Foster Hope Holiday Fest

Vision

In 2019, leaders with Franklin County Children Services expressed that teens in foster care were an overlooked group during Christmas and rarely received gifts. In just four weeks, One Church collected $55,000+ in gift cards, ensuring every Franklin County foster teen received three $25 gift cards for Christmas.

In 2020-2023, the outreach effort expanded to the entire state, raising on average $275,000 each year to ensure every Ohio foster teen received multiple cards for Christmas.

As we've continued to partner with this community, we discovered that the journey could become more challenging as teens become young adults and transition out of care. They lose a great deal of support. This year, in addition to providing gift cards, we are expanding the outreach to bridge the gap with a fun, engaging resource fair that empowers transitioning teens with  what they need as they age out of foster care.

 
 

KNow a teen in foster care who may enjoy this event? Invite them to attend!!

 
 

RESOURCES

financial Resources

  • The Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) provides a variety of information and resources with a goal of providing consumers with tools essential to make smart financial decisions. OCA’s educational publications and materials are designed to educate you about various financial products and services, as well as alert you to current and emerging financial scams.

  • Bank of America is committed to making financial lives better. Bank of America helps clients achieve what's possible by providing experts who listen and care, powerfully personal technology, connected solutions and a vision of shared success.

Mental Health Resources

  • Nationwide Children's Hospital is committed to best outcomes and health equity for all children, ensuring every child has access to the best care regardless of their ability to pay. Upon this fundamental belief, Nationwide Children's is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients and whole child wellness, advocacy for children and families, research discoveries and education of patients, families, team members and the community

  • Restore Ministry provides services through Pastoral Counseling, Clinical Counseling, and Life Coaching, restoration is found in supporting individuals, couples, and families through the storms of life.

  • The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to prevent one of our most preventable causes of death: suicide. OSPF’s work includes reducing the stigma of suicide, promoting evidence-based prevention strategies, and raising awareness about suicide’s relationship to mental illness and substance use disorders, and other factors that contribute to suicide.

Post High School Resources

  • Columbus State Community College has special supports available to youth who are current or former foster or kinship youth. This department provides assistance navigating college, providing support, and offering leadership experiences and/or opportunities to get involved.

  • The Achieve More and Prosper (A.M.P.)  In-and Out of School Programs provides mentoring for youth in many forms - including in school support, paid work experiences, career readiness and financial literacy training.

  • Bridges is a voluntary program available to young adults between ages 18 and 20 who leave foster care in Ohio and are in school, working, participating in an employment program, or have a medical condition that prevents them from going to school or working. The program provides guidance and support on their personal development path.

  • As a leading retailer, Macy’s offers personal styling services that can help prepare youth to embrace the next stage of life by equipping them with a career-ready wardrobe.

  • Per Scholas’ mission is to advance economic equity through rigorous training for tech careers and to connect skilled talent to leading businesses.

  • Project C.L.O.U.D.S (Changing Lives of Unique and Deserving Students) is an organization that seeks to ensure that all students have access to the resources and support to fully encompass all the greatness that is within them.

Holistic Resources

  • As a national organization, NYAP has the capacity and passion to actively advocate for children, youth, and families. NYAP takes pride in pioneering new programs and services to meet the individual needs of the youth and families they serve.

  • United Way of Central Ohio is committed to providing equitable resources and opportunities that help families thrive. By bringing people and systems together and mobilizing them to act, United Way of Central Ohio is helping to change community conditions and build a stronger, more equitable central Ohio.

  • Star House exists to do whatever it takes to lift youth out of homelessness and into a community of hope.

  • Jewish Family Services helps individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency and emotional stability.

  • Alicia's Closet serves the foster care community in Central Ohio and Northwest Ohio. Its free stores provide infant to young adult sized clothing, shoes, coats, diapers & wipes, baby accessories and other essentials, at no cost to families. The Columbus location also offers additional programming such as support groups, respite/parents' day out events, monthly meetup events, seasonal programs and a mentoring & outreach program for former foster youth.

  • Will Motivation Provides inspiration and support to youth across the country.

  • Since 1967, Stowe Mission has provided hope, restoration and essential resources to families and individuals facing challenging hardships. The essentials we provide meet critical needs in three areas – hunger, healthcare and education.