2020 Impact Report 1150 E. Main St. Columbus, OH 43205 1251 Bryden Rd. Columbus, OH 43205 www.cchouse.org
At Our House, People Are Central. Our Mission The Mission of Central Community House is to empower people to reach their full potential, be self-supporting, and live cooperatively with all others ~ by building community that meets the needs and nourishes the creative aspirations of one another. Our Philosophy We respect the worth and dignity of all people. We believe in inclusiveness and social justice. We celebrate diversity. We act with honesty and integrity. We are accountable to others. We strive for excellence. We are stewards of resources. We build community.
A Message from Central Community House Executive Director, Tammy Forrest 2020 was a year like no other, filled with sweat, tears, laughter, and kindness. Things shifted very quickly in March with the COVID-19 pandemic, and we shifted with it. Our priorities, though, continued to include promoting fellowship and healthy dialogue, embracing assets, empowerment, and creating community. What felt like an impossible transition was a hard one, but also a growing moment for Central Community House (“Central”). This following report showcases the incredible impact that Central was able to make during one of the most challenging human events we’ve ever faced. The financial health of our organization is strong. In 2020, funders were generous, and our hard work was energized by the love and investment of our community. This year, Central Community House had its largest budget since 2010, totaling over $2 million, and 37% larger than our 2019 budget. Through the whirlwind of ups and downs, we persevered. We enhanced our experience, skills, and confidence. This, in combination with continued efforts to innovate and collaborate, ensure that in 2021, Central will continue to effectively support, and guide, the community through hard times. We would not be where we are today without all of the partners, funders, donors, volunteers, staff, and supporters that worked hard and showed unwavering kindness throughout the year. We continue to be grateful and humbled by the trust and commitment we feel every day from those we engage and partner with.
Youth Central Community House helps youth succeed in school and in life through programs that embrace culture, creativity and artistic expression. Here, youth have a safe place to play with friends and discover their strengths—helping them lead happier and healthier lives. Laughter and learning go hand-in-hand in our After School and Summer Camp Programs. In 2020, we also provided a daytime Learning Extension Center (“LEC”), to support working parents, and help children complete their online schoolwork safely at Central. 66 Unique Youth Served 8,438 Total Hours of Programming 12,617 Meals/Snacks Provided Over 80% of youth maintained or improved their overall social-emotional competency during the 2019-2020 school year
Virtual Summer Inventors Club With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff quickly innovated to maintain relationships with students and their families amidst school closures. They delivered needed meals and supplies so that youth were nourished and could participate in creative, educational activities produced by the teachers and teaching artists they know and love at Central. The deliveries included instructions to complete the activities for learning and fun at home. For example, one packet included flour, salt, and other materials to make modeling clay at home. Staff also created an instructional video that shows how to mix the materials to make the clay and create sculptures. Math and reading skills were a focus, with youth reading instructions and measuring out needed ingredients. TRANSIT ARTS staff took the lead in providing our “Inventors Club” virtual summer camp via these videos and live web instruction for 40 kids while government “stay at home” orders were in effect.
Na'ima & David Na’ima, a third grader, has been coming to Central Community House for longer than she can remember. Her favorite subject is reading, and she loves books about dinosaurs, superheroes, and race cars. When talking about Central, Na’ima stated that she loves how “we get to go outside, take field trips, and go to the park.” Na’ima attended our Learning Extension Center (LEC) TuesdayThursday every week, along with her brother, David. Students participating in our LEC get to engage in a variety of arts and crafts activities to reduce screen time during the day, as well as play structured games both indoors and outdoors. Despite the pandemic, Na’ima has still been able to see all her close friends at Central, and she enjoys getting to have fun with them on our playground after putting in hard work during the school day. Her brother, David, is in kindergarten, and loves math class. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his race cars, and loves being outside. He remembers his first time coming to Central, and stated, “It felt really good. It feels like a community.” He said that our LEC makes it feel like he is at school, “except you get to play outside more here, which is great.” David said he feels more focused on his schoolwork here. He also loves the staff at Central, specifically Ms. R. He said, “She plays a lot with me – we go outside and just play everything together. It’s so much fun.” Both of these children have been such positive additions to our LEC, and work very hard on their schoolwork, knowing they will be rewarded with some time outside with their close friends once they have finished!
What do parents say about Central? 94% of parents agree that Central has made a positive impact in their child’s life 87% of parents agree that Central has helped their child become more confident 100% of parents agree that their child feels safe at Central 94% of parents agree that the youth program at Central is helping their child succeed in school
TRANSIT ARTS brings the power of culture, creativity and artistic expression to youth in our community. They host free weekly workshops where professional community artists and mentors lead group sessions, teaching and practicing the arts. Monthly "Open Mic" nights and special performances engage community members of all ages throughout Central Ohio. During the COVID19 pandemic, TRANSIT ARTS teamed up with our youth and senior programs to provide curbside concerts, and YouTube lessons.
482 unique youth participants 4,285 hours of program engagement in schools, at partner sites, and virtually Black Girls GLOW In autumn 2020, TRANSIT ARTS hosted an exciting workshop series focused on creativity and wellness, with girls ages 11-22, as a partner program of the City of Columbus' Commission on Black Girls. Over seven intensive weekend sessions, they provided engagement to 24 girls through activities, including guided conversations and creative engagement in music with Andre Barrett, Jr., poetry with Barbara Fant, and visual arts with Richard Duarte Brown. Each girl received individual kits with all needed workshop materials; arts supplies, journals, essential oils for stress relief, natural hair care products, and more. As part of their experience, the girls had the opportunity to have their hair styled by mobile hairstylist, Queen Roshae, who also provided tips on caring for natural hair styles. The girls then headed to the studio of renowned photographer, Tariq Tarey, where they experienced professional portrait sessions and later received their own digital and printed, framed portraits. Throughout the duration of the series, individual counseling was provided by LaTasha Washington, a licensed professional counselor, who facilitated the wellness coaching sessions with the girls. Eight of our participants later had the opportunity to virtually perform at the Black Girls SOAR Virtual Summit, a city-wide conference that celebrated the achievements of Black girls.
Johnae Johnae Spain is a 22-year-old college graduate, and her experience with Central Community House has truly come full circle. Her journey with Central started at age 6, when her grandmother enrolled her older siblings in TRANSIT ARTS hip-hop classes and she ended up joining in. At this time, her grandma was just adjusting to taking care of her and her 6 siblings after the loss of their mother. Looking back, she talked about how there were times when they would struggle financially, and sometimes would have to miss out on the extracurricular activities going on because of it. At one point during programming, TRANSIT ARTS team members noticed that her family hadn’t been there in two weeks. They reached out to her grandma to ask what they could do to help keep the kids involved. They provided gas cards to help with transportation, and were so helpful. Johnae stated that “at the time, I didn’t realize the importance of this and thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes.” To her, “this community is literally family.” Johnae is now working as an Americorps VISTA for TRANSIT ARTS after receiving her Bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. She stated, “You know, everyone always says, ‘I want to give back to the community,’ but once the opportunity to work for Central as a VISTA was presented to me, I thought this was too good to be true. This allowed me to be able to give back to MY community, in the most literal sense.”
Jahmal A graduate of The Charles School and a student at Ohio Dominican University, Jahmal is a busy graphic design major with a passion for helping others. He describes 2020 as the year that he had the most growth artistically and personally, as well as the year that Central Community House became a part of his community. According to Jamal, “Community helps you grow as a person,” and he believes that Central has helped him grow while helping others. When he was younger, Jamal was really interested in art - anything from drawing to playing the guitar. However, he didn’t know where to go or what to do with it. Now, when he talks about his passions in life, he talks about how he wants to help as many young, Black kids in Columbus not go through what he went through – he wants them to know that they can be an artist or follow their creative passions. They shouldn’t feel pressured to go into STEM to make money – you can make money through your art. He stated, “If you have a kid who wants to know about art, but don’t have the funds, TRANSIT is for you. If you’re going through something and need support, Central is for you.” He would eventually love to see a scholarship program come out of Central to assist young people in the city who aspire to turn their passion for art into a career.
Village Central helps adults ages 60 and older maintain independence and combat isolation as they age. Led by the members themselves, seniors collaborate and share their lifelong gifts with one another. Additionally, Village Central supports seniors through transportation services, wellness programs, home repairs, organized social events, community engagement, and more. 291 unique seniors served, an increase of 10% from 2019 83 unique seniors received transportation to/from grocery stores 203 care bags delivered to meet basic needs during the pandemic 75% of seniors said they have more knowledge of aging issues and resources, and/or have received assistance to address a basic need 80% reported they are more likely to remain in their own home due to services received at Central
Senior Technology Pilot Isolation is a risk factor that can inhibit seniors’ ability to continue to live independently. Due to COVID-19, seniors who regularly came to our building started self-isolating to stay safe. Village Central staff pivoted quickly to check-in weekly with elders, coordinate safe transportation, and deliver needed groceries and supplies. While these measures were crucial, they did not curb isolation as much as face-to-face gatherings. While many people turned to apps like Zoom to stay in touch with lovedones, Village Central seniors were unlikely to have access to a computer/tablet or internet, making virtual connection and social interaction difficult. Central was fortunate to propose and receive grant funds from the Franklin County Office on Aging and Spectrum Digital Education to provide tablets, internet access, training, and education, to prepare senior community members with the tools and knowledge to use technology to stay connected to one another. In 2020, seniors gathered online weekly for book club sessions, community discussions, virtual arts classes, and more. 40 Seniors received a free Chromebook and technology training 18 Internet hotspots improved internet access for senior participants 33 virtual social and wellness activities provided
Thelma Thelma has made sure that, despite the pandemic slowing some things down, her involvement with Village Central did not. She is a woman who gives back to her community. She even cooks and provides a meal to her neighbors once a month. Thelma had a long career working with the Department of Job and Family Services, and retired 6 years ago. She is always looking for ways to stay busy, so getting involved with Central Community House was a great fit. Whether it is bingo, weekly meetings, transportation to the grocery store, craft classes, presentations, or monthly trips, Thelma has always been an eager participant. She stated, “Anything they offer, I most likely participate in, and am glad to be a part of.” This past year, thanks to partnerships with the Franklin County Office on Aging and Spectrum, Thelma was one of 40 seniors to receive a Chromebook and computer training to help her stay in touch with other seniors virtually. Thelma stated, “Central has still been doing a lot to engage us during the pandemic. I met more people through Zoom than I would have ever thought. We all know each other and talk twice a week.”
Charlene At 83 years old, 2020 was a year of isolation for Charlene. Most of her days consisted of daily Bible study and staying safe in her home. She’s proud of her children, proud of her career as a caseworker, and proud to have worked in the prison ministry for 25 years. As someone who has always given back to others throughout her life, she knows that “No matter what you do in life, or how much education you have, everyone has a time in life where they need a little help.” When her husband passed away, everything fell on her, and when Central Community House lent out a helping hand, she said “I was very glad to take it.” The area that she lives in has changed a lot over the years, and she wishes she knew more of her neighbors, especially during a year when it has been more difficult to find a sense of community. She believes that it is “more important now than ever” for Central to remain involved in the community. Charlene knows that seniors in the area need consistent help from organizations like Central, which she describes as “enlightening." According to Charlene “I didn’t know there was any organization that would do as much for me as Central has done.” We are grateful that Charlene is a fierce advocate for Central, and spreads the word about senior programming. She stated “If more seniors could just get a copy of the senior newsletter, there would be so many people calling, your phone would be ringing off the hook!”
Strong Families Our Strong Families Program helps increase economic opportunity and financial stability of families often experiencing a crisis. We offer soft skills training, employment assistance, financial education training, and emergency housing programs, to help access rent or mortgage assistance. Additionally, we offer food nutrition programs, utility assistance, health care, parenting workshops, and more. 681 households served Central served 202% more individuals through crisis assistance from 2019-2020 Central provided 130% more instances of barrier reduction from 2019-2020 Families who received assistance received an average of $841 in financial support Families most often requested Central’s assistance and services to help with budget counseling, resource management, utility bills, rent or housing, food, and employment
Ruby Ruby is proud of her resilience in life. She is extremely humble, and attributes this to the many unexpected lessons that life can throw your way. 2020 was a year of hard work and perseverance for both Ruby and her family, as they were informed in June that their landlord had to sell their property due to financial constraints, rendering them homeless in the midst of the pandemic. If you talk to her about this situation, she does not dwell on the hardships of the circumstances. Instead, she will mention how her sister and brother-in-law sprang into action to help find them a home, or how her oldest daughter provided care for her two younger siblings for the summer while Ruby and her husband “sorted things out.” She stated, “Life teaches you many lessons, and even some of the bad things we go through are good for us.” As she was busy moving her entire family’s belongings into storage units, Ruby realized that not everything would fit. Rather than selling her items, she gave away what they couldn’t store to those who needed it more than her. This demonstrates her outlook on life, as she believes that the energy you put out in the world will come right back to you. She and her husband stayed with friends, and occasionally in hotel rooms, throughout the summer and into the fall. Shelters in the area were full, and they had to do everything they could to stay safe during the pandemic. Ruby continued working as a manager at Minamyer Residential Care Services, as well working as a hospice aide, without missing a single day of work. Still, there comes a point where everyone needs a little bit of help in life, and Central Community House was glad to be of assistance to Ruby. She stated, “There’s no such thing as a handout. Central is a hand up, not a handout.” Thanks to emergency assistance funds, Central was able to help Ruby pay her rent and utilities, and eventually, her family’s deposit on their new home in October of 2020. Ruby speaks very highly of her Community Service Worker at Central, noting he was an advocate for her and made sure to call her every day to check-in. She stated, “He would call, and a lot of the time I wouldn’t call him back because I was frustrated with life and didn’t want to talk, but he was persistent.” Ruby said, “I’ve never felt like anybody who works there doesn’t like their job.” She also raves about Central’s monthly Community Dinners. One evening she came home late after working long hours, and her husband had been able to pick up a to-go meal for everyone in their family. Ruby stated, “I was so exhausted, and actually broke down crying when I saw the food because I knew my family was fed. These are beautiful meals that people put a lot of time and energy into making.” Central also connected Ruby to Vineyard Church in Westerville, and they provided her family with brand new household items. It looks like Ruby was right – the energy you put out in the world does come back to you, as they were able to receive new items to replace those that they had to give away over the summer. Today, Ruby and her family are loving their new home and neighborhood. She remains involved at Central Community House and stated, “I’m always going to be part of that community there.” She has shifted from receiving emergency services to being eager to participate in volunteer activities, and wants to talk with people who have been in situations similar to hers. She believes that “whatever you are going through, you will come out of it, and Central will welcome you with open arms.”
Bringing together industry experts with budding entrepreneurs, the Academy for Community Entrepreneurs (ACE) helps individuals jumpstart their business ideas, and provides them with the hands-on training curriculum and capital resources they need to make their dreams a reality. 79 individuals served 88% were African American entrepreneurs 84% were women entrepreneurs 32 businesses started/expanded 94 jobs created/retained
J'Marshanae When talking about her life experiences, J'Marshanae will tell you, “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but I never knew what I wanted to do with it.” She found information about an ACE Business Structure class on Eventbrite in March of 2020, and from there took all the classes offered by ACE and completed the entire program online over the summer months. She said that ACE helped her focus in on her business, while giving her a “greater sense of what it takes to have and run a business.” When she thinks of the ACE program, she thinks about the time she spent reflecting and developing her company, and loves how knowledgeable and focused staff members were throughout her experience. She appreciates how many opportunities she has had to connect with other small business owners, especially in the midst of the pandemic when so many people felt disconnected. She appreciated not only the group Zoom sessions, but the individualized coaching as well. J'Marshanae is the founder of NaeKnows, a consulting company that provides coaching for parents primarily ages 1828, assisting them with resources and materials to help improve their family’s healthcare and overall well-being. We cannot wait to see her company’s continued development, and hear about her future success!
Community Happens Here. Central Community House is a vibrant, neighborhood hub. Our House uses the time, talents, energy and donations of many individuals from all walks of life to continue this tradition, and build our community. Unprecedented Investment in our House Central Community House was able to make critical improvements, repairs, and upgrades to facilities due to unprecedented support. The City of Columbus provided Community Development Block Grant Funding to install a new roof, upgrade heating and cooling systems, update alarm systems, and provide cosmetic improvements such as carpeting and painting at our Main Street Facility. In addition, City of Columbus Resilience funds allowed for the pouring of new concrete walkways and parking areas at the English Center for Art & Community on Bryden Road, and the leveling of greenspace to improve safety for youth and seniors using the property during increased outdoor programming. The Columbus Foundation provided several grants to help improve Central’s English Center for Art & Community at 1251 Bryden Road, including tuck-pointing of loose bricks on the house’s exterior, and installation of long-lasting raised planter beds for our community gardens. In addition, Central was able to use contributions to purchase supplies such as tents, heaters, fans, and foldable chairs to be able to hold outdoor programming for 9 months of the year, reducing the risk for COVID-19 spread due to improved social distancing and air circulation.
872 meals were served through monthly community dinners 329 families received holiday support 400 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to students at our Back to School Bash
Volunteer Highlight: KABOOM! Day of Service On September 11th, 2020, Central Community House participated in a day of service in collaboration with five United Healthcare volunteers. These volunteers helped assemble picnic tables and raised beds for our community gardens, as well as assembled “Rigamajig” play sets, generously donated by KaBOOM! Central is grateful for the hard work they put into this day of service. Central seniors will now be able to garden over the summer, and youth will be able to use the “Rigamajig” play sets for STEM learning in programming, thanks to these individuals and their passion for serving others! Vehicle added for transportation services Central Community House’s transportation staff and infrastructure are critical to the success of programming. They address a vital transportation barrier faced by seniors, providing access to services that allow them to remain independent in their own homes, and participate in programs that reduce isolation, promote health, allow them to volunteer, and are fun. For youth, they ensure safe travel from school to Central programming, and then directly to the front door of their home. In 2020, we were able to upgrade our fleet of vehicles, thanks to the generous support of the Isabelle Ridgway Foundation, by adding a new 15 passenger van to transport seniors. The new van is also handicap accessible, which improves access to our services for those with mobility challenges.
Thank You to Our Funders & Sponsors Affordable Housing Trust Alliance Data Systems Bailey Cavalieri Beatrice I. and Alan R. Weiler Fund Byrne’s Pub Cardinal Health Foundation City of Columbus Department of Development City of Columbus Department of Education City of Columbus Department of Health and Human Services The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) The Columbus Foundation Connie & Harrison Smith, Jr. Fund Donatos Pizza Franklin County Board of Commissioners Franklin County Children Services Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services Franklin County Office on Aging George J. Igel & Company Harry C. Moores Foundation Ingram-White Castle Foundation Isabelle Ridgeway Foundation Junior League of Columbus L Brands Foundation KABOOM! The Kridler Family Fund Leo Yassenoff Foundation Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Nationwide Children’s Hospital Nationwide Insurance Off the Lake Productions Ohio Alliance for Arts Education Ohio Arts Council Ohio CDC Association The Ohio State University College of Social Work The Ohio State University Office of Outreach and Engagement Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association The People’s Bank Foundation Primavera Family Foundation Talmage Family Foundation Siemer Family Foundation Spectrum United Way of Central Ohio WesBanco The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio
Thank you for helping us make a positive impact. Creating a safe and supportive community starts with you! Illustrations by Central Master Artist Richard Duarte Brown. Professional portraits by Tariq Tarey
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