COMMUNITY RESOURCES

The Africentric Personal Development Shop (APDS) endorses and sometimes partners with the following companies, who in various ways lend support and give back to the Ohio community.

Compassionate Communication Center of Ohio

The Compassionate Communication Center of Ohio, sometimes known as Nonviolent Communication (NVC), facilitates the exchange of information necessary to experience the universality of human needs and aspirations, regardless of gender, race, age or any other aspect of who we are as human beings. We are a community of individuals and organizations that envision a world where people are resolving their differences without the use of violence, force or coercion; Where people find creative and interactive ways to transform their conflicts and their enemy images of one another — through a process of communication.

Ohio Benefits Bank

The Ohio Benefits Bank is an internet service that is available for Ohioans who are in need of help. Through no fault of their own, many Ohioans are being forced to make tough decisions each and every day, such as choosing between paying rent or buying food. In an effort to eliminate such choices from having to be made and to help Ohioans gain access to programs that are available for those in need.

Visit The Ohio Benefit Bank today.

The Columbus Foundation

The The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor® to nearly 2,000 individuals, families, and businesses, who have created unique funds to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the region for 68 years, the Foundation’s online resource, PowerPhilanthropy,® makes it possible for everyone to make informed giving choices by accessing valuable information about community needs and central Ohio nonprofits.

More than 2,000 individuals, families, businesses, and communities have created unique funds through The Columbus Foundation to support the causes they care about. Grants are made from these funds according to donors’ wishes, to support a wide range of initiatives, programs, and nonprofit organizations in the community.

The Millennium Community School

The Millennium Community School will utilize research-proven curricula to ensure outstanding academic performance routinely by all of its socially and economically diverse student population. The Millennium Community School will create uniquely American, world-class public schools that meet the needs of today’s families and children and prepare them for the twenty-first century.

The Millennium Community School is distinct from other schools in its intense focus on teaching students at their maximum rate, bringing them to higher levels at an advanced pace. To achieve this goal, the school uses a scripted curriculum in all basic skill subjects, such as math, reading, spelling and language. The Millennium Community School is also distinct in its success in elevating student achievement beyond expected grade level.

National Center For Urban Solutions

The National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to transforming lives in urban communities through education, workforce development, and wellness. By focusing on underserved populations, NCUS creates pathways to personal and professional growth, helping individuals reach their full potential while addressing systemic barriers that often limit opportunity.

Through programs like NCUS TEC, Adult Workforce Training, and initiatives focused on youth development, NCUS equips participants with in-demand skills, certifications, and the support needed to succeed in today’s economy. Their holistic approach combines academic support, career coaching, and life readiness—ensuring that every participant is prepared for long-term success, not just a short-term job.

NCUS is also committed to improving the overall wellness of Black men and families through events like Black Men’s Wellness Day and Real Men Real Talk. These efforts foster mental, emotional, and physical well-being while building a sense of community and empowerment. At its core, NCUS is about solutions—driven by impact, powered by purpose.

Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity

The Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity (WCEO) is committed to the economic advancement of women, especially women of color, by building their financial capacity and entrepreneurial readiness through education, training, mentoring and coaching. Through our programs, Women of color will create successful, sustainable microbusinesses that increase their net worth; help them attain economic self-sufficiency and elevate their economic standing throughout the world.

The African American Male Wellness Agency

The African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA) operates as the health and wellness arm of the National Center for Urban Solutions, dedicated to eliminating health disparities among Black men and their families. Since its founding in 2004, AAMWA has delivered over 10,000 free health screenings annually across more than 20 U.S. cities—revealing alarming trends such as 85% of participants having high blood pressure, with more than half unaware of their condition Their core message emphasizes knowing your numbers, seeking regular medical care, and maintaining an active lifestyle

AAMWA’s work goes far beyond physical health. Through flagship events like Black Men’s Wellness Day and year-round initiatives—such as Real Men, Real Talk, Fatherhood, Financial Awareness, Mental Wellness, Opioid Awareness, and Uplift HER—they promote a wide-ranging approach to holistic well-being . For instance, Real Men, Real Talk creates safe, culturally resonant spaces for Black men to discuss trauma and mental health, offering licensed therapists onsite. As one participant noted, “Tears are shed… men able to tell other men that they love them and that they have their back”

AAMWA leverages grassroots outreach and powerful partnerships to generate more than 116 million partnership impressions through diverse media channels, attracting over 100,000 attendees nationwide aawellness.org. Events like the annual Wellness Walk/Run—celebrating its 20th anniversary in Columbus with tens of thousands of participants—serve as gateways to preventative care, including dental and vision services. By dismantling barriers to healthcare and fostering community support, AAMWA is not just extending lifespans—it’s building healthier, more empowered futures for Black men and their families.

NCUS TEC

NCUS TEC is a state‑assisted, post‑secondary career college . Focused on credentialed, competency‑based education, it delivers accelerated training in high‑demand technology and advanced manufacturing fields—helping learners launch new career pathways quickly and effectively entrepreneurship.ncsu.edu+11ncustec.org+11ncusolutions.org+11.

By aligning with leading partners like Amazon Web Services (AWS), fiber‑optic providers, and Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA), NCUS TEC offers hands‑on, real‑world training in cloud architecture, fiber install, and Industry 4.0 automation. These programs are designed to result in industry‑recognized credentials and immediate job‑market readiness ncustec.org.

NCUS TEC prioritizes equity and access, especially for underrepresented groups. It has awarded scholarships to over 150 Ohioans, achieved an 80% rate of graduates earning above‑average wages, and expanded regionally—offering fiber‑optic career training in Franklin County and manufacturing skills programs in Pittsburgh. These efforts reflect a powerful shift in workforce development, moving participants from unemployment or underemployment into sustainable, well‑paid careers

The Academy For Urban Scholars High School

The Academy for Urban Scholars (AUS) is a non-traditional, competency-based public charter high school serving grades 9–12 in Columbus (and other Ohio cities). Their mission is to empower urban youth to become college-ready, career-ready, and socially responsible leaders. AUS focuses on critical thinking, resilience, and lifelong learning—preparing students for success in a diverse global and local community

At the heart of AUS is its “4 E’s” model—preparing scholars for Enrollment (college), Employment, Enlistment, or Entrepreneurship. The school aligns with the Ohio Competency-Based model, offering flexible credit‐earning options (credit flex, recovery, online, independent study) and integrates culturally relevant curricula. Career pathways include certifications in IT, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and apprenticeships—over 100 industry credentials awarded since 2011

AUS graduates around 400 students per year in small, personalized class settings (≈ 20 students/classroom) . While U.S. News ranks the school lower academically (with state test proficiency and graduation rates below state averages: ~56%) many alumni highlight its transformational impact, praising supportive staff and career readiness focus:

“This is the first school…where the teachers actually care about us graduating…Going here changed my life”

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