When the school day ends, learning, connection, and growth continue at FACCES.
Our Afterschool Café and K–12 afterschool programs provide more than just a place for youth to spend their time. They create a welcoming environment where children and teens can feel safe, supported, and encouraged as they develop the skills, confidence, and relationships that help them thrive.
At the heart of our afterschool programming is the Afterschool Café, which offers free meals and snacks for youth ages 1–18. Families can count on healthy, nutritious options served in a caring environment, with many meals featuring fresh ingredients grown right here in the FACCES Urban Garden. Through this connection to food and gardening, youth gain a deeper understanding of healthy eating while learning where food comes from.
Beyond meals, FACCES gives young people opportunities to explore their interests, strengthen academic skills, and prepare for their future. Students can receive homework support, build leadership skills, learn financial literacy, participate in urban gardening and aquaponics, and connect with mentors who encourage them to set and achieve meaningful goals.
For older youth, the FACCES Life Ready Teen Program helps students in grades 8–12 build essential life skills that prepare them for adulthood. Participants strengthen communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and other practical skills that support success in school, careers, and everyday life.
This fall, teens are also invited to participate in the T.A.L.C. Series (Teenage | Adolescent | Leadership | Conversation), a teen-led discussion space designed to encourage honest conversations, peer learning, and leadership development. Through meaningful dialogue, participants explore real issues affecting young people and work together to identify positive solutions.
The next T.A.L.C. session will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Starting Point Family Center, 2515 Lockbourne Rd., Columbus, OH 43207.
Whether a young person is sharing a meal, discovering a passion for gardening, building leadership skills, or receiving encouragement from a mentor, FACCES is committed to helping youth uncover their strengths and realize their potential.
We invite families, schools, and community partners to help spread the word. Together, we can ensure every child has a safe place to land, learn, connect, and grow after school.
