Nonprofit Community

GroundWork group

John Hrusovsky, CEO

GroundWork group's mission is the strengthen the impact of nonprofit organizations by enhancing their ability to achieve their mission through sustainable and affordable information management, education, and technology solutions. GroundWork group is a social enterprise with an entrepreneurial mindset to solve business problems in the most economical way. They provide services to over 160 nonprofit organizations, have placed over 80 IT professionals onto nonprofit boards and have been acknowledged with the "Innovation in Non-Profit Service Delivery" Award by TechColumbus.

Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio

Nancy Brantner, Executive Director

Since 1972, our association has been made up of people with Down syndrome, parents, professionals, and health care providers who work hand in hand to ensure that all individuals in our community living with Down syndrome have every opportunity to achieve their individual potential.

Many of us volunteer our time. We do it because we care very deeply for a loved one with Down syndrome, and understand better than anyone the joys as well as the challenges of raising and caring for them.

We strongly believe that by providing easy-to-access information and compassionate, caring support, we can help families and the community gain a better understanding of what Down syndrome is, and how it affects the more than 400,000 individuals in the United States diagnosed with the condition.

By encouraging better understanding and acceptance, we can do our part to improve the lives of all individuals with Down syndrome and the lives of those who care for them.

FreshBox Catering - Lutheran Social Services

Joe DeLoss, Director of Social Enterprise

Freshbox Catering is a boxed lunch catering company that combines a premium menu with a premium mission. 100% of the proceeds benefit work-training programs at Faith Mission Homeless Shelters. When you purchase from Freshbox, you'll receive a delicious, made-to-order meal and simultaneously become a participant in social change.

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Ohio

Kathy Streblo, Executive Director

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Ohio is a non-profit agency providing programs and services to people with disabilities and/or aging conditions to enable them to live and work with dignity in our community. Working together with the individual, families and caregivers, we strive to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve the dreams and expectations of those we serve.

Having "the best quality of life" lies not just in keeping the body sound, but also nurturing the soul. Our art classes, led by Columbus College of Art and Design graduate artist Cody Miller, offers an innovative curriculum tailored to the individuals we serve. They are able to paint, sculpt, carve, whittle or make crafts, using equipment adapted to their needs, while they expand their knowledge of artists and art techniques.

Goodwill Columbus

Margie Pizzuti, CEO

Goodwill Columbus provides services, community living experiences, and employment opportunities to assist individuals who have disabilities or other challenges to enjoy full participation in the community. Each year, our vocational, personal, social, and community service assist more than 1,500 people with disabilities or other special needs to attain a new level of independence.

Goodwill Columbus is working to help build a world where all individuals with disabilities and special challenges will have the opportunity to participate in a full range of life's experiences, including competitive employment. Goodwill will focus on being the leader in providing quality education, training, and employment services, which empower individuals to be productive and independent.

Easter Seals of Central and Southeast Ohio

Karin Zuckerman, Executive Director

Easter Seals provide exception services for people with disabilities or special needs and their families to live, work and play in their communities. Easter Seals, its partners and volunteers from across the country are committed to breaking down attitudinal barriers to help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence.

For over fifty years Easter Selas has provided early childhood education programs meant to promote skill development for child with, or at risk of, developmental disabilities and delays. Significant research has shown the earlier intervention occurs in a child's life, the more success that child will experience. By helping children with their cognitive, physical, emotional, and social skills, early childhood education programs have demonstrated the ability to make positive impacts on the lives of children and families.

A Kid Again

Jeff Damron, CEO

A Kid Again strives to enrich the lives of children with life threatening illnesses and their families by providing healing times of respite through our fun-filled group activities and destination events called adventures. Since the beginning in 1995 as a volunteer organization A Kid Again has grown into four cities and touches the lives of 15,000 hurting people each year.

A Kid Again's OSU Father/Son Basketball Clinic enables boys with cancer and their fathers to become a Buckeye for the day!! Our boys and dads enter the OSU men's locker room to find a gym bag with their name on it. Inside the bag are OSU shirts, shorts, and a basketball. After suiting up, they join the team for films and an enthusiastic talk from the players and coaches in the strategy room. Then it's up to the hardwood for a 2-hour clinic on basketball skills. Next, it is photo time with the boys and OSU team members, followed by a personal autograph session. The memorable day ends by enjoying pizza, video games and fun for all at the Buckeye Hall of Fame. It is a day event the Dads will never forget.