Resource Category: Legacy Development

IMPACT Community Action

Support for Stability, Financial Wellness & Opportunity

IMPACT Community Action helps individuals and families in Franklin County meet basic needs, build financial stability, and move toward long-term self-sufficiency through free and income-based programs.

‍ ‍ Who This Resource Is For

IMPACT serves Franklin County residents who are experiencing financial hardship and meet income eligibility guidelines.

This resource is helpful for:

Housing, Utility & Crisis Support

️ Rental Assistance

Help for eligible households facing eviction or housing instability.

Get Rental Assistance
https://www.impactca.org/rental-assistance

Energy & Utility Assistance

Programs include:

Support may include help with heating, cooling, and utility bills.

Get Utility & Energy Help
https://www.impactca.org/housing-crisis

️ Home Weatherization Assistance

Energy-saving home improvements to help reduce heating and cooling costs.

Learn About Weatherization
https://www.impactca.org/weatherization

Financial Empowerment & Stability

IMPACT offers programs to help individuals and families strengthen their financial future, including:

Explore Financial Services
https://www.impactca.org/faqs/financial-services

Workforce & Employment Support

IMPACT provides workforce and supportive services that may include:

These programs help participants prepare for employment and long-term career success.

Learn About Workforce Support
https://www.impactca.org/faqs/supportive-services

Locations & Contact Information

IMPACT Community Action – Main Office

711 Southwood Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207
Phone: (614) 252-2799
✉️ Email: communications@impactca.org
Hours: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Contact IMPACT Community Action
https://www.impactca.org/contact-impact

Additional Locations

How to Get Started

  1. Visit the IMPACT website to review available programs
  2. Call (614) 252-2799 to ask about eligibility
  3. Schedule an appointment or visit a local office with required documents

Quick Links

Ohio’s ASPIRE (Adult Education Services)

About ASPIRE:
Ohio’s ASPIRE (Adult Education Services) programs provide free adult basic education, high school equivalency (HSE/GED) preparation, English language instruction, workplace readiness, and career transitions supports to adult learners throughout Ohio. These services are operated locally and supported by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Official Program Links

Who ASPIRE Serves

ASPIRE is designed for adult learners (typically 16+ and no longer enrolled in secondary school) who need support in:

Note: Local ASPIRE programs may have specific eligibility details — contact your local provider for exact enrollment requirements.

Statewide Contact Information

If you want statewide support or help locating an ASPIRE program near you:

Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE)

Mailing Address:
25 South Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215

General Phone: (614) 466-6000
Fax: (614) 466-5866

Direct ASPIRE Program Contact (Student Inquiry)

Ohio Aspire’s general student contact for program info and enrollment support:
Phone: 833-8ASPIRE (833-827-7473)
Accessible statewide for basic assistance and next-steps guidance.

Local ASPIRE Program Examples

Local programs operate within communities across Ohio — each offers FREE classes and support services. Here are examples of direct contacts from local programs (programs vary by county/community):

Columbus City Schools – Aspire (HSE/ESL)

Eastern Ohio ASPIRE (Jefferson County Educational Service Center)

Aspire – Pike County (Adult Education)

(These local programs are part of the statewide ASPIRE network funded and overseen by Ohio’s Department of Higher Education.)

What You Can Do with ASPIRE

Participants can use the ASPIRE program to:
✅ Improve basic academic skills (reading/writing/math)
✅ Prepare for Ohio High School Equivalency exams (GED/HiSET)
✅ Learn or improve English (ESOL)
✅ Build workplace literacy, job skills, and computer skills
✅ Plan for post-secondary education or employment opportunities

How to Get Started

  1. Visit the ASPIRE Overview page:
    https://highered.ohio.gov/educators/workforce-adult-ed/aspire/aspire-overview
  2. Find local ASPIRE program locations & offerings:
    https://highered.ohio.gov/educators/workforce-adult-ed/aspire/aspire-locations
  3. Contact the program directly using the numbers and emails above.
  4. Attend orientation and enroll at a local provider site that serves your county.

Columbus Works Program

Columbus Works – Job Seeker Services (Central Ohio)

Columbus Works provides free job readiness training, employment coaching, and support services to help job seekers build skills, overcome barriers, and connect with employers in the Columbus area. Their focus is on transforming lives through employment and removing obstacles to long-term career success.

Job Seeker Landing Page: https://info.columbusworks.org/job-seekers

Columbus Works Main Site: https://www.columbusworks.org/overview.html

Who Can Participate

Columbus Works serves job seekers interested in changing their lives through meaningful employment, offering services at no cost. Participants are often connected with workforce supports, job training, and employer partners ready to hire.

What the Program Offers

JumpStart® Job Readiness Training

A free multi-day (often 4–5 days) job readiness workshop that includes:

This program focuses on practical job search skills and helps participants transition into employment quickly.

Resume Building

Columbus Works helps job seekers create professionally formatted resumes that highlight strengths, skills, and relevant experience to improve chances of hire.

Interview Preparation

Participants receive one-on-one interview coaching to build confidence, improve communication skills, and practice responding to real interview questions.

Employment Coaching & Support

Job seekers work with an employment coach who can support:

How to Get Started

To express interest and learn more, job seekers can complete the online form on the Columbus Works Job Seekers page:

https://info.columbusworks.org/job-seekers

After submitting the form, a Columbus Works representative will contact you to begin enrollment and answer questions about next steps.

Program Mission

Columbus Works aims to remove barriers to sustained employment and economic self-sufficiency by providing holistic job training and wrap-around support services for individuals often underrepresented in the workforce.

Quick Links

Little Bottoms Free Store

Mission: Little Bottoms Free Store’s mission is to foster a safe, nurturing environment while providing essential baby supplies to disadvantaged families in Franklin County with children aged 0–3 years, and to build a community where neighbors help raise children together.

The organization offers free diapers, wipes, baby clothes, books, coats, baby gear, and other basic needs while creating space for connection, support, and access to additional community resources.

Founded: 2019
Tax Status: Approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit — EIN: 88-1508494 (tax-deductible donations)

Location & Hours

Address:
89 W. Park Ave.
Columbus, OH 43222

Service Hours:

Phone: (614) 696-4099
Email: info@littlebottoms.org

‍ ‍ Who They Serve

Little Bottoms Free Store serves Franklin County residents who either:

To receive services, families must register for a membership and schedule an appointment before their first visit. Verification includes photo ID and appropriate medical records or birth certificates.

Once verified, members can shop twice per month for diapers, wipes, clothing, formula, and other baby essentials.

Programs & Services

Basic Needs Distribution

Community Building

Support Services

How to Get Involved

‍♀️ Volunteers

Volunteer opportunities include:

Donations

Items accepted: New and gently used baby supplies, clothing, diapers, wipes, etc.
Donation Drop-off Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

You can also support Little Bottoms by:

Membership & Eligibility

To receive services:

  1. Register online and upload required documents OR bring them to your first appointment.
  2. An appointment is required for initial verification.
  3. After verification, members can shop during open hours.

Documents typically needed:

Spanish language support is available.

Contact

995 Hope Foreclosure & Financial Counseling

Free Housing & Financial Support Hotline

If you’re behind on mortgage payments, facing foreclosure, or need help understanding your housing and financial options, 995 Hope offers free counseling and planning support. Their trained, HUD-certified housing counselors work with homeowners (and renters in some cases) to assess your financial situation, explore alternatives, and build a personalized action plan. You can also get help with budgeting, debt management, homebuying education, and navigating challenging mortgage situations.

Services include:

Hope Hotline (Housing & Foreclosure Counseling): 1-888-995-4673
Debt Counseling Hotline: 1-866-481-1720
Website: https://995hope.org
Hours: 24/7 access by phone; language support available.

Who can call:
Homeowners or renters who are struggling with mortgage or housing finances, including people worried about missing payments or foreclosure.

Columbus Metropolitan Library

Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)

Category: Education & Youth Development
FACCES Pillar: Education & Empowerment
Cost: ✅ Free

Overview

Columbus Metropolitan Library offers free, child-centered learning opportunities for babies, children, and teens year-round. With welcoming neighborhood branches across Central Ohio, CML provides continuous programs that support early literacy, school success, creativity, and lifelong learning — all at no cost to families.

Child-Facing Programs (Ongoing & Free)

Continuous Support for Families

Digital Access for Students

️ Locations

20+ library locations throughout Franklin County
(Main Library: 96 S. Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215)

Get Connected

Website: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/
️ Library Card: Free — available online or in person

Why This Resource Matters

STEP: Strive Toward Empowerment and Purpose – Columbus Urban League

The STEP Program helps youth build self-esteem, leadership skills, public speaking, and effective communication within a supportive community of peers and engagement coaches. The program provides structure, guidance, and positive relationship-building for youth ages 11–17 who are on the cusp of entering the justice system.

STEP also equips parents with curriculum and practical tools to strengthen family dynamics through healthy co-parenting partnerships, conflict resolution strategies, early intervention supports, and school relationship guidance.

This is an 8-week intervention program offered in partnership with the City of Columbus and Franklin County Municipal Courts, supporting both youth and families in building strong, stable, and connected households.

✅ Program Focus Areas Include:

• Youth leadership and confidence development
• Public speaking and communication skills
• Positive peer engagement and mentorship
• Co-parenting and family relationship support
• Conflict resolution and intervention strategies
• School engagement and advocacy tools

‍ ‍ ‍ Who It Serves:
Youth ages 11–17 and their parents or caregivers

⏳ Program Length:
8-week structured intervention

Community Partners:
City of Columbus & Franklin County Municipal Courts

Address:
788 Mount Vernon Avenue
Columbus, OH 43202
United States

Phone:
(614) 257-6300

Website:
https://cul.org/initiatives/step/

Program Contact:
Logan Favor
step@cul.org

⚠️
If you are interested in The STEP Program, please go to their website and complete the Interest Form.

Jewish Family Services – Financial Empowerment Center

The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), a partnership between Jewish Family Services and the City of Columbus, offers free one-on-one financial counseling to all Central Ohio adults. Whether you’re working to pay down debt, improve your credit score, build savings, or plan for the future, certified financial counselors are here to help you navigate complex financial decisions and achieve your goals.

Services are offered at no cost in multiple community locations and through partner programs, so support is always nearby. Everyone is welcome — no income limits or eligibility requirements.

✅ Services Include:

Address: 1070 College Avenue, Columbus, OH 43209
Phone: (614) 231-1890
Website: Visit Website
Contact: Justin DeBrosse – jdebrosse@jfscolumbus.org

Give Back Program with Telhio!

✨ Partnering with FACCES to Empower Families — and Give Back! ✨

At Telhio Credit Union, we believe that strong, financially confident families are the heart of a thriving community. That’s why we’re so proud to partner with FACCES, an organization dedicated to supporting families through food, wellness, education, and legacy-building.

Together, we’re excited to introduce an opportunity that not only supports your family’s financial future but also gives back to the community!

When you open a Telhio Youth Account or a Checking Account during our special campaign, we’ll donate $25 to FACCES for each new account opened.

Our Youth Account is designed to help young people start strong, learn money basics, and build lifelong financial habits early on. Our Checking Account offers flexibility and the financial tools your family needs to manage everyday life confidently.

By opening these accounts, you’re not just investing in your own family’s success — you’re directly supporting FACCES’ mission to uplift and empower families throughout our community.

Together, we’re teaching the next generation the importance of financial literacy, empowering families with resources, and building lasting legacies.

Open an account today and join us in making a meaningful impact!

FACCES Recruiting Hub

This is your chance to take charge of your future and define your legacy by connecting with our community partners and local businesses offering valuable employment, internships, and educational programs!

Employers & Community Partners:  

Our dedicated business and community partners are eager to work with FACCES families. Avid management is ready to match candidates with exciting opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations.

Why You Will Love It:  

– Tailored Opportunities: Connect with businesses that value your unique skills and passions.

– Career Development: Gain valuable experience through internships and educational programs.

– Community Support: Join a network of families and partners committed to your success.

Current Opportunities:  

Don’t miss out! Click the button below to explore the current listings of opportunities available through the FACCES Recruiting Hub. 

Click to View Opportunities

Seize this moment to enhance your career path and create a lasting impact for you and your family. Together, let’s build a brighter future!

For more information, please contact us at:  

Vanita Hughes

Talent Acquisition

Careers@TheFACCES.org

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