For nearly forty years,
University Baptist Church has served as a community partner of Neighborhood Services, Inc. (NSI), a nonprofit network that works to end hunger and poverty in Columbus’s University District.
NSI carries on its work through the following programs:
The Choice food pantry — local residents may receive a seven-day supply of food once a month
Clothing room — Franklin County residents may shop for four outfits of gently-used clothing for each member of their household once a month
Monthly produce markets
Free tax preparation — Volunteers from AARP help residents prepare and file their taxes
Holiday food programs — NSI distributes food baskets during the Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays
Back-to-school program — NSI collects and distributes backpacks and school supplies to children in grades K–12
Christmas gift adoption program — Donors purchase toys and other gifts for local children
Ohio Benefit Bank — Counselors from the OBB help residents apply for a variety of public assistance programs
NSI depends on donations and volunteer hours from its community partners. They accept food, clothing, and monetary donations; and volunteers help staff the food pantry, assemble and distribute holiday baskets, and assist with the monthly produce markets. A wide array of businesses, religious congregations, and community organizations form NSI’s network. University Baptist Church is one of sixteen congregational partners.