Join State Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey, in partnership with JUVYS, for the Hoops for Hope Basketball Tournament — High School All-Star Edition!

Hoops for Hope is back for its fourth year, bringing our community together for an exciting afternoon of basketball, fellowship, and fun. This year’s tournament will feature some of Columbus’ top high school basketball talent competing on the court.

The event is FREE and open to the public, so bring your family, friends, and basketball fans and come out to support our young people! Click here to register.

Light refreshments as well as entertainment by DJ Tha DJ will be provided.

Parents and caregivers! Discover games and fun activities for building early math skills at home while your kids have a fun evening of stories, songs, and movement activities.

Learn more: https://events.columbuslibrary.org/event/16596811

The ancient game of Chess is over 1500 years old and played all around the world. Explore the rich and diverse history, culture and rules of the royal game. Let's make moves! Groups call ahead.

Learn more: https://events.columbuslibrary.org/event/17129308

The Far East Area Commission began in the Spring of 2010 with a group of community residents consisting of neighborhood block watch coordinators and civic association leaders who serve the Far East Side of Columbus, Ohio.  The group was concerned with the decline of businesses, inadequate city services, rising crime and rapid residential growth.  The commission was sworn in on March 5, 2012 as the 17th Area Commission in the City of Columbus. 

www.FarEastAC.org

www.facebook.com/FarEastAreaCommissionColumbusOhio/

Black family fun with a DJ, Double Dutch, games, bounce houses, face painting, food, fresh pressed juices, cinnamon rolls & more!

Queens Village is a Black-women-led community organization creating opportunities for Black women and families to connect, build, and thrive.

Join us for Queens Village Fall Jam, an afternoon of music, movement, nostalgia, and Black family fun. Bring the whole family for a laid-back day featuring:

• a live DJ

• Double Dutch

• nostalgic games

• bounce houses

• face painting

• food

• fresh-pressed juices & frozen treats

• warm cinnamon rolls, and more.

Come ready to play, connect, dance, and make memories with the Village. There’s something for all ages!

RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queens-village-fall-jam-tickets-1998638101363?aff=ebdsoporgprofile.

• Live Music & Entertainment

• Games and Giveaways

• Free Vendor Food Vouchers (While Supplies Last)

• Community Resource Stations

• FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!

Join us for a Peace Pop-Up Community Cookout with free food and activities for the whole family. Come out for a night of fun, check out local resources, and talk with our team about how we can help make your neighborhood the best it can be.

We'll see you there!

• Free food

• Activities for the whole family

• Access to local resources

• A chance to meet our team and discuss the issues impacting your neighborhood

The ancient game of Chess is over 1500 years old and played all around the world. Explore the rich and diverse history, culture and rules of the royal game. Let's make moves! Groups call ahead.

Learn more: https://events.columbuslibrary.org/event/17129307

Discover the joy of birding right in your neighborhood. Join us for Urban Birding Basics where you will learn the essentials for identifying common birds in urban settings. Through engaging talks and hands-on activities, you'll gain the skills to spot and recognize the feathered visitors in your community

Share an opportunity with the community to experience the traditional folkloric dances of Spanish-speaking countries with this OSU based group which strives to learn, present and preserve these dances.

Learn more: https://events.columbuslibrary.org/event/17265022

Sing, move, and play together in this interactive family music program. Through songs and rhythm, children build listening, language, and social skills while caregivers learn why music is important.

Learn more: https://events.columbuslibrary.org/event/16596791

JOIN GOODWILL COLUMBUS FOR A HIRING EVENT & COMMUNITY FAIR!

Partner with Goodwill Columbus this September for an impactful hiring and community resource event at Goodwill’s Brice Road Job Training Center. Employers can connect directly with work-ready candidates for on-the-spot hiring, while community partners host essential health, wellness, and family support services that strengthen our shared community.

Thursday, September 24 | 1-6 PM | 2675 Brice Road

At Goodwill Columbus, we believe in opportunity for all. Our mission is to help Central Ohioans build lives of possibility and purpose. Visit www.goodwillcolumbus.org for more information.

Are you an employer or a community organization interested in attending this event? If so, please contact Business Services Liaison Susan Brinson: susan.brinson@gwcols.org | (380) 265-1592.

Have you heard about the East Side Rail Trail? This will be a 3-mile linear park and the first greenway trail to be developed in the central east side of Columbus. The trail will run from Broad Street to Bostwick Road along a former rail corridor. The corridor will be transformed to provide more transportation options and park space through the Mideast neighborhoods and will provide increased connectivity for over 17,000 residents.  

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department will be hosting a community open house on Wednesday, Sept. 23, to introduce the project and gather public input on the character and design of the trail. Join us from 4:30-7 p.m. at Barnett Community Center, located at 1184 Barnett Road, 43227. We hope to see you there!

Click here to learn more about the East Side Rail Trail.

Eastland Area Business Owners & Entrepreneurs: Join the Conversation!

This is an opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share your successes, discuss the challenges facing your business, and help shape the future of economic growth in the Eastland community. Registration is required: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/eastland-edge-exchange

Don't miss this chance to make your voice heard, build new connections, and be part of the movement advancing growth and equity in Eastland!

At the Greater Southeast Area Commission, our mission is clear: to enhance our community and make it a better place for everyone. Our decision-making is guided by input from community members and collaborative efforts among commissioners. We are committed to fostering productive relationships with city officials and community members to drive positive change in all our initiatives.

For more information, visit https://admin33474.wixsite.com/gseac or https://www.facebook.com/columbusgseac/.

Unity Festival is Northland’s annual celebration of the cultures, people, and community that make this neighborhood one of the most vibrant in Central Ohio. Food trucks, community exhibitors, and neighbors from across the area come together for an afternoon of culture, connection, and celebration.

Over the years, Unity Festival has grown into a signature Northland tradition. In 2026, we’re bringing it home to the North YMCA — more space, more visibility, more Northland.

Visit the website for more information: https://elevatenorthland.org/events/northland-unity-festival/

The A.I. x Library Project sponsored by Chime brings to you Columbus Builds Forward: AI, Community & the Future of Work!

The future isn't coming — it's already being written. The question is who's holding the pen.

Hosted by Dream Machine Innovation Lab,Chime, and Columbus Metropolitan Library, this is a full day of workshops, conversations, and creative experimentation at the intersection of artificial intelligence and real life. We'll dig into how AI is reshaping the way we work, build wealth, and make art. We'll ask who benefits, who's left out, and what it actually takes to turn digital energy into collective power.

This isn't a tech conference. It's a community reckoning — with tools in hand and eyes wide open. Come ready to imagine, create, challenge, and connect with people who believe technology should serve people, not the other way around.

Agenda:

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM | The Future of Work: Explore how AI is reshaping career pathways and how participants can position themselves for the jobs of tomorrow.

12:30 PM - 01:45 PM | Your Money, Your AI: Understand how AI is reshaping budgeting, credit, investing, and financial services. Identify AI-powered tools for personal and business financial management. Make informed, confident decisions about money in a tech-driven economy

02:00 PM - 02:45 PM | Digital Security in the Age of A.I.: As artificial intelligence reshapes how we communicate, work, and connect, it's also changing the threat landscape — making scams smarter, surveillance more powerful, and misinformation harder to detect. This hands-on workshop equips everyday people with the tools and awareness to protect themselves in an AI-driven world.

One day. Big questions. Real skills. Columbus, let's build forward! Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/columbus-builds-forward-ai-community-the-future-of-work-tickets-1998114658732?aff=oddtdtcreator

‍Please join the Columbus CareSource team for our first-ever speed networking forum on September 17, 2026, at the Whitehall Shine Bright Center (4590 E. Broad St. Columbus, Ohio) 2:30pm-4pm.

‍CareSource is excited to host our first Columbus area SPEED Networking Forum, an energetic event designed to help you build connections, strengthen partnerships, and expand your professional network.

‍Bring plenty of business cards and event flyers! This is a great opportunity to showcase your organization, share resources, and discover new partnership opportunities.

‍Space is limited!! Registration is first come, first serve, and we expect spots to fill quickly, register as soon as possible to secure your seat! Register here: https://form.jotform.com/262314875430153

Enjoy networking, prizes, snacks, and time to deepen the connections you've made.

The Mideast Area Commission (MAC) is one of  21 area commissions in the city of Columbus, distinguished by its unique structure. Unlike other commissions, MAC is composed of a representative from each civic/block watch associations within its boundaries. This model promotes inclusivity and resilience, ensuring that all community voices are heard.

We meet monthly to effectively address issues related to crime, city development, zoning, and other social concerns impacting our neighborhoods. MAC serves as a vital resource portal, connecting residents to city services and resources that can assist with their needs.

Each civic/block watch within commissioner holds the autonomy to make decisions affecting their neighborhood and can appeal to the MAC for support  when confronting challenges. By uniting around a common cause, we create meaningful progress and strengthen our neighborhoods.

The MAC meets every 3rd Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:00PM at 4300 Kimberly Parkway at the Liberians in Columbus, Inc.

MAC Mission Statement: Amplify voices of the residents, fostering open communication and collaboration among neighbors, businesses, and city agencies to create safer neighborhoods.

MAC Vision Statement: “Connecting – Sharing – Advocating for a Better Mideast”

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/CbusMACC 

Come meet with area employers and learn about local job opportunities!

Come enjoy a rousing game of Chair Volleyball!

Queens in Motion is a monthly walking group centered on connection, wellness, and moving at our own pace. Join us for a 1.8-mile walk designed for all exercise levels—whether you’re strolling or striding, no Queen is left behind. Come as you are and move with the Village.

Queens in Motion will meet in the parking lot next to the tennis court.

Click here to register!

Join us for a great day of health, resources, and live music!

• OSU Wexner Medical Center—Biometric Health Screenings

• Senior Resources Tables—Helpful information and community resources

• Special Music Guest: The Columbus Symphony String Quartet

Come connect, get informed, and enjoy a beautiful live performance. We hope to see you there!

Questions or want more information? Contact Jason Leon Moncrief at JMoncrief@dfyf.org or 614-362-8231.

We're taking community pride to a whole new level! Join us for a Rise Up CBUS! event near you. Learn about resources from city and community partners. Enjoy free food and music, and connect with your neighbors. Admission is free.

Rise Up CBUS! supports every Columbus resident to equitably prosper and grow.

Calling all job-seekers! We're excited to bring back the Job & Resource Fair, now featuring 60+ employers and community organizations! Get free professional headshots, attend career workshops, or find one-on-one resources to help you - or someone you know - explore future opportunities. Visit the website to learn more: https://events.columbuslibrary.org/event/16656489.

Free Parking is available in the attached library parking garage. Free overflow parking for this event is available at the Encova parking lots 532 Franklin Ave. (EP-9) and 540 Oak. St. (EP-3) from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. 

• 9 a.m. | Library opens 

• 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. | 2nd Floor Reading Room | Job and Resource Vendor Fair (60+ organizations) 

• 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. | Outside Meeting Room 1A | Human Resource Association of Central Ohio (HRACO) Free professional headshots (first come, first served) 

• 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Auditorium | HRACO Strengthen Your Resume and Job Applications! 

• 11:30 a.m. | Meeting Room 2B | Health Care Info Session with CSCC 

• 12-1 p.m. | Auditorium | HRACO Open Discussion and Q&A

• 12:30 p.m. | Meeting Room 2B | Advanced Manufacturing Info Session with CSCC 

• 1:30 p.m.| Meeting Room 2B | Information Technology Info Session with CSCC 

• 1:30-2 p.m. | Auditorium | HRACO Interview and Offer Negotiation Best Practices

Participating employers and organizations include:

• Cardinal Health 

• City of Columbus (multiple departments including Fire, Police and Public Safety) 

• Columbus Metropolitan Library 

• Columbus State Community College 

• COTA 

• FedEx 

• Franklin County Board of Commissioners Human Resources 

• Greater Columbus Convention Center 

• JPMorganChase 

• Kroger Great Lakes Distribution Center 

• Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio 

• Nationwide Children’s Hospital 

• Northwest Bank 

• OhioMeansJobs Franklin-County Job Center 

• Ohio State University Medical Wexner Center 

• Rogue Fitness 

• SSA Group at the Columbus Zoo 

• Trade Unions (numerous trades) 

• And more! 

BREAKOUT SESSIONS DETAILS: 
Columbus State Community College 
Learn more about in-demand Career Paths at Columbus State Community College (CSCC). Employers are seeking CSCC graduates to fill high-demand, well-paid jobs in many fields. Ready to start your Columbus State journey? Join us to learn more about the opportunities that await you. 

• 11:30 a.m. | Meeting Room 2B | Health Care Info Session with CSCC 

• 12:30 p.m. | Meeting Room 2B | Advanced Manufacturing Info Session with CSCC 

• 1:30 p.m. | Meeting Room 2B | Information Technology Info Session with CSCC 

Human Resource Association of Central Ohio (HRACO) 
Learn how to build an effective resume and submit compelling job applications. Ask questions and get personalized advice on your career journey from HR professionals. Learn to master your interview and confidently evaluate and negotiate job offers. HRACO is also offering free, professional headshots, on a first come, first serve basis. 

• 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. | Outside Meeting Room 1A | Free professional headshots (first come, first served) 

• 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Auditorium | Strengthen Your Resume and Job Applications! 

• 12-1 p.m. | Auditorium | Open Discussion and Q&A 

• 1-1:30 p.m. | Auditorium | Interview and Offer Negotiation Best Practices

Join us for the biggest end-of-summer Community Block Party! Hosted by Liberians in Columbus Inc. (LICI), this free celebration brings the whole community together for an afternoon of food, music, games, and a bounce house for the kids. Stop by the health fair, pick up free back-to-school supplies, and connect with local resources—all in one place. Free and open to everyone - bring the whole family!

LICI Resource Center: 4300 Kimberly Parkway | Saturday, September 5 from 2-7 PM.

The Far East Area Commission began in the Spring of 2010 with a group of community residents consisting of neighborhood block watch coordinators and civic association leaders who serve the Far East Side of Columbus, Ohio.  The group was concerned with the decline of businesses, inadequate city services, rising crime and rapid residential growth.  The commission was sworn in on March 5, 2012 as the 17th Area Commission in the City of Columbus. 

www.FarEastAC.org

www.facebook.com/FarEastAreaCommissionColumbusOhio/

Join us on Friday, August 29, from 10am-12pm, for an afternoon of tea drinking, painting, and community!

Special guest, Mayra Bentances, owner of Teas your Spirits Eatery, will help guide you as you make your own specialty tea blend from her assortment of homemade syrups, flavors, and infusions.

While you're sipping, DFYF's very own Cauley Smith will lead a painting session for you to follow along. All materials will be supplied, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.

We hope to see you there!

Questions or want more information? Contact Jason Leon Moncrief at JMoncrief@dfyf.org or 614-362-8231.

Join the Department of Neighborhoods for its third session of the year in the Ubuntu Series: Unity Conversations Across Cultures. This session’s theme is “The Diaspora: Culture, Recovery & Resilience”. Note, that the goal is to discuss issues of mental health and wellbeing, explore opportunities for support, learn from existing best practices through storytelling and foster collaboration across Columbus.

The case of the Bhutanese community will be presented, small and large group conversations will be held, and a panel of leaders and experts will share their perspectives. The department will host the event in collaboration with the Center for Innovation at Columbus Public Health, The Minority Health Commission, and the Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio (BCCO).

Please click here to register! The earlier you get registered, the better, as we anticipate having more participants at the event.

‍ ‍

We're taking community pride to a whole new level! Join us for a Rise Up CBUS! event near you. Learn about resources from city and community partners. Enjoy free food and music, and connect with your neighbors. Admission is free.

Rise Up CBUS! supports every Columbus resident to equitably prosper and grow.