Columbus Foundation Fellowship Programs

I went into working for Green Columbus not knowing much about trees or the environment. One of the questions in my interview was, “Are you passionate about sustainability?” And I flat out responded with, “No.” I backed it up with how I have developed passions over time the more I learn about something. It is week two at Green Columbus and I am starting to develop that passion. I have spent this past week researching trees for our giveaway in October, to update our website. It felt like a homework assignment, but it was very impactful for me to read. As I spent this week researching, Green Columbus did a presentation to some high school students in a STEM program Nationwide about the impact of trees.

One of the high school kids taught me that storm runoff water is what creates potholes. Did you know that trees reduce stormwater runoff? When there are more trees, the water from storms is soaked up by the trees, and it hits the leaves of the trees before it hits the ground. Did you know trees reduce air pollution, improve mental health, reduce the heat island effect, improve the market value of properties, and businesses with more trees have customers who spend more time shopping and spend more money? Trees have an environmental, physical, and economic impact. But the most staggering fact I learned about trees: trees reduce crime. It is proven that when there is a 10% increase in trees, crime is decreased by 12%. This fact does not seem real, but there have been multiple studies done that prove that trees can reduce crime.

There is a map that tells you the tree equity score of each neighborhood in Columbus (https://treeequityscore.org/map/#11.82/39.9435/-82.94988). The tree equity score takes into account the tree canopy, the crime rates, unemployment, surface temperature, health risk, and population to produce a score. Neighborhoods in Columbus with fewer trees have high crime rates, higher health risks, and higher unemployment. This is not a coincidence. There are neighborhoods in Columbus that have a 20-point difference in their tree equity score, and they are only five minutes from each other. Trees tell a story. Green Columbus is teaching me how to hear the story, and how to respond.

This week, the theme of our learning session was leadership, and what makes a leader. This is a conversation I’ve had in many spaces before, but I had new takeaways and a perspective on how to apply it to my fellowship at We Amplify Voices. One of the things we talked about was focusing on your “why,” whether that is from an organizational or individual perspective. A lot of the time we start with what we do, maybe get into how we do it, but leave out the why. What we should be doing is starting with our why, or our purpose, and then working out to how and what we do. 

Through this conversation I have started to reflect on why I wanted to apply to the Columbus Foundation Summer Fellowship Project and why I chose We Amplify Voices as my top choice. I am passionate about community building, and have always loved art. I enjoy working for nonprofits because their missions are to better the communities around us, and I applied to this fellowship because I wanted to be in a space where people really care about the work they’re doing and who I would be able to learn from. When I saw the mission of We Amplify Voices, “healing through creative expression,” I knew my love for art would fit perfectly into my learning goals for the summer.

This week at the kid’s camp we got to go on two field trips, one to the library and one to the Columbus Museum of Art. Being able to see the students being inspired by books and art was very cool to see, and by the end of week two I feel like I have a greater connection with each of them and can see how art fits into their lives. I am excited to see their growth throughout the rest of the month, and they continue to remind me why I am interested in this career path. 

There’s nothing quite like fear of the unknown. For some people, maybe it’s venturing out onto a hiking path in a mountain range you’ve never explored. For others, maybe it’s driving to a new destination on a highway you rarely travel. For others still, like babies, maybe it’s as simple as trying peas or green beans. There is even evidence that fear of the unknown can be biological. Regardless of how we’ve experienced this phenomenon, though, the reality is, we probably have. 

I wouldn’t consider myself to be scared of much — I wouldn’t even say that I was scared to start my internship or scared to interact with the kids at SVFS. But, I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to design effective activities or speak to the kids, really speak to them, and say, “I got your back, and I want to help you.” Why? Because it was totally unknown. I had never worked with kids that span such a broad age range, kids that had experienced this level of trauma, or kids that have such severe emotional, social, or behavioral challenges. I had no experience. Yet, here I was, standing in front of a wall that seemed a million miles high and, quite frankly, a little daunting. But Theodore Roosevelt’s words of encouragement rang in my head: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds . . . and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” So, I continued on. 

I figured the first thing I’d need to do was talk to the people I was really there for — the kids. I started in Kindergarten, and to my surprise, after I sat down in the “Adult Chair” in the back of the room, I heard a small voice saying “Ms. Sarah, can I have a hug?” At this moment, my fears began to melt away. I had similar experiences in other classrooms. In third grade, I helped some of the students make their father’s day activity, and they shared with me stories about strong male figures in their life, whether it was their father, grandfather, uncle, or counselor. When I came back to the same classroom the next day, I heard shouts of “Is that Ms. Sarah?” from the hallway, and as I entered the room, more shouts of “Oh my gosh! Ms. Sarah’s back!”, and I felt even more comfortable and at ease. I got a lot of hugs, colored a lot of pictures, and felt a whole lot of love that day. 

As I spent more time with the kids though, I began to notice how casually they spoke about tragedy they had experienced or watched others experience. In the short time I spent in each classroom, I heard students talk about parents who had died, aunts or uncles who were spending time in jail, or even that they felt unloved at home. And they talked so openly. But it wasn’t unknown to them, so they weren’t scared to. In fact, these circumstances are extremely common in the communities that the children come from. It was heartbreaking to hear, but motivated me to continue. 

In addition to spending time in the classrooms, I also began brainstorming activities. I created a list of qualities that I wanted to foster, such as communication, self-confidence, or team building, and started to research activities that fell within these categories. After meeting with some staff, I also learned that in previous summers, SVFS has had vendors from the community come into the facility and teach kids about various topics, such as Local Matters, an organization that helps kids learn how to garden. However, I also learned that SVFS did not have materials for vendors that informed them about the population of children they’d be serving. So, I created a handout that has basic statistics about the organization and the children, why they might exhibit some of the behaviors they do, and some frequently asked questions about the best ways to interact with and care for the kids. 

I came into this week staring at the million-mile-high wall in front of me, with no ideas about how I was going to conquer it. But, I’ve learned this week that the best way to do that is just start. I spent time with the kids in the classroom, and from that I gained a heap of knowledge about what trauma they had experienced, but also how resilient they can be. I spent time meeting with staff, and from that I learned what skills children were lacking, but also of the incredible impact that SVFS has on children. It may be unknown for now, but brick by brick, that wall is coming down, and soon, it won’t be.

After the fast-paced, high-energy environment of the first week of young campers, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Teen Week, the session of art camp designed for students grade 6 through grade 12. Before I would find out, I had a couple of days of organization and a morning of education ahead of me. 

The first two days of this week called for cleanup of the prior week’s classes and setup for the teen camp classes which would begin on Wednesday, as well as assisting the museum staff with office organization. I was eager to help however needed and my eagerness was rewarded with a task I very much enjoyed – a practical scavenger hunt involving identifying and labeling all of the keys to various doors, display cases, and cabinets throughout the building. I felt like a sleuth, testing and finding the right match! 

This week’s educational meeting with the Columbus Foundation spurred a lot of reflection for me. Through a guided discussion, we explored what being a leader means to each of us. We talked about how “inspirers” lead with their “why” – their motivation and what they believe in which moves them to be the leaders and positive people that they are. I came to realize that my “why” is my belief that everyone deserves kindness and assistance, and that it’s important that I do all that I can to offer kindness and assistance to everyone. I have always known that I have the capacity to care and empathize, and likewise have long desired to help people in ways that are meaningful to them. I realize that this can be through life enrichment activities like art, or simply by making the world of another a little easier by lending a helping hand with a daunting task. I did not anticipate that so soon after this reflection I would have my “why” reinforced. 

Individual camper needs varied widely, meaning the level of involvement and assistance needed from me as a facilitator was very different from the week prior with the younger kids. Some did not need any support from me apart from my basic role as a project facilitator (gathering materials, assisting with clean up, etc.), and others needed more interactive support. Often that came in the form of suggesting alternative projects or activities to focus on, or helping deal with the frustrations of a project not turning out as anticipated. Overall, I focused my energy on meeting individual campers where they were, and working with them to cultivate a comfortable and enriching experience. 

With the teen campers, the connection made between us was not expressed in the same way as that of the younger campers, such as through hugs or drawings gifted to me. Rather the connection was through simpler interactions that on the surface may seem inconsequential, but to me reinforced that my efforts to connect with and support them had been meaningful. I observed this in campers asking me for help with materials or for input on a project, and sharing what they would be doing after camp. 

This week has definitely deepened my interest and curiosity surrounding different methods of meaningful connection, as well as shown me that these connections can be through practical contributions or emotional support, or anywhere in between! All of it matters, and all of it makes a difference. 

Week 2 has been yet another experience of riding the wave and taking in all that I can. I spent a lot of time sitting in on different meetings regarding the upcoming ribbon cutting event for the new school based health center in Grove Port Madison. It was interesting getting to see all the background and all the moving parts that are necessary to put together an event like this. I think that it was an interesting experience to see the communication with media outlets, community partners, and different departments merging together. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday June 15th at the new Groveport Madison location. School based health centers are so important and vital for the community. “School based health centers help ensure students are in school, ready to learn through a school or districts partnerships with health care providers and other community organizations” (ohio.gov). There is a critical connection between healthcare and education, and this connection is so important. Primary One Health and Groveport Madison combined their strengths to create this fully grant funded and operationalized by Primary One Health facility that provides behavioral health, primary care, dental services, and vision services to the people of the Grove port community. The physical structure is beautiful, colorful, inviting, and has all the necessary components for a fully functioning health care center. The ribbon cutting included city council members, Primary One Health CEO Charleta Tavares, Super attendant of Grove City, Primary One Health board member, and other city leaders. It was a great representation of people from Primary One Health and community members of Groveport Madison. There was a lot of passion and excitement that was surging through the crowd. After the ribbon cutting there was lots of food, and a tour of the new facility. It was a great opportunity to be able to talk with different Primary One Health colleagues and get to know them better. I thought it was such a full circle moment to hear about all the planning and coordination, the set up, and then the actual event. Not to mention the US Navy Blue Angels were practicing their upcoming weekend show and flew over with perfect timing which added to the excitement of the attendees. I am excited to see all that is to come of the SBHC and all the good it will do for the community.

I am excited to continue to learn and grow through this experience, and look forward to what is to come in this upcoming week.

Going into my second week at CXC was a bit rough, personally. Over the weekend I was supposed to participate at S.P.A.C.E., the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo. There I would’ve helped man the CXC press table, selling shirts and posters for donations to support CXC and raising interest in the event for passersby. Unfortunately, I could not attend S.P.A.C.E. because of an ill-timed ankle sprain. While this was disappointing, and a bit painful, on the plus side my primary responsibilities at CXC let me work from home, with or without a swollen ankle.

Taking the opportunity, I’ll segue this post into talking about my role at CXC and what, exactly, I do. While I try to be as flexible as possible and help with in-person events or other miscellaneous tasks needed, my role can best be described as a marketing fellow. My daily tasks currently involve researching local media outlets, clubs and interests groups, and academic and professional contacts, to assess their relevance and potential interest in CXC. We utilize all kinds of avenues to generate interest and support in our festival, including digital media, print, radio, social media, and word of mouth. While my role at CXC will continue to change as our needs change, continued press and marketing are vital in the coming months as we prepare for the festival in late September. Additionally, it’s my hope that the work I do now will continue to provide benefits through the years, as the contacts, partnerships, and relationships I establish now continue long after I’ve finished my time with CXC.

That being said, I’d be remiss if I didn’t link our website, where you can find more about us and information about this year’s festival, including an overview of this years’ special guests. You can also see the different ways to support us, either through volunteering or donating, if you’re feeling particularly generous.

The second week at RMHC Central Ohio was an incredibly rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to build stronger connections with the dedicated staff members, benefiting greatly from their diverse perspectives and expertise. Throughout the week, my main focus was on completing the scavenger hunt project, which is now nearing completion. Additionally, I had the pleasure of meeting two other high school interns who impressed me with their remarkable abilities. Sharing an office space with them allowed for meaningful conversations during our downtime.

One standout moment from this week was the amazing task of filming content for the culinary camp. This unique program not only teaches children cooking skills but also provides them with an understanding of how the Ronald McDonald House operates and the impact of cooking for families. It was truly gratifying to witness the joy on the children’s faces as they explored the world of culinary arts, and to see how the stories of the families staying at the house resonated with them.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my time at RMHC is witnessing the profound impact this charity has on the lives of others. Working in the house, which constantly welcomes families and children, I have had the privilege of assisting families in the computer room by helping them print important medical forms. The gratitude expressed by these families serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role that RMHC plays in supporting them during difficult times.

A particular highlight of the week was the opportunity to contribute to the Columbus Crew’s 614 day event. This event, aimed at promoting soccer and community engagement among young children, allowed us to set up an informative booth about the Ronald McDonald House. It was a delight to interact with the enthusiastic children, watching them enjoy soccer matches with their friends! Meeting some of the Crew players added an extra layer of excitement to the experience, making it a truly unforgettable moment!

I am so grateful for these experiences, and I am loving every second of this internship. Thanks for following along!

When going into my second week of being at Central, one word I might describe myself is OVERWHELMED! I would say overwhelmed in a healthy and growing way. I recently noticed I didn’t introduce myself in my last journal entry…… 

Hello everyone, my name is Jennatta Mensah. I am currently a junior at Otterbein University double majoring in Public Health Education and Health Communication. Growing up I spent most of my childhood at Saint Stephens Community House, a supplement house familiar to Central Community House. Saint Stephens gave me the opportunity to have fresh fruits and vegetables, attend and make social connections at summer camp and have a place where I could go and feel safe. Supplement houses mean a lot to me because they helped me more than I could know growing up.  

While taking in the environment at Central, I can’t help but be happy to be here in this amazing space. Summer camp has started and all you hear is children having fun while learning. While summer camp is in session, our senior program TAP is starting. TAP is the Technology Access Program, a program that supports seniors on learning how to navigate on different devices. Our youth at Transit Arts are working on their upcoming open mic & water dance performance. There’s so much going on at Central, I could never get bored. I’m reminded of my childhood of being able to just go to St Stephens and to be able to participate in any program and feel welcomed.

Here at Central, we have the mission statement of empowering people to reach their full potential, be self-supporting, and live cooperatively with all others by building a community that meets the needs and nourishes the creative aspirations of one another. I see this mission being completed every day I come to work, and it’s only been two weeks. I cannot imagine what will grow to see in the next 9 weeks of the program. 

On Monday, JFS welcomed Columbus City Schools teachers in the Korda Institute’s fellowship program. The teachers were given a presentation about JFS’ resettlement programs and the subsequent challenges refugees face after coming to the United States. Topics ranged from difficulties accessing transportation, adequate and affordable housing, troubles gaining employment, and language barriers. After the presentation, the teachers were given a task: pick one of the areas discussed and try to solve it. The meeting was a success. The teachers were eager and attentive, and JFS staff were given the opportunity to share their stories and insights. Tomorrow (Friday), JFS, other stakeholders, and the teachers will convene to see what solutions the teachers came up with. I’m excited for the presentations – I’m a believer in collaboration and am eager to see how these new ideas can help us better serve our neighbors.

The rest of this week has been me conducting research for my project. For the summer, I will be putting together a marketing and engagement plan for JFS. I’m currently spending my time researching best practices for different methods of communication – email, social media, in-person events, direct mailers, etc. But that’s only one piece of the puzzle – as I go over each portion, I have to make sure the best practices are reasonable and achievable given organizational capacity. Which brings me to what I spent my time doing when I wasn’t combing through articles: I was in meetings. Researching strategies and best practices is only one part of my learning – the other is talking to those who have expertise and absorbing their knowledge.

The first meeting I had was with my supervisor. I check in with her semi-frequently to make sure that I am always moving towards what she, and JFS, are looking for out of this project. We also discussed the communications goals that had been set in a meeting that morning – I followed up with another director, who helps with communications, and then began weaving them into my plan. At the end of the day today, I got to meet with a colleague of mine who works at another nonprofit in Columbus. She specializes in donor stewardship, fundraising, and does communications work. She and I met through a project I did this past spring semester. I spent the hour hearing about her tips and tricks for recognition and retention of different stakeholders. I’m very grateful that she was able to meet with me – I received much guidance.

All in all, I spent this week sharpening my skills in collaboration and research. I’m excited to see what the rest of the summer has in store and how I will continue to grow as a professional.

Hello! My name is Madeline Murch, and I am a passionate student of Marketing and HR Management at the University of South Carolina. Born and raised in New Albany, Ohio, I have called this place my home for as long as I can remember. It is with great enthusiasm and a strong desire to make a difference that I am embarking on an internship with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio this summer.

As my first week of the Columbus Foundation Fellowship began, we kicked things off with an orientation session. This allowed me to get acquainted with fellow participants and gain a deeper understanding of the program as a whole. Engaging in creative activities and self-exploration, we bonded as a group and discovered how our unique traits and personal challenges can bring us together in powerful ways.

Prior to starting the fellowship, I had already been actively involved as a volunteer at RMHC of Central Ohio for the past month. During that time, I dedicated my efforts to assisting with social media management and learning about visual communications. This experience provided me with valuable insights and knowledge that allowed me to seamlessly transition into my internship role.

One of the exciting projects that I have been entrusted with is the planning of a monumental expansion that will soon open its doors this winter. With over eighty new guest rooms being added, this Ronald McDonald House will become the largest in the world. Being a part of such a significant endeavor fills me with a sense of pride and gratitude.

My specific responsibility revolves around organizing a grand scavenger hunt to be held at the new expansion, while promoting it through social media platforms. This entails designing routes, structuring the game, reaching out to donors for support, and devising unique strategies to captivate attention and create buzz. I have already begun outlining my ideas and plans, eager to make this event a memorable experience for all involved.

After completing my first week, I am energized and eager to dive back in and continue working on my projects. It is an incredible feeling to be entrusted with such a significant undertaking and to be a part of an inspiring team. I am fully aware that this internship will be a transformative experience, and I am excited to share my journey with all of you.

Thank you for joining me on this exciting chapter of my life, and I look forward to updating you on the progress and impact of my work with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio!