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News & Impact

Stories From the Field

Real reporting on how IBADO programs are changing lives across Columbus and central Ohio — written by our communications team, not a press agency.

Community resilience relief
Community Relief
January 14, 2026  |  By Rachel W. Adebayo, M.P.H.

Community Resilience: Uplifting Low-Income Families Through Targeted Relief

When temperatures dropped below zero in Columbus this January, the phones at our Sampson Avenue intake office did not stop ringing. By the second week of the month, our crisis relief team had fielded 127 direct emergency counseling calls — nearly double the volume from the same period last year. Families were facing shutoff notices from Columbia Gas and AEP Ohio, and many had already exhausted pandemic-era savings.

IBADO's Family Stabilization program responded with targeted emergency grants averaging $680 per household. Unlike blanket assistance programs, our case managers conduct a 45-minute intake interview to understand each family's specific situation. For the Williams family on Kimberlin Drive, that meant paying an overdue gas bill and connecting the father, a former restaurant cook, with our Saturday culinary skills workshop. For Mrs. Okonkwo on Livingston Avenue, it meant a grocery delivery and a referral to OhioHealth's free clinic for her diabetes management.

By the end of January, we had distributed $48,200 in direct emergency grants to 71 households across Franklin County. Every dollar was tracked in our financial system and reviewed by Treasurer Patricia E. Peterson during the monthly board meeting. Volunteer coordinator Derek Hughes, who manages our Wednesday meal delivery routes, told us: "We're not just writing checks. We're sitting at kitchen tables, hearing what people actually need, and following up two weeks later to make sure things are stable."

The winter relief effort also revealed a gap we are now addressing: transportation. Twelve families reported missing medical appointments because they could not afford bus fare. In response, our board approved a pilot program providing COTA bus passes alongside financial grants. That pilot launches in February with funding from three local church partners.

If your family is facing a utility crisis or housing emergency in Franklin County, contact our intake team at admin@ibadoeastafrican.org or visit our center during walk-in hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Education mentorship program
Education
December 3, 2025  |  By Jonathan H. Sanders, M.P.A.

Education First: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Through Mentorship

On a rainy Saturday morning in November, fourteen students sat around folding tables in our Sampson Avenue classroom, laptops open, working through algebra problems with volunteer mentors. This was week eight of IBADO's Youth Mentoring cohort — a program that pairs at-risk students ages 12 to 18 with retired teachers, college students, and working professionals who commit to two hours per week for an entire semester.

The program launched in September 2025 after Columbus City Schools counselors identified 112 students across three east-side schools who were failing two or more core subjects. IBADO recruited 34 volunteer mentors — more than we expected — through partnerships with Ohio State University's education department and the Columbus Metropolitan Library's volunteer network. Each mentor completed a background check and a four-hour orientation led by Program Director Rachel W. Adebayo.

Results from the first semester exceeded our projections. Of the 89 students who completed the program (23 withdrew due to family relocation), 71 improved at least one letter grade in their targeted subject. Four students who had been considering dropping out re-enrolled for spring semester. Parent Amina K., whose son struggled with math, shared: "He used to come home and throw his backpack on the floor. Now he asks if his mentor is coming on Tuesday. That shift in attitude is worth more than any grade."

Beyond academics, the program addresses what educators call the "relationship gap." Many of our students come from single-parent households where the parent works two jobs. Having a consistent adult who shows up every week — who asks about their day, helps with homework, and occasionally brings snacks — fills a need that no curriculum can replace. Mentor Robert Ellis, a retired Columbus firefighter, has been paired with the same student for three months. "I'm not a teacher," he said. "I'm just a guy who shows up and lets this kid know someone believes he can do it."

Enrollment for the spring 2026 cohort opens January 15. School counselors, parents, and community members can refer students through our Contact page. We are also recruiting 15 additional mentors — no teaching experience required, just patience and a two-hour weekly commitment.

Annual impact report
Transparency
November 18, 2025  |  By Patricia E. Peterson, CPA, CGMA

Annual Impact Report: 100% Transparency and Dedicated Donor Service

Fiscal year 2025 was the most impactful year in IBADO East African Charity Foundation's history. As Treasurer, I am proud to present a full accounting of how your donations were deployed across our three flagship programs. This report is not a marketing document — it is a financial disclosure prepared in accordance with our commitment to radical transparency and IRC Section 6104 public inspection requirements.

Total contributions received in FY2025 amounted to $187,400 from 412 individual donors, 8 corporate sponsors, and 3 foundation grants. Of that total, $164,912 (88%) was allocated directly to program expenses: $72,300 for Family Stabilization & Crisis Relief, $51,800 for Community Career & Skills Workshops, and $40,812 for Youth & Senior Care Outreach. General and administrative costs totaled $14,992 (8%), covering rent for our Sampson Avenue center, insurance, and accounting services. Fundraising expenses were $7,496 (4%), primarily covering our annual community gala and printed outreach materials.

Program highlights from the fiscal year include: 2,840 emergency meals distributed, 340 families receiving direct financial assistance, 47 job placements through our career workshop employer network, and 89 students enrolled in youth mentoring. Our volunteer corps grew to 320 active members contributing a combined 4,800 service hours — the equivalent of 2.3 full-time staff positions.

On the governance front, the board held four quarterly meetings with 100% attendance, adopted an updated conflict of interest policy, and completed our annual Form 990-N filing with the IRS. All board members serve without compensation. I personally review every expenditure over $500 before disbursement, and monthly financial summaries are distributed to the full board.

Donors who contributed $250 or more received a personalized impact letter detailing how their gift was used. Every donor, regardless of amount, received a tax-deductible receipt within 48 hours of their contribution. If you have questions about our financials or would like to review our Form 990 filing, please contact me directly at admin@ibadoeastafrican.org. We have nothing to hide — and everything to share.