LibGuides: Volunteer Opportunities: Community Opportunities

Community Organizations

Various nonprofit groups in Columbus and Franklin County can be a source of information on the state of the county and city.

Impact Community Action
"founded in 2007, is a non-profit problem-solving agency dedicated to helping families move from poverty and crisis to family stability and self-sufficiency."
Columbus Shelter Board
Housing and homelessness resources in Columbus
Mid-Ohio Food Collective
All things related to food insecurity. Help out at a pantry or sorting food. There is also an opportunity to prepare meals.
Columbus Foundation
This organizations goal is, "to assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents."
Mentoring Center of Central Ohio
A group training mentors to provide help to kids, it is a department of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio and an affiliate of MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership.
Report: State of Poverty in 2022
A report filed from the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies in an attempt to inform and dispel myths and misconceptions.
2019 Blueprint for reducing poverty in Franklin County
A detailed report provided by the Kirwain Institute.
LifeTown Columbus
This organization helps people with disabilities to gain valuable life skills. Volunteers role-play to help their students to learn the skills they need to function in society.
Red Cross
More than just donating blood, but help as a Transportation Specialist volunteer or for disaster help.

Community Needs

This is a general page to consider where you could look for local community information.

Please contact the library if you need assistance finding information.

Local Information

Columbus : the story of a city
Call Number: F499.C7 L46 2003
ISBN: 0738524298

General Background

The library has books on communites and may be able to provide other resources. Don't forget the public libraries as well.

This subject heading: Columbus (Ohio) - History is a good start to see what is available. However, while Otterbein has a few books on Columbus history, I would recommend going to the Columbus Metropolitan Library for more depth.