Hello! My name is Grace Blanchong and I am a third year at Ohio State University studying psychology with minors in non-profit management and business. I’m so excited for all this summer has to offer, and I am honored to have been given the opportunity to work with Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services as a Columbus Foundation Summer Fellow!

ETSS is a non-profit organization aimed at helping new Americans from all countries, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Nepal, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Bhutan, establish roots and gain self-sufficiency here in Central Ohio. ETSS has been serving the immigrant and refugee populations for almost two decades, helping facilitate both youth and adult integration through education, job training, supportive services, and self-development opportunities, while also increasing awareness of their culture and heritage. ETSS works in the spirit of Tewahedo or coming together as one to meet the needs of many.

I am part of the Advancement team at ETSS, which comes with many responsibilities. During my first week, I was fully immersed into the work my team was doing. Focusing on fundraising, correspondence, social media, and marketing, I learned about our two main events of the year: Youth Summit and Evening of Promise. The Annual Youth Summit (YS) is a culmination of the ETSS Youth Summer Enrichment Camps. In August, on the last Friday of camp, students come together for a fun day of multicultural understanding, skill building, workshops, activities, cultural performances, and a soccer tournament. The Evening of Promise (EOP), which will take place on October 20^th, is our annual fundraiser that celebrates the openness and generosity of our community while also raising the necessary funds to support our programs and services for new Americans.

As of now, I’ve been focusing primarily on fundraising for EOP. In order to have the necessary funds to create this spectacular night, ETSS collaborates with our community on local fundraisers. I’ve been given the task of reaching out to various breweries to set up a happy hour benefitting ETSS. It’s been so rewarding to work with these companies, and I can’t wait until we set dates and spread the news!

To fundraise during the annual celebration, ETSS holds an auction, with bids starting two days before Evening of Promise and drawing to a close following the gala. Everything featured at this auction is donated by individuals and business wanting to support our cause. I’ve been given the task of applying for charitable donations through various sites, including airlines, chain stores, and local business. While I’m still awaiting many responses, I’m excited to see all those who want to donate and support!

It’s been a great first week at Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, and I’m so excited for all that I have yet to learn and experience with these amazing people!