The National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter Resource Guide for Ohio Legislators

The National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter
Resource Guide for Ohio Legislators

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest organization of professional social workers with over 150,000 members. The Ohio Chapter has around 4,000 members from all 88 counties. Social work is a diverse profession – some social workers work in schools, others work in hospitals, some have a private practice, and many others work in community organizations. NASW is the only professional association advocating for the entire profession of social work. NASW promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.

Next time a constituent calls needing community resources, please refer to this resource guide. Also, as a legislator, if you have questions about social services, including mental health, aging, poverty reduction, healthcare, and other related topics, please contact NASW Ohio Chapter at (614) 461-4484. We can help you get the information you need, share the social work perspective, and connect you with social workers working in that field. Social workers are on the frontlines with clients working on these issues and they have important stories and information to share with you.

Below is a list, by no means comprehensive, of community resources in major cities in Ohio. Please advise anyone needing services to call the agencies listed below before going to receive services. Eligibility and agency locations can change often. NASW Ohio Chapter plans to continually update this via input from our members. An electronic version of this can be found at

Akron

Ashland

Athens

Canton

Chillicothe

Cincinnati

Cleveland

Columbus

A comprehensive information and referral line provides information on thousands of social service, government and community resources – to help find a solution to any need. Free and confidential, 2-1-1, is available throughout Franklin County 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Aging Resources
Catholic Social Services
(614) 221-5891
Homemaker Program for those living in the following zip codes: 43119, 43126, 43212, 43222, 43228, 43123, 43204, 43215, and 43223.

Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
(800) 589-7277end_of_the_skype_highlighting
They can help connect clients with service coordination, housing information, long term care information, assisted living waiver, reviewing available benefits, in home care coordination, Senior Options, and much more.

Community Service Organizations
Community Service Organizations can often be a first point of contact for a person needing referrals for healthcare, material goods, utility and rent assistance, and other basic services.

Impact Community Action
700 Bryden Road, Columbus, OH 43215
614-252-2799

JOIN (Joint Organization for Inner City Needs)
197 East Gay Street, First Floor, Columbus, OH 43201
614-241-2531

Crisis Hotline
Netcare Mental Health Services
199 South Central Avenue and 741 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223
(614) 276-2237 (24 hour)
They provide a 24-hour phone or walk-in emergency service and mental health and alcohol/drug assessments and referrals for uninsured/underinsured persons. Insurance is not required.

Domestic Violence Services
Ohio Domestic Violence Network Hotline
1-800-934-9840

Ohio Health Rape Helpline
614-267-7020

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network)
1-800-656-4673

Catholic Social Services, Inc.
614-224-4663
Individual counseling for victims of domestic violence

Choices for Victims of Domestic Violence
614-224-4663
They provide a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter for women and children, community education/prevention, legal support, and domestic violence support groups

Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO)
614-267-7020 (24-hour helpline)

Employment Services
Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation

They help citizens with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities find jobs.

Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation (COWIC)

Columbus Urban League
(614) 257-6300Ext. 106
They offer workforce development and career services.

COVA
3770 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 294-7117
They offer employment services for people with mental illness and disabilities.

Greenleaf Job Training Services
3397 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43202
(614) 261-3110
They offer employment services for people with disabilities.

New Direction Career Center
199 East Rich Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 849-0028
They offer a variety of career development programs and workshops.

Food and Material Goods
Many organizations have a limit on how many times a person can access services in a month and/or year. Also, many organizations require an ID. If a person does not have an ID or money to afford one, refer them to their local, community organization.

Center for New Directions
370 South Fifth Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 849-0028
Provides nearly new business attire for women conducting a job search or starting a new career. A person may receive one to two outfits free of charge. Additional outfits may be purchased at minimal cost.

Central Presbyterian Church
132 South Third Street, Columbus, OH 43215
614-224-9119
Snack lunches and Sunday breakfasts.

Christian Center of Gahanna
298 South Rocky Fork Drive, Gahanna, OH 43230
614-471-3036
They offer a short term supply of food and/or free clothing. An individual should bring proof of income, identification, and verification of need. This is for residents of 43230, 43213, 43219 only.

Clair United Methodist Church
Pantry location – 310 East Innis Avenue, Columbus, OH
614-444-9868

Community Kitchen
640 South Ohio Avenue, Columbus, OH 43205
(614) 252-6428
They offer free clothing with a limit of six visits per year.

Dublin Furniture Bank
6799 Dublin Center Drive, Dublin, OH 43017
(614) 793-8046
A referral is needed to access services. For more information on how to get a referral, visit

Faith Mission
151 North Sixth Street, Columbus, OH 43215
614-224-6617
Free meals served daily to anyone in need.

Furniture Bank of Central Ohio
118 South Yule Avenue, Columbus, OH 43222
(614) 272-9544
A referral is needed to access services. For more information on how to get a referral, visit

His Place Ministry at St. John’s Episcopal
1003 West Town Street, Columbus, OH 43222
614-221-9328
Free hot meal to anyone in need.

Holy Family Community Kitchen
57 South Grubb Street, Columbus, OH 43215
614-461-9444
Franklinton residents only.

Inner City Ministries
842 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43223
(614) 469-7920
Free clothing for residents of 43222, 43223, 43215.

Meals on Wheels (through LifeCare Alliance)
614-278-3130

Mt. Olive Baptist Church
428 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Food pantry. Identification required.

Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio
67 East Innis Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 443-6120
Free secondhand clothing and food pantry.

Neighborhood House, Inc.
1000 Atcheson Street, Columbus, OH 43201
614-252-4941
Provides emergency food for neighborhood residents after the 10th of each month. Identification, address, and income verification are required.

Neighborhood Services
1950 North Fourth Street, Suite E, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 297-0592
Limited free clothing assistance.

New Life United Methodist Church
25 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 294-0134
Six free outfits per person once every 30 days. Meals provided throughout the week.

Open Shelter Inc.
125 East Broad Street, Third Floor, Columbus, OH
(614) 461-0407
Free secondhand clothing. Sack lunches distributed starting at 10:30am until supplies last.

Project Help
1200 Brentell Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(614) 262-0479
Slightly used and new clothing for adults and children.

Project Open Hand
614-298-8334
This is for people who are HIV+ and for those who have cancer. In addition to food, they have household cleaning items and Boost/Ensure if needed. They can also deliver groceries to you.

Rehoboth Temple
111 East Long Street, Columbus, OH 43209
614-252-8219
Free hot lunch to anyone in need.

Shepherd’s Place
1729 Brice Road, Columbus, OH 43068
(614) 866-1680
Free clothing for all ages and sizes and limited household items available.

St. John the Evangelist
640 South Ohio Avenue, Columbus, OH
614-252-6428
Free sack lunch to anyone in need.

Stowe Baptist Center
911 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206
614-443-1120
Free hot meal to anyone in need.

Take 2 Apparel
668 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 299-9820
Secondhand clothes for teenagers and adults. Letter of referral from agency needed.

The Salvation Army
They provide clothing vouchers for use at Salvation Army Thrift Store once per year. Requires picture ID for applicant and identification for each household member. Call (614) 252-1296 for more information.

United Methodist Free Store
895C Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206
(614) 443-1713
Free clothing, shoes, and household items.

Victory Ministries, Inc.
2955 Switzer Avenue, Columbus, OH 43236
(614) 252-2500
Free pieces of clothing for adults and children once a month. Six pieces per female and four pieces for male are allocated. They also have food pantry open the last three weeks of the month.

West Second Avenue Presbyterian Church
237 West Second Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 299-2444
Clothing provided for income eligible individuals.

Westside Free Store
3030 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43204
(614) 351-5480
Free clothing for adults and children; household items; small appliances; and toys. Spanish interpreters available upon request.

Health

Public Health Department
County and city public health departments can often have free health clinics, women’s clinics, mental health/drug treatment programs, pharmacies, immunizations for children and adults, car seats and maternal health programs, and dental care, among other health services. Health departments can also provides comprehensive pregnancy care services and can enroll individuals into WIC and Medicaid. They usually provide free pregnancy tests. This is a good place to begin searching for needed healthcare within a community for those with low-incomes and/or no health insurance. Most public health clinics also accept Medicaid.

Columbus Public Health Department
240 Parsons Avenue Columbus, OH 43215
614-645-7417
They have neighborhood health centers throughout the city. Call for locations.

Prescription Assistance
A good place to see if there are prescription assistance programs available is You can search by brand name or the generic name. These forms often require a doctor’s signature and need to be submitted by a doctor’s office. A calculator to see where you are under/over the federal poverty level can be found here:

JOIN (Joint Organization for Inner City Needs)
197 East Gay Street, First Floor, Columbus, OH 43201
614-241-2531

Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio
200 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
614-227-0301
Must be a Franklin County resident with income less than 200% FPL and uninsured or cannot afford copays. They are open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00am until 4:00pm (closed for lunch from Noon to 12:30pm), and Fridays from 9:00am-1:00pm. Drug availability varies.

Health Clinics and Services
Access Health Columbus (Columbus Public Health Department)
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 884-2441
Health care, transportation to medical appointments, and medical housing assistance. Application needed. Areas served: 43204; 43205; 43206; 43207; 43215; 43222; 43223. Income eligibility: Single and earn less than $19,140/year or a couple and earn less than $25,660/year.

Asian Free Medical Clinic
2231 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43201
614-220-4023
Mondays 5:00pm – 7:30pm. Call for information and appointment.

Columbus Free Clinic
Rardin Family Practice Center
2231 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43201
614-404-8417
Thursdays 6:00pm-8:00pm. Sign up at 4:30pm.

Free Clinica Latina
2231 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43201
614-293-9906
No documentation required. By appointment only. Voicemail will indicate next Tuesday they are open. Interpreters available.

Fruit of the Vine Medical Clinic
171 East Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Oh 43201
614-890-0000
6:15pm on Wednesday. Childcare offered during medical appointments.

Grant Mobile Unit Pre-Natal Care
614-566-9989
No WIC accepted. Call for times and locations.

Healthcare for the Homeless
614-645-0521
Call for a phone assessment.

Helping Hands
1421 Morse Road, Columbus, OH
614-262-5094
They will help those not insured and whose income is no more than $1,700/month

LifeCare Alliance
1699 West Mound Street, Columbus, OH 43223
614-278-3130
Help-at-home volunteers, meals delivered, visiting pharmacist, social worker, dietitian, therapists

Mount Carmel Outreach
Rotating locations throughout Columbus.
614-234-4200

Ohio Association of Free Clinics
614-221-6494

Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio
1-800-230-7526
Locations throughout Columbus. Call to schedule clinic appointment.

Dental Clinics
Columbus Public Health Dental Clinic
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
614-645-7487
A person must bring proof of income, residency, and identification. Sliding fee scale.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Dental Clinic
555 South 18th Street, Columbus, OH 43205
614-722-5650

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Student Clinics
305 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210
614-292-2751

Options
195 Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
614-233-6388 or 1-888-765-6789
Links uninsured, low-income individuals with reduced cost dental services. Only those without dental insurance or Medicaid should call. Income eligibility requirements.

Stowe Baptist Center
911 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH
614-443-1120
Call Monday after 6pm. Appointment only.

Vineyard Free Medical Clinic
171 East Fifth Avenue, Columbus, OH
614-259-5428

HIV/AIDS Services
Ohio HIV/AIDS Hotline
1-800-332-2437
AIDS Resource Center of Ohio
4400 North High St., Suite 300, Columbus, OH 43214
(614) 299-2437
They provide free testing and case management that can help people access medical care and drug assistance programs. For more information, including testing calendar visit

Mental Health Counseling and Alcohol/Drug Treatment
Consider also referring someone to their local public health department for services or referrals to mental health programs. Also, if a person has insurance, they can visit their insurance company’s website or call the number of their card for a referral. The list belowincludes places that often accept low-income individuals with and those without Medicaid/health insurance.

Affirmations
918 South Front Street, Columbus, OH 43206
(614) 445-8277
Individual and group counseling, chemical dependency counseling, and counseling for those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. They accept Medicaid.

AIDS Resource Center of Ohio
4400 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 299-2437
Counseling for HIV+ individuals. Insurance coverage does not matter.

Amethyst, Inc.
527 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 242-1284
Transitional shelter for women recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. Will also address issues of physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse.

Center for Balanced Living
445 East Granville Road, Building N, Worthington, OH 43085
614-293-9550
Specialization in eating disorder treatment

Central Ohio Alcoholics Anonymous

Columbus Area, Inc.
899 E. Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 251-6561
They serve clients with severe mental illness; people with alcohol and other substance abuse/dependencies; and people with mental illness and substance abuse problems re-entering society from prison.

Concord Counseling Service
774 Park Meadow Road, Westerville, OH 43081
(614) 882-9338
Accepts Medicare and Medicaid

Directions for Youth and Families
1515 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 294-2661
They work with families and youth to address many issues, including violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency, and abuse. They offer programs in homes, schools, and community centers. Services are provided without cost to participants or are offered on a sliding fee scale. Crisis support services are available for clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

House of Hope
825 Dennison Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 291-4691
They offer alcohol and drug treatment services for men, women, and children. There is a residential program for men and boys and an outpatient program for men and women.

Huck House
1421 Hamlet Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 294-8097
(614) 294-5553 (24-hour crisis hotline)
They have a 24-hour a day crisis program where teens can access help and shelter. They have a family support program that includes counseling and case management. They also have a transitional living program to help homeless teens learn how to live safely and successfully in the community.

Maryhaven, Inc.
1791 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 445-8131
Inpatient detox (5 days) for women and men with history of withdrawal. There is an inpatient rehabilitation program (30 days) for men and women and six month rehabilitation program for women. Provides outpatient and inpatient programs for men, women, and adolescents. They accept Medicaid.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital
(614) 355-8080
They accept Medicaid and often treat patients regardless of ability to pay. Call to see if you are eligible for services.

Neighborhood House
1000 Atcheson Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 252-4841
Outpatient family counseling, job counseling, and drug/alcohol counseling. They accept Medicare and Medicaid.

North Central Mental Health Service
1301 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 299-6600
They provide comprehensive mental and recovery services for all ages. They accept Medicare and Medicaid.

Project Linden
1410 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 2, Columbus, OH 43219
614-294-5677
Chemical dependency counseling and prevention programs geared toward high risk women, youth, and African Americans. Sliding fee – accepts Medicare and Medicaid.

Southeast, Inc.
1455 South Fourth Street, Columbus, OH 43207
614-444-0800
Comprehensive mental health and recovery services for all ages and groups. Sliding fee – accepts Medicare and Medicaid.

Volunteers of America
(614) 849-0145
They provide a six month residential treatment and 90-day transitional residence for men.

Housing Assistance
For those seeking shelter, there is a centralized point of access for single adults and families (adults with children). Single adults in need of shelter should go to Faith Mission’s intake center at 315 East Long Street or call 1-888-474-3587. Families (adults with children) should call the Family Center hotline at 614-253-7970 for assistance.

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
880 East 11th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
614-421-6000
Rental assistance via Section 8. By application only. Often they have long waitlists.

Columbus Urban League
788 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH 43203
Counseling and support services for victims of housing discrimination and support services and mediation for housing disputes

Job & Family Services (food stamps, WIC, TANF, Childcare…)
In Franklin County, there are five locations from which clients can receive services. They are separated by zip code. Please visit to see which building your client should visit based on his/her zip code. Applications can be found here: