at age 14, Johnson was moved by artists that “looked like me,” and the seed of his artistic career was planted.

“My work is very improvisational, like jazz,” says Johnson, who was born in the Bronx and moved to Columbus five years ago. Johnson says he fell in love with the Columbus art community and all its vibrant collaborations. In addition to pieces he creates in his garage studio, Johnson’s work includes murals around the city, live painting, teaching and

recent work with BalletMet painting costumes with graffiti-style artwork.

Johnson thrives on the synergistic, creative energy and the “power to connect” he finds working with other artists, dancers and musicians. Recently he traveled to Turkey and Uzbekistan and saw the power of art to connect across cultures.

“We didn’t speak the same language, but we connected through art,” he says.

Johnson is currently working on a exhibit at Franklin Park Conservatory, which will open Jan. 17 and run through mid-April. ◆

Lance Johnson in his garage studio

Lance Johnson’s tattoos

A paint-splattered respirator

Graffiti inspired art