The season of giving is almost here, but nonprofits throughout the Tristate work tirelessly throughout the year to do good in the region. In our second annual Greater Cincinnati Nonprofit of the Year Awards, we wanted to honor the many nonprofit organizations that make an impact in the Tristate, from support groups and housing assistance to art galleries and community support organizations. Thousands of people voted in this online competition for their favorites in 83 categories. We are excited to celebrate these winners in the following pages. The awards’ platinum sponsor was VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm.
Basic Needs
Assisted Living Facilities
Maple Knoll Village
513-909-7935, mapleknoll.org
Clothing Donation Programs
Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati
513-562-8841, svdpcincinnati.org
What they do: “St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati has been providing compassionate, emergency aid to Hamilton County residents in need for over 150 years. Through volunteer groups spread across Greater Cincinnati, SVDP works personally with those in need to provide life’s essentials, such as food, clothing, medicine, rent and utilities assistance, and more. Eight thrift store locations serve as the organization’s social enterprise—generating significant support that helps fund outreach services and innovative programming, such as the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy,” says the nonprofit.
Community Meals
La Soupe
513-271-0100, lasoupe.org
What they do: “La Soupe bridges the gap between food waste and hunger with a chef-driven rescue, transform and share model that aims to inspire, educate, and nourish the community,” says the organization. They ask that readers visit their website to learn more about how to volunteer, donate and contribute to La Soupe’s cause.
Farmers Markets
Findlay Market
513-665-4839, findlaymarket.org
Food Banks/Food Distribution Warehouse
Freestore Foodbank
513-482-3663, freestorefoodbank.org
Food Donation Programs
The Caring Place
513-841-1499, thecaringplace.info
Food Pantries
People’s Pantry Cincy
513-278-8570, facebook.com/peoplespantrycincy/
What they do: According to the nonprofit, “People’s Pantry Cincy provides mini, stand-alone food pantries as a convenient resource for non-perishable foods for individuals in food desert neighborhoods. Neighbors give what they can and others take what they need.” Readers who would like to support the organization are invited to donate to a locally established mini pantry.
Home Rehabilitation Programs
Housing Opportunities of Northern Kentucky
859-581-4665, honkhomes.org
What they do: “Housing Opportunities of Northern Kentucky (HONK) builds and rehabs houses to create affordable homeownership opportunities that benefit low-income residents of NKY. HONK works with each household to prepare them for homeownership through a supportive Lease-to-Own program, Support comes from generous volunteers and donations that assist with keeping our homes affordable,” says David Hastings, executive director.
Homeless Permanent Supportive Housing
Welcome House of Northern Kentucky
859-431-8717, welcomehouseky.org
What they do: “Welcome House provides a continuum of services where the end goal is to find stable housing for those we serve,” says the nonprofit. “Today, we serve men, women, and children who are experiencing homelessness with a variety of services ranging from Street Outreach; sheltering veterans and women and children; and helping those with disabilities obtain benefits so they can find housing. In 2020, we served 2,777 individuals, 277 of which were children.”
Homeless Shelters
James Sauls Homeless Shelter
513-732-6464, cccsi.org
Housing Goods Donation Programs
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati
513-621-4147, habitatcincinnati.org
Independent Living Communities/Complexes
Bayley
513-347-5500, bayleylife.org
Thrift Shops
Be Concerned
859-291-6789, beconcerned.org
What they do: “Be Concerned, Inc., the largest free food pantry system in Northern Kentucky, operates thrift stores in Covington and Erlanger that are open to the public. Free vouchers are provided to families in need. As the agency’s social enterprise, proceeds from sales are utilized to support the food pantry programs,” says the organization.
Transitional Housing/Shelters
Talbert House
513-281-2273, talberthouse.org
What they do: “Talbert House empowers children, adults and families to live healthy, safe and productive lives. The Agency’s Housing service line has served over 3,000 households in the past year, assisting families in maintaining their independence through sober independent living, shelter and transitional housing, supportive housing services and permanent supportive housing,” says the nonprofit.
Consumer Services
Personal Financial Counseling
CityLink Center
513-357-2000, citylinkcenter.org
What they do: Founded in 1988, CityLink Center’s SmartMoney works to empower families to understand their money in a simple way so that they can accomplish their financial goals, says the organization. Services include debt reduction, credit recovery, tax support and building equity. Those looking to support the organization can volunteer to teach about finances, assist in providing second change banking opportunities or donate.
Criminal Justice & Legal Services
Issue Advocacy
Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio
513-281-9955, ulgso.org
Education
After School Programs
My Nose Turns Red Youth Circus
859-581-7100, mynoseturnsred.org
Alcohol Use Disorder Education/Prevention
Brighton Center
859-491-8303, brightoncenter.com
Arts and Crafts Instruction
ArtWorks
513-333-0388, artworkscincinnati.org
Arts Associations
Wave Pool
513-257-0842, wavepoolgallery.org
What they do: “Wave Pool creatively pairs artists with communities, provides a platform for artists and neighbors to work together toward the fabric and success of our city, by helping us build relationships and collective knowledge around complex issues, centering the insights and experience of those most intimately affected,” says Cal Cullen, executive director. Those who want to support the nonprofit can donate funds, their time or even art supplies.
Arts Centers
Kennedy Heights Arts Center
513-631-4278, kennedyarts.org
What they do: “Kennedy Heights Arts Center builds community and makes the arts accessible to everyone through free and low-cost arts education programs for youth and adults, artist residencies, school partnerships, youth jazz academy, public art exhibitions and cultural events,” says Ellen Muse-Lindeman, executive director. “Learn more about how you can support our efforts or volunteer at kennedyarts.org.”
Colleges/Universities
Miami University
miamioh.edu
Community Based Preschools
Cincinnati Preschool Promise
513-447-4277, cincy-promise.org
Drug Use Disorder Education/Prevention
Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services
513-354-5200, gcbhs.com
What they do: “A national leader in leading-edge treatments, GCBHS works with 30,000 people each year, whose lives have been touched by mental health and addiction. We offer wrap-around services and a holistic approach that supports the “entire” person—including physical health, housing and employment, as well as prevention,” says the organization.
Early Literacy Development Programs
Blue Manatee Literacy Project and Bookstore
513-257-0774, bluemanatee.org
Educational Grants
Fort Thomas Education Foundation
859-815-2004, ftef.org
English As A Second Language
The Healing Center
513-346-4080, healingcentercincinnati.org
Family Literacy Programs
Santa Maria Community Services
513-557-2700, santamaria-cincy.org
Life Skills
BAWAC, Inc.
859-371-4410, bawac.org
What they do: BAWAC provides life and work skills education, ADT programming, job opportunities within the community and on site, transportation to and from ADT and community jobs, and non-emergency medical runs through NKADD and FTSB in NKY. The nonprofit asks for people to visit their website to learn how they can help.
Lifelong Learning Programs
Magnified Giving
513-733-9727, magnifiedgiving.org
Nutrition
St. Francis Seraph Ministries
513-549-0542, sfsministries.org
What they do: The nonprofit says it offers “Five-week cooking classes to community members and families teaching technique, healthy eating
and meal planning.” Their goal is to reduce fear and anxiety around cooking meals at home by focusing on discovery, experimentation and taste. Those who want to support the organization can donate, volunteer and spread the word.
Primary Schools
Thornwilde Elementary School
859-586-3900, boone.k12.ky.us/23/Home
Professional Continuing
4C for Children
800-256-1296, 4cforchildren.org
Secondary/High Schools
DePaul Cristo Rey High School
513-861-0600, depaulcristorey.org
What they do: “DePaul Cristo Rey High School provides students education, professional work experience and support so they graduate then enroll in and successfully complete college. It’s the only local high school with a Corporate Work Study Program through which students work at local companies helping to finance their own education while growing professionally and personally,” says the nonprofit. Those who would like to support the school can attend events, become a Corporate Work Study partner or make a gift.
Special Education
OptimALL Services
optimallservices.org
Tutoring Services
Inner City Youth Opportunities
513-731-7312, icyocincinnati.org
Environmental Quality
Animal Adoption
Save the Animals Foundation
513-561-7823, staf.org
Animal Shelters
PAWS Adoption Center
513-539-7297, pawsadoptioncenter.org
Community Involvement Programs
Keep Cincinnati Beautiful
513-352-4380, keepcincinnatibeautiful.org
Disaster Relief/Recovery Organizations
Matthew 25: Ministries
513-793-6256, m25m.org
Outdoor Environmental
Mill Creek Alliance
513-563-8800, themillcreekalliance.org
Health Care
Emergency Room Care
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
513-636-4200, cincinnatichildrens.org
Family Counseling
Family Nurturing Center
859-525-3200 (KY) and 513-381-1555 (OH), familynurture.org
What they do: “Our mission is to end the cycle of child abuse by promoting individual well-being and healthy family relationships. Our services focus on professional and high-quality education, training, and treatment of all forms of child abuse and neglect,” says Jane Herms, executive director. Readers can support their efforts by donating, volunteering or spreading the word about their services.
General Health Education Programs
Health Care Access Now
513-707-5697, healthcareaccessnow.org
General Medical Care
HealthSource of Ohio
513-576-7700, healthsourceofohio.org
General Mental Health Information
Lindner Center of HOPE
513-536-4673, lindnercenterofhope.org
Hospital Based Outpatient Services
St. Elizabeth Healthcare
stelizabeth.com
Pediatrics
The Dragonfly Foundation
513-494-6474, dragonfly.org
“We, at The Dragonfly Foundation, are honored to have been supported by Cincy Magazine voters for this recognition. Our mission is to support the families of pediatric cancer patients. To support our efforts, go to Dragonfly.org,” says the nonprofit.
Income Support & Employment
Career Counseling
BAWAC, Inc.
859-371-4410, bawac.org
Individual Counseling
Health Resource Center of Cincinnati
513-357-4602, hrcci.org
Job Search/Placement
HELP Program Cincinnati
513-961-0027, helpprogramcincinnati.net
Outreach Programs
Aruna Project
arunaproject.com
What they do: “Aruna is an impact driven athleisure brand. Through our products and events, you can bring lifelong freedom to victims of human trafficking while celebrating freedom in your own adventure. All products are made by freed and empowered artisans,” says the nonprofit.
Individual & Family Life
Adolescent/Youth Counseling
CHNK Behavioral Health/Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky
859-261-8768, chnk.org
What they do: “Founded in 1882 as a traditional orphanage for youth, the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky has evolved with changing community needs. CHNK now provides trauma-informed
mental health and addiction treatment
services to thousands of children, adolescents, adults and families in crisis each year,” say CEO Rick W. Wurth. Those who would like to support the organization can donate, sponsor events and volunteer.
Adult Day Health Programs
Redwood
859-331-0880, redwoodnky.org
Aquatic Centers
The Point Arc Serving Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati
859-491-919, thepointarc.org
Book Reading
The Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
513-369-6035, cincylibraryfriends.org
Day Camps
Cincinnati Parks
513-357-2604,
cincinnatiparks.com
Foster Parent/Family Recruitment
Sunrise Children’s Services
502-538-1000, sunrise.org
History Museums
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
513-333-7500, freedomcenter.org
Home Based Parenting
The Children’s Home
513-272-2800, tchcincy.org
What they do: “The Children’s Home significantly impacts the lives of nearly 15,000 children and their families each year through more than 30 life changing community and campus programs that reach far and wide. As we help children build the skills and confidence they need to succeed, we also help their schools, teachers, parents and others they touch,” says the nonprofit. They ask that you visit their website to learn how to donate or volunteer if you would like to lend your support.
Home Delivered Meals
Deupree Meals On Wheels
episcopalretirement.com/services/deupree-meals-on-wheels
Job Information
The Care Center
513-453-7999, carecenterinfo.com
Mental Health Related
NAMI Southwest Ohio
513-351-3500, namiswoh.org
Therapeutic Camps
Talbert House’s Camp Possible
513-281-2273, talberthouse.org
What they do: “Camp Possible is a therapeutic-based summer program for children with behavioral health challenges. Campers participate in therapy sessions, pro-social activities and field trips with meals and transportation provided. Because over 96% of the children are low-income, there is no cost to attend,” says the nonprofit. Those who would like to support the camp can attend its annual event on Nov. 12 or sponsor an activity, transportation, meal or child.
Youth Enrichment Programs
YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
myy.org
Organizational & Community Services
Community Foundations
HealthSource of Ohio Foundation
513-576-7700,
healthsourceofohio.org/foundation/
Holiday Gifts/Toys
Aubrey Rose Foundation
513-265-5801, aubreyrose.org
Nonprofit Media
91.7 WVXU
513-352-9185, wvxu.org
Nonprofit Support
Organization
Aubrey Rose Foundation
513-265-5801, aubreyrose.org
Senior Centers
Rosedale Green
859-431-2244, rosedalegreen.org
Support Groups
Addictions/Substance Use Disorder
Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services
513-354-5200, gcbhs.com
Caregiver/Care Receiver
Alzheimer’s Association
Greater Cincinnati Chapter
800-272-3900, alz.org/cincinnati
Drug Use
Brighton Center
859-491-8303, brightoncenter.com
What they do: “Brighton Center’s mission is to create opportunities for individuals and families to reach self-sufficiency through family support services, education, employment and leadership,” says the nonprofit. “Over the course of 55 years, we have grown to provide a comprehensive, holistic range of programs and services which include meeting basic needs, adult and early childhood education, workforce development and training, substance abuse recovery for women, affordable housing, financial education, and asset building, youth services, and neighborhood-based programs. Our Brighton Recovery Center for Women is a long-term, 100-bed peer-driven treatment center that provides a holistic approach to women on their path to recovery.”
Baby Clothes
Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank
sweetcheeksdiaperbank.org
What they do: “Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank distributes free diapers to local low-income families through partner social service agencies. Our vision is to eliminate the existence of diaper need—the lack of enough diapers to keep a child clean, healthy and dry. Donate, host a diaper drive or volunteer to support us today!” says Megan Fischer, CEO.
Soup Kitchens
Our Daily Bread Soup
Kitchen & Social Center
513-621-6364, ourdailybread.us
What they do: “Our Daily Bread is Cincinnati’s largest soup kitchen. Our mission is simple: We Feed People. Since 100% of our food is rescued/donated, we fill bellies while keeping usable food out of the landfill. Win/win!” says Georgine Getty, executive director. Visit their website to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Preschools
Maple Knoll Montessori Child Center
513-909-7935, mapleknoll.org
What they do: “The Maple Knoll Montessori Child Center was developed in 1977 as a part of the original plans of Maple Knoll Village as a way to integrate the community on a generational basis by providing a comfortable environment where persons of varied ages could be present together,” says the nonprofit.
Technical/Trade Schools
Cincinnati State
cincinnatistate.edu
What they do: “Cincinnati State is a college with a variety of two and four-year technical degree programs in fields such as engineering, health care, culinary, and information technologies, just to name a few. It’s also a smart way to save 40-50% on the first two years of your four-year degree by earning an Associate of Arts or Sciences and transferring your credits anywhere,”
says the school.
Community/Nature Area Cleanup/Enhancement Projects
Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance (CORA)
coramtb.org
What they do: “CORA (the Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance) is continuously building, preserving, and advocating for more miles of sustainable, multi-use natural surface trail connecting the communities of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky,” says Olivia Birkenhauer, president. “Trails have helped many of us clear our heads and stay healthy. Help us get more trails close to your neighborhood by joining our IMBA chapter. One can also donate directly to their local trail system at coramtb.org/donate.”
Adult Residential Care Homes
The Bill & Betsy Scheben Care Center
859-525-1128, schebencarecenter.org
What they do: “The Bill and Betsy Scheben Care Center is dedicated to the mission of helping adults with disabilities maintain their ability to function in the home and the community. We also provide respite for families and caregivers to reduce the physical, emotional and financial stress experienced during long-term care. We want to help our clients achieve lifetime abilities. We do this by providing excellent medical rehabilitative services to meet the individual needs of each of our clients,” says the center.
Arts Galleries/Exhibits
Cincinnati Art Museum
513-721-2787, cincinnatiartmuseum.org
What they do: Features a diverse, encyclopedic art collection of more than 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years. The museum also hosts several national and international traveling exhibitions each year. The museum says one of the best ways to support their work is to become a member. “In addition to supporting the museum’s vision and mission, membership comes with benefits like invitations to behind-the-scenes tours and special events,” says the museum.
Parenting Skills Classes
Beech Acres Parenting Center
513-231-6630, beechacres.org
What they do: “Beech Acres Parenting Center uncovers the natural gifts of children by unleashing the power of parents and caregivers. Our services are founded in Natural Strength Parenting™ and include foster care, adoption, behavioral health support, parent coaching, an SEL program and our kindness pledge, Signed to be Kind,” says the nonprofit.
Neighborhood Improvement Groups
College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC)
513-681-1551, chcurc.com
What they do: “The College Hill CURC’s mission is to revitalize the Hamilton Avenue Business District of College Hill. Our work focuses in four main areas: Economic Development, Affordable Housing, Small Business Support and Community Engagement,” says the nonprofit. You can support the organization by contributing to the nonprofit, visiting local businesses and attending the nonprofit’s events.
Pregnancy/Childbirth
Rosemary’s Babies Co.
513-813-8336, rosemarysbabies.co
What they do: Provides in-person and virtual support services for teen parents, moms and dads ages 13-19. “By providing education, resources and emotional support for one teen parent, we can change the outlook for multiple generations,” says the nonprofit.
