Avalon Family Resources Newsletter
October 2024
Columbus City Schools - Resources & Events
Nationwide Children's Hospital at Northland High School
Nationwide Children's Hospital has a doctor's office at Northland High School in Room 131 for students from ages 3 - 21.
We can:
• Help when you are sick
• Give vaccines (shots)
• Do blood work
• Perform checkups
• Help with medication management
• Provide sports physicals
• Treat asthma
• Help with work permit physicals
• Treat anxiety, depression and ADHD
• And more!
To schedule an appointment, call (614) 355-2590, Option 3, or scan the QR code to submit an interest form.
Interpreters are available.
Transportation At School Available For Health Care Services
See the school nurse or call (614) 355-2590, option 3, to schedule an appointment for your CCS student to go to the Nationwide Children's Hospital doctor's office in Room 131 at Northland HighSchool.
Tell them your child will need transportation.
Nationwide Children's Hospital x Columbus City School's Vision Center
Nationwide Children's Hospital has a vision center on the Fort Hayes Campus, located across from the Central Enrollment Center for students ages 3 - 21.
They can:
• Provide comprehensive eye exams
• Prescribe glasses
• Perform glasses fittings
• Order glasses
• Repair glasses
Call (614) 355-2590, Option 7, to schedule an appointment or for more information.
Learn more at NationwideChildrens.org/Care-Connection or scan the QR code.
New CCS Event Safety Protocols
New safety measures have been put in place for the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year for all special events including sporting events such as football.
Beginning today (August 23rd) at most locations:
- Safety and Security Specialists will process all spectators and visitors through a single-entry point via the EVOLV High-Speed Weapons Detection Systems
- Students must provide their school ID
- A parent or adult guardian must accompany middle school students
- Restrictions on bag size, no larger than 5x8
- No strollers
- **New this year** no admission or purchase of tickets after the end of the third quarter
- Spectators are prohibited from re-entering after leaving the facility
Pre-Kindergarten Readiness
Visit here for more information: https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/12052
Here are some things you can expect in Pre-K next year:
Above and below, you will find an example of one of our Pre-K classrooms. Our teachers strategically set up their rooms to help promote learning, reinforce the curriculum, and create a fun, caring, and safe environment.
Calming Corner:
Home Center:
Center Rotation (reading center, play-doh, home center):
CCS Early Childhood Education Facts & Info
Columbus City Schools Tutoring Resources
The Columbus City Schools FACT Line, part of the Office of Customer Relations, has compiled a listing of local agencies, organizations, and individuals (independent contractors not under the auspices of CCS) who provide tutoring or family-related services, as listed in the Lutheran Social Services Directory for Franklin County.
ESL Language Assistance Center
Columbus City Schools FACES
Columbus City Schools (CCS) proudly presents FACES, the online Family and Community Engagement Series program created to inform and connect families, community, and schools. The series airs on the District's Facebook and YouTube channels. During sessions, CCS families will learn about the latest District information, hear about family resources from our community partners, provide feedback, and get answers to frequently asked questions.
Sessions air at 6:00 pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Then, the Columbus City School Board of Education meetings air on the first and third Tuesdays. Sessions are recorded and available to watch at your leisure. Some past topics have included mental health awareness, reading and literacy, and coping with stressors of busy holiday seasons.
Franklin County Community Resources & Events
Community Closet - October 5th
Saturday, October 5th
Community Closet!
Everyone in the community is welcome!
Location: Columbus Global Academy
4077 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Free clothes, shoes, and more items!
Franklin County Affordable Housing Fair - October 12th
Free Book Giveaway, October 15
**Free Books!**
Fall 2024 Giveaway Dates
by 2nd & 7 Columbus Kids' Book Bank
Tuesday, September 17th, 3pm to 6pm
Tuesday, October 15th, 3pm to 6pm
Tuesday, November 19th, 3pm to 6pm
Tuesday, December 17th, 3pm to 6pm
Open to the public
Stop by and stock up on free books from our large inventory for all ages!
Address:
7949 N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43235
www.bookbank.secondandseven.com
(614) 396-8161
Spruce Run Open House, October 19
Mark your calendar for Spruce Run Nature Center's first open house of the year!
Spruce Run Nature Center
4175 Sunbury Rd
Galena, OH 43021
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Spruce Run Open House will be from 10 am - 2 pm
It's FREE and open to the public.
Families and friends are encouraged to participate in the open house themed activities, nature hikes, crafts, creeking, and more!
Varsity Tutors will be at Spruce Run to talk to CCS students and families about the free resource available to you through ClassLink.
For more information, click on:
https://secure.smore.com/n/6gdj8
Free Community Health Fair, October 26
Discover health and wellness at Vineyard Community Center’s FREE Health Fair!
Join in for a day dedicated to health and wellness for individuals of all ages. This event is specifically designed to support low-income families & individuals, offering access to vital resources to help improve health and well-being.
They are excited to host organizations such as Lower Lights Health, Stowe Missions, North Community Counseling Center, Life Care Alliance Cancer Services, and Mid-Ohio Food Bank, among others.
What to Expect:
- Free giveaways & raffle prizes
- Free vitals, vision screenings, and dental kits.
- Interactive fitness and wellness booths.
- Information and access to resources including food and nutrition, vision care, medical services, senior care, mental health support, cancer services, and disability support.
Event Details:
- Free Admission: No cost to attend
- No Registration Required
- All Ages Welcome: Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with healthcare professionals and explore a range of health and wellness services. They look forward to seeing you there!
Free Parenting Workshops, Various October Dates
FREE Parenting Workshops
Supportive, small group programs to connect with other parents about raising young children.
You can attend any or all of the classes below for free.
Hassle-Free Mealtimes with Children
Get ideas on how to address picky eating and other mealtime struggles.
Wednesday, October 2nd, 6 to 8 p.m. on Zoom
Managing Fighting and Aggression
Learn strategies for teaching kids to solve problems and get along with others.
Thursday, October 3, noon to 2 p.m. at Gahanna Public Library
Developing Good Bedtime Routines
Get advice on getting your kid to go to bed and staying there.
Thursday, October 10, noon to 2 p.m. at Whitehall Public Library
Dealing with Disobedience
Get tips on getting kids to listen and follow directions and what to do when they don't.
Tuesday, October 15, noon to 2 p.m. on Zoom
Hassle-Free Shopping with Children
Learn how to plan for easy, calm trips and how to address misbehavior while in public.
Monday, October 28, 6 to 8 p.m. on Zoom
All workshops open to families in
Crawford, Franklin, Licking, Madison, and Richland Counties
To sign up, call (614) 355-8099 or email:
TripleP@NationwideChildrens.org
Columbus Library Culture Pass
Check out Culture Passes for admission to these central Ohio organizations –FREE with your library card.
For in-person checkout only; non-reservable. Click here to check availability. Supplies are limited.
BalletMet
- Pass admits two adults or children.
- Redeem at theater box office up to two hours before performance.
- Valid for 2024-2025 performances only.
CAPA
- Pass can be redeemed for one 10-pack of 2024 movie tickets.
- Each ticket admits one person to any Summer Movie Series film.
- All movies take place at the Ohio Theatre.
Columbus Children’s Theatre
- Pass admits four individuals of any age.
- Redeem at theater box office up to two hours before performance.
- Call the box office in advance to be sure the show isn’t sold out.
- Valid for 2024 performances only.
Columbus Clippers
- Pass admits up to two adults and four children.
- Passes good for bleacher seating sections.
- Valid for Sunday games only during the regular season (March – September).
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus
- Pass admits two individuals of any age.
- Redeem at theater box office up to two hours before performance.
- Call the box office in advance to be sure the show isn’t sold out.
- Valid for 2024-2025 performances only.
Columbus Museum of Art and the Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art
- Pass admits eight people of any age.
- Valid for seven days.
Columbus Symphony
- Pass admits one adult; children under 16 are free.
- Seat selection must be made before performance.
- Valid for Masterworks performances only.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Pass admits up to six people of any age.
- Valid for two days.
- Pass is not valid for Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club or The Wilds.
- Pass does not include parking fees.
Dawes Arboretum
- Pass admits up to six individuals of any age.
- Valid for two weeks.
- Valid for general admission; excludes registered programs and events.
- Cannot be used for entry during member-only hour from 8-9 a.m.
Franklin Park Conservatory
- Pass admits two adults and six children.
- Valid for 30 days.
- May be used two times before pass expires.
Ohio History Center
- Pass admits up to eight adults and/or children.
- Pass also valid to Ohio Village (seasonal).
- Valid for seven days.
- Valid for 10% discount at café and gift shop.
National Veterans Memorial Museum
- Pass admits two adults and five children.
- Valid for seven days.
ProMusica
- Pass admits two adults or children.
- Redeem by calling 614-464-0066 ext. 101 in advance, or at theater
box office up to one hour before performance.
Resources for Spanish-Speaking Families
La Coalición Hispana de Ohio ofrece un programa extracurricular, donde los niños reciben: asistencia con las tareas, actividades de enriquecimiento, tutoría y tutoría, aprendizaje STEAM, creación de contenido y más, todas estas actividades están en ambos idiomas (inglés y español).
La Coalición Hispana de Ohio también tiene un campamento de verano. Estén atentos a ese folleto. Aún no lo han publicado.
Kindergarten Readiness with The YMCA
SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids) was developed in 2001 in order to create a seamless transition for vulnerable children into kindergarten and to help them be successful learners. SPARK is a home visiting family-focused kindergarten readiness program that works collaboratively with families, schools, and the community. Each month, children receive a new book, a lesson activity, educational supplies, and participate in home and group learning opportunities, in order to increase the child's success in school and life. SPARK focuses on assisting families to help children get ready for school by building reading, language, and social skills. SPARK Ohio has helped more than 5,000 families prepare their preschool-aged children for kindergarten while working collaboratively with schools to enhance transition practices. SPARK serves children turning three or four years of age by September 30th of each year throughout Franklin County.
There is no cost associated with this program.
Find out more information here!:
Action For Children - Childcare Resources
Action for Children has been central Ohio’s trusted resource for all things early learning since 1972. As the local child care resource and referral agency, we serve Franklin County, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union counties.
The Ohio State University x Early Head Start Partnership Program
Do you have a child three years old and under? Do you receive TANF, SSI, SNAP, PFCC benefits? Are you experiencing homelessness or is your family income below the poverty guidelines?
If so, The Ohio State University Early Head Start Program can help.
Apply online: go.osu.edu/ehsapply
espanol: go.osu.edu/ehsespanol
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Karl Road Library Branch - Adult Learning Programs:
There are many programs offered at the Karl Road Branch for adult education.
Here are a few upcoming events, listed below.
English Conversation Tables
- Karl Road - Meeting Room 3
- Wednesdays, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Come join Library staff for an hour of English Practice as we explore a variety of topics, vocabulary, and grammar through conversation. No registration required. All levels are welcome.
ESOL Class
By Godman Guild
- Karl Road – School Help Center
- Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 12:00pm
- 9:00am – 12:00pm
- ESOL classes are free English as a second language classes. Please call the Godman Guild at 614-294-5476 to register.
ESOL Class
By Columbus Literacy Council
- Karl Road – Meeting Room 1, 2, and 3
- Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm
- ESOL classes are free English as a second language class. Students need to register online using this form: http://bit.ly/CLCAdultEducation or call the Columbus Literacy Council at 614-362-1625.
Columbus Financial Empowerment Center:
By Jewish Family Services & City of Columbus
- Karl Road – Study Room 7
- Tuesdays, 12:30pm – 5:00pm
- The Columbus Financial Empowerment Center offers free one-on-one financial counseling as a public service for all Central Ohio residents. Trained and Certified financial counselors will help you.
Free Legal Help:
By Legal Aid Society
- Karl Road – Conference Room 1
- Tuesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
- Get free legal help from the Legal Aid Society including consumer debt, expungement and landlord/tenant issues. No registration is required.
View the Columbus Metropolitan Library event calendar here for more events and information: https://events.columbuslibrary.org/events
*You can also filter the search to show events at the local Northern Lights branch, as well.Aspire
The Aspire program offers free ESL, High School Equivalency (GED, HiSET), postsecondary preparation and career training for adult learners at different locations throughout Columbus. Day, evening and weekend, virtual and in-person class options are available. Spring classes will begin April 15, 2024.
To register: https://ausohio.com/adult-education/
ACE (Adult & Community Education)
Since 1954, we have been committed to providing programs for lifelong learning. Adult Workforce Education courses can be taken in health occupations, skilled trades, and computer applications. You can prepare to earn your high school equivalency by attending free classes, and foreign-born adults can learn to read, write, and speak English in our (ESL) English for Speakers of Other Languages program.
ACE Mission Statement: Adult & Community Education improves the lives of adult students through personalized, quality learning.
CCS Mission Statement: Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community.
Vision Statement: A world-class model of public education that prepares all students to be Portrait-ready graduates and reach their full potential.
To learn more: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddPqfUy-wClUEvEe2oYUndwMgNUr49QDYVydNllq7h0uVxGg/viewform
Columbus Literacy Council
CLC is a dynamic and innovative agency providing services to individuals, families and neighborhoods across Central Ohio. Our mission is to increase employability, enable future education, encourage civic involvement and promote family stability and support.
Columbus Literacy Council offers programs for a variety of topics, such as:
- Workplace Learning
- Business Grammar
- American Sign Language
- Spanish
- Citizenship
To learn more: https://www.clcworks.org/connect-with-us
May 16 - Small Business Resource Fair
Healthy Neighborhoods / Healthy Families Economic Development
Ohio Means Jobs
Find your next opportunity!
Post your resume, find a job, learn career skills, meet the requirements of your government benefits, and more on OhioMeansJobs.com. Get best practices for your job search.
The Franklin County Job Center is located at:
Columbus-Franklin County
1111 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205
Phone: (614) 559-5052
Columbus Metropolitan Library - JobNow
- JobNow Coaches are available every day from 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM EDT
- Get resume help from live experts
- Live interview coaching
- Expert job matching
- Career assessments to help you begin your search
- Unemployment assistance
To apply, click here: https://www.aepohio.com/community/caring/neighbor-to-neighbor#applying
211 Central Ohio
LSS 211 Central Ohio, formerly HandsOn Central Ohio, provides community access to thousands of programs and services available from nonprofit, government, and healthcare organizations in Central Ohio. Click the image to find resources available to you.
Visit the website here: https://lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio/
Lemontree Food Helpline
Real people standing by:
Text "FOOD" to 90847
- Free Groceries
- Government Programs
- Hot Meals
CRC Family Services
Family Services focuses on a range of programs and special efforts for local families and individuals. From its Choice Food Pantry, to health services and more, the agency meets neighbors’ needs and helps them on the road to sustainability.
CRC's Family Services Program serves Clintonville and surrounding communities through a Choice Food Pantry, weekly produce distributions, sack lunches, and other assistance.
Family Services and Choice Food Pantry
14 W Lakeview Avenue
Columbus, OH 43202
614-268-3539
Linden Community Health Hub
ODJFS Assistance Programs - SNAP Benefits / Medicaid / Ohio Works / Childcare
Available benefits include: Medicaid (Health Insurance),SNAP (Food Assistance), Ohio Works First (Cash Assistance), and childcare.
To print and fill out the application click below:
https://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/num/JFS%2007200/pdf/
To apply online click below:
INPREM Drive-Thru Food Pantry
*Monthly Mobile Produce Market occurs every third Saturday of each month from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Food is loaded into the trunk of each car by pantry staff. Please bring photo ID.
Home goods are also available on first-come, first-served basis.
Address: 5757 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43229.
2024 Dates:
-January 20
-February 17
-March 16
-April 20
-May 18
-June 15
-July 20
-August 17
-September 21
-October 19
-November 16
-December 21
NNEMAP Food Pantry
NNEMAP food pantry is open daily.
Daily Hours:
Monday - Wednesday: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Address: 677 E. 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
Phone: (614) 297 - 0533
*See flyer above.
St. Stephen's Community House - Food & Nutrition Center
Hours of Operation:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Consumers are welcome once a week!
St. Stephen's Community House FNC is curb-side only.
Address: 1500 E. 17th Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43219
Bread of Life Food Pantry
The Bread of Life Food Pantry is working to meet the critical need for food. If you need help, schedule an appointment at:
-Phone : (614) 341-2282
-Text: (614) 702 - 7772
The pantry is currently open on:
-Wednesdays: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
-Fridays: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Address: 1880 Agler Road
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, although walk -Ins are accepted on a limited basis.
*See the flyer above.
FreshTrak
We’re here to help!
You can use www.FreshTrak.com to find food resources in your area.
Input your zip code to find food access resources in your community.
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program provides housing assistance for very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled, allowing them to live in safe, quality affordable housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses or apartments in neighborhoods of their choice. Participants are free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and are not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.
A family that is issued a voucher is responsible for finding a suitable unit where the owner agrees to rent under the HCV program. The suitable unit may even include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.
A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by CMHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.
Visit website: https://www.cmhanet.com/HCV/About
PBS For Parents
Did you know the PBS For Parents website has Read Alongs you can watch with your kids? These books are read by the author and have a craft, game, and/or printable that goes along with each story!
If you are tired at bedtime and want to listen to a book - this is a GREAT way for you and your child to enjoy a bedtime story WITH pictures together!
Check out this and many other great parent resources at:
Read Together Grow Together
The Read Together Grow Together website from the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy has 8 Tips for Families reading with their children.
“Reading with your child is one of the best ways to build their literacy skills.
Did you know there are simple tips you can use when you read together? These tips are for every adult who shares the joy of reading with a child. They are based on best practices and can be used with any books that you have.”
https://crane.osu.edu/our-work/read-together-grow-together/
Ohio Learns 360
Check out this site for Camps-In-a-Box, Virtual Field Trips, Family Webinar Series, and community events.
Sign Language Story Time at Columbus Metropolitan Libraries
Ohio Hands and Voices is partnering with Columbus Metropolitan Libraries to offer American Sign Language Storytime at several library locations this spring.
All are welcome to attend these inclusive and fun storytime events!
Free Sundays at Columbus Museum of Art
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS!
Otterbein University (America Reads & Sports Pals)
Avalon Parent & Family Resource Site contains the following sections:
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
AVALON K-3 YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
AVALON K-3 IS NOW ON INSTAGRAM!
To follow, click this link:
AVALON K-3 ALSO HAS A FACEBOOK PAGE!
To request to join, click this link: