What does it take to turn a dream into reality? Sometimes, it begins with something as simple as a place to belong and someone who believes in you.
On weekday evenings across Central Ohio, Festa brings that possibility to life. Adults from around the world dedicate their evenings to learning English in the pursuit of a brighter future for themselves and their families. Just down the hall, their children receive nutritious dinners, homework help, early childhood education and encouragement from caring adults.
From infants to grandparents, entire families are learning and growing together through Festa’s 3-Generation Family English as a Second Language (ESL) Program. This program meets a critical need in our Central Ohio community: only 10% of foreign-born individuals can find an ESL class that meets their needs, rendering the language barrier a staggering obstacle to equitable employment, health, education and community involvement.
At Festa, English education is just the beginning. Since 2007, this Columbus-based nonprofit is working to end poverty through life-changing relationships, creating communities where dreams are encouraged and families have the support to pursue them.
One child who grew up attending Festa programs describes their experience this way:
“When I think about Festa now, I don’t first think about the food or the English classes. I think about the people – hopeful faces, children being children, adults finding people they connected with and the feeling that everyone in that space belonged.”
The results speak for themselves, with the impact extending far beyond the classroom:
- 1,211 adults and children served during the 2025–2026 program year.
- 80% credited Festa with all or most of their current sense of community.
- 93% of school-aged children could name at least one adult at Festa who cares about them.
- 83% of preschoolers ages 3 to 5 mastered at least half of Ohio’s measured kindergarten readiness skills.
Festa’s work continues year round, serving families from 100 countries of origin through:
- Festa Summer Lunch Camp & Adult ESL: Keeping children fed and learning when school is out.
- Excelerate Children’s Leadership Program: Helping children discover their potential through real-world leadership experience and entrepreneurial coaching.
- Festa Business ESL: Helping companies invest in their associates to strengthen team communication, improve workplace safety, attract and retain quality talent.
- Columbus International Festival: Bringing thousands of neighbors together each summer to celebrate the cultures that enrich our Columbus community.
From children discovering what they’re capable of to adults pursuing new opportunities, Festa creates room for dreams to grow across generations.
Behind those dreams is a community of people helping make them possible.
During the 2025–2026 program year, 617 volunteers contributed 7,676 hours to Festa’s mission. Their investments of time, encouragement and relationships are helping families take meaningful steps toward their goals.
Looking ahead, Festa hopes to bring its 3-Generation Family ESL Program to communities across Ohio and the nation, reaching more families with the education and support to connect American neighbors across cultures and generations.
Through the Easton Community Foundation Partner Program, a portion of Easton Preferred Park and parking citation revenue will support Festa’s mission throughout November and December 2026.
We’re grateful for this partnership and invite you to be part of the story, too.
Give to help families learn, grow and belong. Volunteer to tutor, serve meals or support children’s activities. Better yet, see Festa in action by requesting a tour. Contact Austin Hill, Festa’s Director of Philanthropy and Government Relations, at [email protected] to schedule a visit.
Witness the dreams taking shape at Festa and discover how your support can help carry them further.
