“In reflecting on the year gone by, my heart is filled with gratitude for the invaluable contributions of the children, families, and community members who actively engaged in shaping and advancing the FACCES programs. Their commitment to utilizing the services offered by FACCES for the betterment of their well-being, be it through nurturing knowledge, health, or overall wellness, has played a vital role in fostering a cohesive community that thrives on empowering one another. As I ponder upon the achievements of this past year, my sole desire is to wholeheartedly celebrate each child, family and community member who has dedicated themselves to embodying the essence of the FACCES mission and breathing life into its vision.”
– Melissa Johnson, Founder of FACCES
The FACCES Fresh Market, held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, provided essential fresh produce to the community, supported by the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and local volunteers. Access to nutritious food is viewed as a right, and support from Door Dash and volunteers have ensured 1,112 deliveries this past year. Additionally, the FACCES Urban Garden, bolstered by partnerships and recent expansions, offered education and hands-on experience in gardening and sustainable practices. The new FACCES Kitchen and its participation in the Summer Food Service Program further enhanced community well-being by turning garden produce into healthy meals and providing culinary education. These initiatives collectively promoted better nutrition, community engagement, and self-sufficiency.
Access to healthcare and transportation can be significant barriers, but The Ohio State Community Care Coach has been pivotal in overcoming these challenges for FACCES families by providing essential services like physicals, lab work, and vaccines. This initiative, supported by FACCES’s Physical Health committee with over 82 years of combined experience, was further enhanced by OSU’s contributions. Additionally, Family Fitness Saturdays at FACCES, led by Coach Debo & Coach Whamae, offered enjoyable, accessible fitness sessions that fostered family bonding and improved well-being, proving invaluable in helping families integrate regular physical activity into their busy lives.
The FACCES Mental Wellness Committee was established to address mental health needs within the community by evaluating global approaches and implementing a long-term plan. This led to the creation of FACCES Safe Space for teens and workshops that encouraged open discussions about mental wellness, challenging cultural stigmas. These initiatives provided a supportive environment for families and trained community leaders to enhance social and emotional skills. By fostering trust and safety, FACCES aimed to create a space where youth feel valued and supported, recognizing that relationships and safe spaces are crucial for positive outcomes.
This year, FACCES K Ready Ohio saw a 138% increase in enrollment, reaching 478 children, thanks to funding and partnerships that facilitated broad engagement. The program supported kindergarten readiness with 24/7 resources, crucial for 38% of children not in formal care. Additionally, Life Ready programming for high school students offered tools for success and fostered developmental relationships. In the summer of 2024, expanded funding from the City of Columbus allowed FACCES to enhance its summer program, providing diverse growth experiences for children and teens. Younger participants engaged in music, plays, and health education, while enjoying outdoor activities and sports. Older teens developed job readiness skills, learned about urban agriculture, and refined culinary skills through hands-on experiences. They also supported local businesses, gaining leadership and teamwork skills, and expressed interest in continuing their involvement at FACCES.
The FACCES Family Gathering, initially a virtual monthly event to strengthen community support and engagement, evolved to into it’s intended, original form of in-person meetings, which allowed for face to face connections and shared experiences that you can only achieve in person. These gatherings facilitated discussions on topics like homebuying, mental well-being, and goal setting, with over 66 resource vendors contributing valuable information and services. While in-person interactions are irreplaceable, we also noticed the benefit of the virtual format, proving to be effective in providing convenience and reaching diverse resources.
