By Okon Ekpenyong

Columbus offers so many programs that most people are unaware that they exist. As part of a new program called Rise UP CBUS (opportunity Rising), the Department of Neighborhoods Columbus and the Department of Recreation & Park hope to change that by creating events where residents can learn more about what is available. 

A kickoff ceremony for “RISE UP CBUS” took place at Bethel International United Methodist Church on Friday, May 6, 2022, with Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther in attendance. 

New American Community Information Center caught up with Abdikhayr H. Soofe, a Somalian-American who works as Columbus’s New American Initiative Coordinator, to shed more light on the new program. 

 “Many community leaders, stakeholders, and neighbors in this area shared some resource information. Several organizations and city partners came together to kick off a series of events where community stakeholders would share opportunities that align with Mayor Andrew Ginther’s keeper the orders for equity plan,” Soofe said. 

Mayor Ginther announced the new program “Opportunity Rising” during his State of the City Address for 2022. It aimed to eliminate violence, mitigate crises, provide housing stability, create jobs and an inclusive economy, and build neighborhoods. As part of the equity plan, Mayor Ginther spoke about improving the quality of life for all residents, which is a crucial focus of the program. 

“For residents facing disparities, this new program will allow them to determine what educational, safety, housing, and data sources are available. It will also help raise awareness by educating the residents of Columbus on where to seek immediate help when a crisis arises,” Soofe added.  

Columbus Mobile City Hall was on-site, allowing residents to pick up a booklet containing events, listing several programs and services offered by the city and its community partners. Franklinton High School Steel Band, Local Band Honey, and Blue performed a few classic tunes to help launch the first-ever RISE UP CBUS. 

New American Residents:

Soofe later thanked the New American Community Information Center and the New Americans Magazine’s publisher, Deba Uwadiae, for consistently informing residents about the many diverse and inclusive resources that the Neighborhoods Department provides. These value-added collaboration programs offered by the city and its shareholders will continue to benefit the community. 

“It is a good platform where many others learn about events like this. The good news is that we have several applicants coming up throughout the summer,” Soofe said. 

Future Dates:

Weinland Park will be holding theirs on June 23, Scioto Southland Community Center will have it on June 16, Linden Community Center will be on July 7, and Barnett Community Center will host it on July 29 (National Night Out Collaboration). Franklin Park will host theirs on August 11 and Hauntz Park on August 18. 

Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url