YCS - Formerly ECRN+

11/15/2025

Join us online!

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QGmZAWxRSgOValffUD6tfw #/registration

11/15/2025

Are you interested in a service coordination and home-visiting program that focuses on long term stability? YMCA Stable Families Service Coordinators work with families for a minimum of 4 months, up to a year, to provide support with maintaining housing, increasing income, and academic success for children.

Some examples of how they can help include: -Applying for benefits and accessing local resources.
-Developing a plan for increasing household income through academic and/or career goals.
-Helping to secure necessary household items.
-Helping you work with your school to provide the best academic results for your children.
-Establishing a budget for basic needs, home ownership or even a family trip.

Eligibility requirements are:
-You must live in Franklin county
-You must have custody of at least one child, aged 3 or older, that is enrolled in an early childhood education or learning program, Head Start, SPARK, or school (pre K - 12th grade), and in your care
-You cannot be living in a shelter or unhoused.

Click the link below to submit a Stable Families referral today!
ymcacolumbus.org/stable-form

11/12/2025

We had an incredible time at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park for our “Night at the Nature Center” event!

Families enjoyed a cozy evening filled with hot chocolate, creative crafts, and a guided Living Stream experience where kids had the chance to feed the fish. Our amazing STEM Team led exciting space-themed activities, where families made their own planets and aliens before stepping outside for a breathtaking stargazing session using a large telescope! 🔭🪐
We also had a fun raffle and a campfire with s’mores, the perfect way to end such a special evening! 🍫

✨ A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to experience the wonders of the Nature Center and make lasting memories together! 💫

Want to join us at our future fun and FREE events?!
Click the link below to join our mailing list!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEzJQTL1jxH7QHZI07grWujSIIDlebF9hQCnIKpJzwCsow4g/viewform

11/11/2025

🌟 Join Our Interactive Special Needs Planning Webinar! 🌟

We’re excited to welcome Attorney Logan Philipps of Philipps & Graham, LLC for an informative session on special needs planning.

This free webinar will cover essential topics, including:
✅ Special Needs Trusts
✅ Benefits and STABLE Accounts
✅ Guardianship and Supported Decision-Making

Learn how a comprehensive special needs plan can enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and how to maximize saving and spending opportunities without affecting government benefit eligibility.

🗓️ Zoom link will be emailed 2 days before the event.
👉 Register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-needs-planning-webinar-planning-for-the-future-tickets-1964339617675?aff=oddtdtcreator

A webinar discussing special needs trusts, benefits, STABLE Accounts, guardianship, and supported decision-making.

11/04/2025

During this time of uncertainty, we want to make sure everyone in our community has access to the food and support they need. FreshTrak makes it easy to find food resources near you by entering your zip code. The Mid-Ohio Food Collective also offers welcoming, no-cost markets throughout Central Ohio, providing a dignified shopping experience for all.

Please share these resources with anyone who could use them!

FreshTrak: https://freshtrak.com
Mid-Ohio Food Collective Markets: https://mofc.org/ways-we-help/market/ -locations

10/30/2025

Make Halloween fun for everyone! Communication boards help people share their needs, choices, and ideas using pictures or symbols. DODD has created a Halloween-themed communication board so everyone can join in the spooky fun and feel included in community activities.

Find the communication boards here: https://dodd.ohio.gov/about-us/communication/communication-boards/communication-boards

10/27/2025

Each year, the YMCA of Central Ohio comes together with the help of our incredible community to make the holidays a little brighter for families through our Holiday Hope Program. 🌟

Through this program, we’re able to support at least 30 YMCA families each year with holiday gifts, household and winter essentials, and a special holiday meal. For many families, these contributions bring joy, comfort, and relief during what can be a challenging time of year. This program wouldn’t be possible without the kindness and generosity of community members like you. ❤️ Whether you’re an individual, family, group, or business, there are a few ways you can help make a difference this season:

🎁 ADOPT A FAMILY:
Sign up to be matched with a YMCA family in need by filling out our 2025 YMCA Holiday Hope Donor Interest Form: https://forms.gle/gD2xfDNWxassza8m8
You’ll receive your family’s Wish List by mid-November at the latest, giving you plenty of time to shop and prepare for your donation.

🛍️ SHOP OUR AMAZON WISH LIST:
If adopting a family isn’t possible this year, you can still make an impact by purchasing items directly from our Amazon Wish List. Every item donated helps meet real needs within our YMCA community. https://www.amazon.com/.../ls/1GJ00VO3Z6BVU/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

💬 SPREAD THE WORD:
Please consider sharing this opportunity with friends, family, coworkers, or community groups. The more people who know, the more families we can reach!

For any questions, please reach out to familysupport@ymcacolumbus.org
Thank you for helping us continue this beloved YMCA tradition and for being part of a community that believes in giving back. Together, we can make the season brighter for so many families across Central Ohio! ✨

10/22/2025

🔭Telescope Stargazing on the Blacklick Woods Metro Park Canopy Walk! 🌟

Join the YMCA of Central Ohio Happy Hikers Club for a FREE memorable evening under the stars at Blacklick Woods Metro Park with our YMCA STEM Discovery Team! 🌌 Families and individuals are invited to experience telescope stargazing from the beautiful canopy walk, explore the wonders of astronomy, and learn from our STEM experts. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, discover the science behind the stars, and enjoy a fun, educational night outdoors with the community! ✨

📅 WHEN: Monday, November 17th | 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 WHERE: Blacklick Woods Metro Park
(6975 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 WHO: Children and families of all ages and abilities are welcome!

This event is FREE, but registration is REQUIRED: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/happy-hikers-telescope-stargazing-on-the-canopy-walk-tickets-1857820614469?aff=oddtdtcreator

You do not need to be a YMCA member or participate in our programs to attend; everyone is welcome!

We can’t wait to see you under the stars! 🌠

Join the YMCA for a fun-filled evening at Blacklick Woods Metro Park and enjoy telescope stargazing from the scenic canopy walk!

10/20/2025

🌟 Join the YMCA of Central Ohio for a FREE Night at the Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Nature Center! 🌲

Enjoy a cozy evening filled with hot chocolate, fun crafts, and a guided Living Stream experience where kids can feed the fish! Then head outdoors for stargazing through a large telescope and a campfire with s’mores (weather permitting). 🔭

📅 Friday, November 7th, 6pm - 7:30pm
📍 Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Nature Center (1415 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119)

This event is FREE, but registration is REQUIRED
Click the link below to register today!

Join the YMCA for a fun night at Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center! There will be hot cocoa, crafts, telescope, and kids can feed the fish!

10/16/2025

Each year, the YMCA of Central Ohio comes together with the help of our incredible community to make the holidays a little brighter for families through our Holiday Hope Program. 🌟

Through this program, we’re able to support at least 30 YMCA families each year with holiday gifts, household and winter essentials, and a special holiday meal. For many families, these contributions bring joy, comfort, and relief during what can be a challenging time of year. This program wouldn’t be possible without the kindness and generosity of community members like you. ❤️ Whether you’re an individual, family, group, or business, there are a few ways you can help make a difference this season:

🎁 ADOPT A FAMILY:
Sign up to be matched with a YMCA family in need by filling out our 2025 YMCA Holiday Hope Donor Interest Form: https://forms.gle/gD2xfDNWxassza8m8
You’ll receive your family’s Wish List by mid-November at the latest, giving you plenty of time to shop and prepare for your donation.

🛍️ SHOP OUR AMAZON WISH LIST:
If adopting a family isn’t possible this year, you can still make an impact by purchasing items directly from our Amazon Wish List. Every item donated helps meet real needs within our YMCA community. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1GJ00VO3Z6BVU/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

💬 SPREAD THE WORD:
Please consider sharing this opportunity with friends, family, coworkers, or community groups. The more people who know, the more families we can reach!

For any questions, please reach out to familysupport@ymcacolumbus.org
Thank you for helping us continue this beloved YMCA tradition and for being part of a community that believes in giving back. Together, we can make the season brighter for so many families across Central Ohio! ✨

10/09/2025

🎯 We had such a wonderful time at the "Happy Hikers Club: Try-It Archery" event at Scioto Grove Metro Park! 🏹

We couldn’t have asked for better weather as friends, families, and first-time archers came together for an afternoon full of fun, learning, and laughter. A special thank you to our STEM Discovery Team for providing the Take-Home Archery Kits! These kits made it so easy for participants to continue practicing at home and really added an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

The day was extra special as someone even celebrated their birthday by joining us at this event! 🎉 Thank you to everyone who came out to make this event so memorable.✨

What to join us at our next Happy Hikers Club adventure?
Click the link below to join our mailing list!
https://forms.gle/iuNiZFcweQp6yeUv5