Immigration/Refugee Services

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This section has community resources for immigrants and refugees on a wide range of topics, from parenting classes to mental health programs and legal help.

In this section, find out about:
● Resources for All Immigrants & Refugees
● English as a Second Language (ESL)
● African Resources
● Asian Resources
● Hispanic & Latino Resources
● Health Services for Immigrants & Refugees
● Miscellaneous

● RESOURCES FOR ALL IMMIGRANTS & REFUGEES ●
Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association
A refugee resettlement and service organization that provides a wide variety of free programs to newly-arrived refugees from all parts of the world. Their programs include ESL classes, employment services and translation services. They have interpreters available who speak Cambodian, Vietnamese, Somali, Arabic French and more.
787 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 224-8888
- http://servintfree.net/cmaa/services.html
Center for Mental Health Services Refugee Mental Health Program
Their website provides helpful links to government agencies, refugee resettlement agencies and mutual assistance associations throughout the U.S. They provide information on mental health services, the citizenship process and specific nationwide refugee organizations.
1 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, Maryland 20857
(240) 276-1845
- www.refugeewellbeing.samhsa.gov
Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)
Serves refugees, asylees and immigrants in central Ohio by providing immigration legal services, employment counseling, ESL classes, help finding a job and translation services. As the only non-profit immigration legal program in central Ohio, they help with citizenship applications, notary services, visa extensions, green card applications, immigration photos, work authorization and other services. New clients are seen on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis during open immigration intake at the east office. After paying an initial fee of $20, clients can meet with one of the lawyers.
  • 3624 Bexvie Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
    (614) 235-5747
  • 4889 Sinclair Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
    (614) 840-9634
  • 3000 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
    (614) 279-1354
 - www.cris-ohio.com
Franklin County Job & Family Services
Refugees and immigrants can apply for benefits such as food assistance, child care, job training, health insurance (Medicaid) and other social services at their local county Job and Family Services office.
  • 1055 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
    (614) 251-6300
  • 345 East Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    (614) 233-2000
  • 3443 Agler Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
    (614) 428-6700
  • 3723 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207
    (614) 233-2000
  • 314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204
    (614) 308-1200
 - www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/jafs
Hands On Central Ohio
Formerly known as First Link, Hands On’s comprehensive information and referral service connects those in need with thousands of social service, government and community resources. They help find a solution to any need. Free and confidential, 2-1-1 is available throughout Franklin County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
195 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
2-1-1 or (614) 221-2255
- www.handsoncentralohio.org
Immigration Solutions
Provides help in the preparation of immigration forms, visa and green card applications, passports, obtaining immigration benefits and more.
1030 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 737-3742
- www.usimmigrationsolutions.net
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Refugee Services
Helps refugees and others displaced from their countries. Refugees may be eligible for cash assistance, medical assistance and social services (transportation, child care, job help and more). Individuals can apply at their country department of job and family services. Click for a list of resettlement agencies throughout Ohio. Staff from these agencies find them housing, help them apply for medical and food stamp assistance, arrange for their comprehensive health screening and enroll them in classes to learn English.
50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-4815
- http://jfs.ohio.gov/refugee
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
Oversees lawful immigration to the United States. Their website has information about immigration and citizenship laws, resources, and immigration forms, including fees associated with filing the forms. Click for information about the local Columbus office. To speak to an immigration officer, you must schedule an appointment by calling or registering online.
50 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 375-5283
- www.uscis.gov
U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees & Migration
Provides help and solutions for refugees, victims of conflict and stateless people around the world. Their website has a wealth of information, including a helpful glossary of terms and answers to frequently asked questions about immigration and visa issues.
2201 C Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20520
(202) 647-4000
- www.state.gov
US Together
Provides refugee resettlement services to newly-arrived refugees from many countries. Services include financial help, educational classes, interpreting and help with employment.
2021 East Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 437-9941
- http://jfs.ohio.gov/refugee
● ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) ●
Asian American Community Services Healthy Asian Youth Program
Offers after school and summer tutoring and mentoring programs for Asian-Americans in grades K to 12, including educational, ESL and college preparatory activities.
4700 Reed Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220
(614) 220-4023, ext. 223
- http://aacsohio.org
Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association
Provides free basic ESL instruction to adult (age 18 and older) refugees from all countries.
787 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 224-8888
- http://servintfree.net/cmaa
Center for Latin Hope (Centro Esperanza Latina)
Offers free daily English classes for Latino adults in Columbus, in cooperation with Columbus State Community College. Free books and child care are available as well.
2300 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 358-3584
- www.centerforlatinhope.org
Columbus Literacy Council
Offers free basic literacy classes and also English for speakers of other languages.
195 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-5013
- www.columbusliteracy.org
Columbus Public Schools English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
Their website has information about their program, as well as links to other sites for parents, teachers and students. Their Welcome Center helps students from any country who have recently arrived in the United States and who have little or no literacy skills in English or in their native language.
2001 Hamilton Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 365-8802
- www.columbus.k12.oh.us/esl
Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)
Provides 20 hours per week of academic help for immigrant middle school students in the Columbus Public School District who have limited English proficiency (LEP). Program participation is by referral from the Columbus Public Schools ESL program, and students typically have such limited English skills that they are not ready to enter mainstream classes.
  • 3624 Bexvie Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
    (614) 235-5747
  • 4889 Sinclair Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
    (614) 840-9634
  • 3000 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
    (614) 279-1354
 - www.cris-ohio.com/HomeSchoolLiaison.html
Dominican Learning Center
Tutors adults 18 years and older in ESL for free.
1111 East Stewart Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 444-7330
- www.oppeace.org
Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools
Offers free ESL and basic education classes for adults ages 18 and older. They also have many free high school programs throughout Columbus and surrounding areas for students in their junior and senior years, including college prep and career training programs. Their classes help adults study for the GED, learn basic computer skills and prepare to find work.
4465 South Hamilton Road, Groveport, Ohio 43125
(614) 836-3903
- http://eastlandfairfield.com
International Neighborhood Coffee Hour
Provides free small group ESL classes at the University Baptist Church for women interested in improving their English. Child care is provided while the mothers attend classes.
50 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 294-6333
- www.inchcolumbus.org
Jewish Community Center
Offers a year-round ESL program that teaches English to those of all nationalities. Both day and evening classes are offered. Citizenship classes prepare immigrants to take the naturalization test to obtain U.S. citizenship. All classes are offered free of charge.
1125 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 559-6202
- http://columbusjcc.org
Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Limited English Proficient (LEP) Student Support
This site has resources for students who need special language assistance in order to effectively participate in school programs.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
- http://education.ohio.gov
Ohio Hispanic Coalition
Offers free ESL classes year-round.
3556 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 840-9934 or (614) 275-1755
- www.ohiohispaniccoalition.org
Ohio Literacy Network
Click for a searchable database of ESL and adult literacy programs in Ohio, organized by county. Call their toll-free 24-hour hotline for information.
6161 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(800) 228-7323
- www.ohioliteracynetwork.org
Somali Community Association of Ohio
Provides free basic ESL classes and offers preschool classes, after school and Saturday tutoring, free computer access and other programs for Somali youth.
3422 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 262-4068
- www.somaliohio.org/services/youth.htm
Somali Women & Children’s Alliance
Their after school program provides tutoring and educational activities for children ages 5 to 18 who have limited English skills and continues during the summer months with regularly scheduled activities. Their adult ESL classes are free for people with a low income.
2210 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 473-9999
- www.swaca.org
South Western City Schools Community Education
Offers free ESL classes during the school year for adults age 19 and older. Consideration for enrollment is given first to residents of that school district.
4750 Big Run South Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 801-3477 or (614) 801-3006
- www.swcs.us
Vineyard Community Center
Offers beginner, intermediate and advanced adult ESL classes.
6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 259-5358
- http://vineyardcolumbus.org
● AFRICAN RESOURCES ●
City of Columbus Community Relations Commission
Click for a list of African organizations in the community.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-1993
- http://community.ci.columbus.oh.us
Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services
Provides several services to the Ethiopian community in central Ohio, including after school programs and mentoring, cultural education, and interpreting and translating services.
1060 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 252-5362
- www.ethiotss.org
Helping Africans in a New Direction (HAND)
Offers translation and interpretation services. They also provide the online Somali Link Newspaper, which is a newspaper written in Somali and English for the Somali community, with information regarding local resources and events, arts and entertainment, Somali culture, food and classifieds.
4889 Sinclair Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 433-0603
- http://somalilink.com
Horn of Africa Community Center
A small grass-roots organization that works with refugees to help them become self-sufficient. Their programs include parent education, cultural orientation, counseling, help with citizenship classes, immigration paperwork, translation services and after school programs.
1391 Oakland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 975-8967
- www.hooa.org
Liberians in Columbus
A social and economic community organization that provides information about the Liberian community in central Ohio. Visit their website to learn about community events and news.
PO Box 27203, Columbus, Ohio 43227
(614) 478-2656
- http://liberiansincolumbus.org
Rosemont Center Somali Services
Provides mental health services to Somali youth (up to age 19), using a culturally sensitive perspective that provides special consideration. Click for the referral form. They provide counseling, psychiatric care and help with school difficulties.
2440 Dawnlight Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
English Speaking Referrals: (614) 471-2626, ext.238
Somali Speaking Referrals: (614) 416-8761
- http://rosemont.org/somali_services.php
Somali Community Access Network (SomaliCAN)
Works to improve the health, safety, and productivity of new Americans in Ohio by providing information and resources including interpretation services, immigration services and community support.
700 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 781-1414
- www.somalican.org
Somali American Chamber of Commerce
Represents the business interests of the Somali community in central Ohio and helps promote Somali community development.
1425 East Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 428-9000
- www.soamcc.org
Somali Community Association of Ohio
Provides free ESL classes, preschool classes, after school and Saturday tutoring, computer access, translation services and job help for Somali youth and adults.
3422 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 262-4068
- www.somaliohio.org
Somali Women & Children’s Alliance
Offers a variety of programs designed to help refugees and immigrants adjust to their new role in American society. Programs include after school programming, ESL classes, job help and health education.
2210 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 473-9999
- www.swaca.org
● ASIAN RESOURCES ●
ASHA Ray of Hope
Connects victims of domestic violence in the South Asian community with help and resources. They provide interpreter and transportation services as well. Victims can call the free, confidential 24-hour crisis line for help and support.
1505 Bethel Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 326-2121 or 24-hour Crisis Line: (614) 565-2918
- www.asharayofhope.org
Asian American Community Services
Offers after school and summer tutoring and mentoring programs for Asian Americans in grades K to 12, including educational, ESL and college preparatory activities. They also provide counseling for victims of domestic violence and hate crimes and 24-hour interpreting services.
4700 Reed Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220
Main Line: (614) 220-4023
Interpreting Hotline: (614) 884-0982
- http://aacsohio.org/node
Chinese American Association of Central Ohio
Promotes the common interests of Chinese Americans living in central Ohio. Visit their website for community events and more information.
PO Box 20953, Columbus, Ohio 43220
- http://caaco.net
City of Columbus Community Relations Commission
Click for a list of Asian organizations in the community.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-1993
- http://community.ci.columbus.oh.us
Columbus Chinese Christian Church
Offers ESL classes and Sunday services in Cantonese, English and Mandarin.
4141 Maize Road, Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 263-9287
- www.columbusccc.org
Federation of Asian Indian Associations
Represents the Indian community in central Ohio by hosting free health fairs, sports events, after school activities and other local events.
PO Box 20369, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(877) 342-6412
- www.fia-ohio.org
Japan-America Society of Central Ohio
Collaborates with the OSU Institute for Japanese Studies to offer free educational and cultural programs for the community.
1712 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-4002
- http://jasco.osu.edu
Ohio Contemporary Chinese School
Educates children in the Chinese community in Columbus in reading, writing, math and English on Sundays at Worthington Kilbourne High School.
PO Box 82578, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 542-7454
- http://columbus-occs.org
Organization of Chinese Americans
The Columbus chapter of this national organization promotes active participation of Asian Americans in both civic and national matters, including advocacy and community awareness.
PO Box 20623, Columbus Ohio 43220
(202) 223-5500
- www.ocacolumbus.org
● HISPANIC & LATINO RESOURCES ●
Catholic Social Services Our Lady of Guadalupe Center
Serves the needs of the growing Hispanic community by providing emergency food help, health screenings, housing information, legal help, financial help and more. Call Hands On to schedule an appointment.
197 East Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Hands On: (614) 221-5891 or (614) 857-1218
- www.colscss.org
Center for Latin Hope (Centro Esperanza Latina)
Provides many free services for the Latino community, including after school programs, tutoring, ESL, health screenings, computer classes, parent training and translation services.
2300 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 358-3584
- www.centerforlatinhope.org
City of Columbus Community Relations Commission
Click for a list of Latino organizations in the community.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-1993
- http://community.ci.columbus.oh.us
Community for New Direction
Offers an academic enrichment program called Students Excelling in Education (SEE) for Hispanic students ages 5 to 14.
2096 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 272-1464
- www.cndonline.org
Empleos & Employment
Their online job search helps Latinos find employment (especially bilingual jobs), as well as other resources in the community such as scholarship programs, local events, job fairs and community services.
6059 Frantz Road, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 790-8894
- www.empleosandemployment.com
Fronteras de la Noticia
Published weekly in Spanish by the Columbus Dispatch, this local newspaper provides in-depth coverage of news and helps Hispanics find resources in their community. Go online to view their legal guide and their health directory.
34 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 461-5227
- www.dispatchespanol.com
Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU)
Represents colleges and universities that are committed to helping Hispanics achieve success in higher education. Thousands of young Hispanics benefit from HACU with internships, scholarships, college programs, precollegiate support and career development opportunities and programs.
8415 Datapoint Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78229
(210) 692-3805
- www.hacu.net
Hispanic Chamber of Columbus
Connects Hispanic professionals to the greater Columbus community by providing opportunities for business growth. Their website has information about community resources, employment opportunities and more.
6230 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 505-6751
- www.hccolumbus.com
Hispanic Employment Program
Ensures that Hispanics have an equal opportunity to compete in all aspects of federal employment. Their website has information about career opportunities, community resources, events and activities specifically for the Hispanic community.
PO Box 3990, Columbus, Ohio 43218
(877) 352-2255
- www.dscc.dla.mil/programs/hep/index.html
Latino Community Association of Ohio
Provides classes for the Latino community in central Ohio on a wide range of topics, including business, basic computer skills, personal finance, GED preparation in Spanish, ESL and more. Many of the classes are free.
(614) 886-2461
- http://cemlat.org/celcourses.html
Latino Empowerment Outreach Network (LEON)
LEON develops and supports programs that educate and empower Latinos in the community. Their focus is on health, education, family issues, leadership and advocacy. Go online to find local job listings and view their health directory of services for Latinos in the community.
PO Box 16215, Columbus, Ohio 43216
(888) 538-5366
- http://leongroup.org
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Advocates for Latino civil rights and has a local council in Columbus. Visit their website to find events and other ways to get involved.
PO Box 13691, Columbus, Ohio 43213
(202) 833-6130
- www.lulac-columbus.org
Ohio Commission on Hispanic / Latino Affairs
Represents and advises key policy makers in regards to Hispanic issues, and connects Latino organizations throughout Ohio.
77 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-8333
- http://ochla.ohio.gov
Ohio Hispanic Coalition
Offers several free services to the Hispanic community including community education, ESL, referrals, legal and immigration services, translation and interpretation services, after school programs, summer programs and a culturally sensitive 24-hour domestic violence hotline.
6161 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229
Domestic Violence Hotline: (614) 746-3534
Referrals: (614) 840-9934
- www.ohiohispaniccoalition.org
¿Qué Pasa, OSU?
A community magazine about Latinos at OSU.Their website has information about resources, events, career opportunities and more.
2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 247-4198
- http://quepasa.osu.edu
St. Vincent Family Centers Hispanic / Latino Services
Offers mental health and parenting support specifically for the Latino community in Columbus. Click to see their brochure in Spanish.
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0731
- www.svfc.org/services.php
Technical Assistance Alliance for Parents Center
Provides a list of publications, organizations and internet sites supporting Hispanic families. Topics range from helping children learn to read to resources for parents of students with disabilities. Call their toll-free parent center, which helps families of children of all ages (birth through 26 years) with all disabilities.
165 West Center Street, Marion, Ohio 43302
(800) 374-2806
- www.taalliance.org/resources/spanish.asp
● HEALTH SERVICES FOR IMMIGRANTS & REFUGEES ●
Alien Emergency Medical Assistance
The Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio (UHCAN) provides information about emergency medical assistance for immigrants, which provides coverage for treatment of an emergency medical condition for immigrants and non-citizens who do not qualify for regular Medicaid but have a limited income. A social security number, information about citizenship status or an interview are not required. Applications can be submitted at the local Job and Family Services office below or to a hospital caseworker.
  • 1055 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
    (614) 251-6300
  • 345 East Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    (614) 233-2000
  • 3443 Agler Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
    (614) 428-6700
  • 3723 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207
    (614) 233-2000
  • 314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204
    (614) 308-1200
Medicaid Hotline: (800) 324-8680
- www.uhcanohio.org
Columbus Public Health Community Resource Lists
Click below for a list of community health resources written in Spanish and Somali.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7417
- http://publichealth.columbus.gov
Latino Empowerment Outreach Network (LEON)
Click below to view their health directory of services for Latinos in the community.
PO Box 16215, Columbus, Ohio 43216
(888) 538-5366
- http://leongroup.org
Ohio Asian American Health Coalition
Works for the health of Ohio’s Asian Americans by supporting community research, education and advocacy.
- www.oahcoalition.org
Ohio Department of Job & Familly Services Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
Offers health coverage for a limited period of time to refugees upon their arrival to the U.S. and is only available to qualifying refugees within the first eight months of entry to the U.S. A face-to-face interview is necessary when applying.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Medicaid Hotline: (800) 324-3500
- http://jfs.ohio.gov
OSU Asian Health Initiative Free Clinic
Provides free ongoing health care (no physicals) for Asian adults living in central Ohio. Patients are seen on Monday evenings at the Rardin Family Practice Center. Services are provided for those who have no health insurance and have a low to moderate income (below 250% of the poverty level). Call for an appointment and to arrange an interpreter.
2231 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 220-4023, ext. 224
- http://aacsohio.org
OSU Latino Free Clinic (La Clinica Latina)
Provides ongoing, comprehensive health care (except obstetrics) for Spanish-speaking adults on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, on a first-come / first-served basis. Sign-in begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Rardin Family Practice Center. Call to find out more.
2231 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 293-9906
- www.fammed.ohio-state.edu
OSU Occupational Medicine West
Provides newly-arrived refugees with comprehensive health screenings and referrals for follow-up care.
86 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 293-3500
- http://medicalcenter.osu.edu
● MISCELLANEOUS ●
Columbus Council on World Affairs
Provides excellent programs for Columbus high school teens who are interested in leadership and international issues. Students collaborate with community groups and businesses to learn skills in areas such as interacting with the media, making legislative change, direct social service, event planning, speech-making and more. They also facilitate a “Life Swap” cultural exchange program for youth.
51 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 229-4599
- www.columbusworldaffairs.org
Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence
Visit their resources page to find local and nationwide resources related to health care and behavioral health for various racial, ethnic and cultural groups.
1335 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-7841
- www.maccinc.org
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