Space Available at Elevate Northland Center
October 30, 2025
The “Nonprofit Mall” That Became Northland’s Community Hub
March 6, 2026Northland Connections December Newsletter
One Community for Everyone
One Common Goal. One Powerful Year of Growth.
Northland is one of the most diverse communities in the region, home to families from around the world seeking safety, opportunity, and belonging. Elevate Northland is proud to be a place where every culture is valued, every neighbor is welcomed, and every voice matters.
At Elevate Northland:
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Everyone is welcome.
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Everyone deserves access to opportunity.
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Everyone deserves to grow, contribute, and thrive.
As 2025 comes to a close, we extend our deepest gratitude to every partner, member, volunteer, and neighbor who has supported Elevate Northland this year. This has been a year of transformation, strengthening our systems, advancing our building renovation, welcoming new leadership, and preparing for an expanded future of programming and community support.
Welcoming New Leadership
This year, Elevate Northland reached an important milestone by welcoming Lynnise Smith as our new Executive Director. Lynnise brings deep experience in nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship support, and community-centered economic development. Her vision and passion will guide the organization into a new era of growth and impact.
“Northland’s strength is its people—its cultures, its creativity, and its resilience. I am honored to lead an organization that believes in unlocking potential, removing barriers, and uplifting every voice. Together, we are building a community where opportunity is shared, businesses can grow, and every family feels seen, supported, and valued.” — Lynnise Smith, Executive Director
“2025 was a pivotal year for us. We strengthened our foundation, clarified our systems, and made strategic investments to prepare for future programming and growth. Welcoming Lynnise as our Executive Director is a significant step forward. Elevate Northland remains committed to serving as a bridge—connecting cultures, supporting entrepreneurs, and building a thriving Northland for all.”
2025 Unity Festival
This summer, the Unity Festival returned with incredible energy, celebrating the global cultures that make Northland one of Ohio’s most vibrant communities.
The festival featured:
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Cultural performances from across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe
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A global marketplace of local vendors and artisans
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Interactive family activities and youth engagement
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Local food from international chefs and business owners
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Community resource partners sharing services
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A spirit of togetherness and joy that reflected the heart of Northland
Honoring the Impact of Our Helpers
This year, Elevate Northland was proud to collaborate with Our Helpers, an organization serving immigrant and refugee families with compassion and resilience.
Thanksgiving Popup Event: A Moment of Hope and Humanity
In November, Our Helpers served:
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4,554 meals to 506 families across 25 ZIP codes
They also distributed: -
New children’s coats
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Women’s and children’s jeans
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Thousands of fresh flowers that brought comfort and joy
Their kindness, consistency, and commitment were deeply felt across Northland. Learn more about Our Helpers: .http://www.ourhelpers.org
2025 Grant & Community Support Highlights
We’re honored to share that Northland Community Center has received over $225,500 in funding, plus in-kind transit support, to advance capital improvements, facility renovations, and community-centered programming at the Elevate Northland Center.
With gratitude to our contributors:
- The Columbus Foundation
- Center for Human Kindness
- COTA (200 Day Passes)
- First Merchants
- City of Columbus (capital support)
- Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
- The Weiler Family
These collective investments help remove barriers for residents, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits — and strengthen Northland community.
Preparing for 2026 Programming
As renovations continue, we are preparing for a full year of expanded programming, including:
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Entrepreneurship training and technical assistance
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AI-powered small business workshops
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Expanded rental and warehouse services
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A refreshed calendar of community events and cultural celebrations
Our goal is to provide the tools, space, and support that Northland’s entrepreneurs and families need to thrive.
Elevate Together and Build Northland's Future
As we look ahead to 2026, Elevate Northland continues to grow into a powerful hub for community, culture, and entrepreneurship. Your support helps us complete key renovation phases, launch new programs, and expand opportunities for the people and businesses that call Northland home.
The coming year will bring:
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Completion of major renovation milestones
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Launch of entrepreneurship and AI training programs
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Expanded rental and warehouse offerings for small businesses and nonprofits
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Strengthened regional partnerships and excitement about Northland branding and transportation
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Continued growth under Executive Director Lynnise Smith
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More events and cultural celebrations that uplift our diverse community
Every contribution, large or small, moves us closer to our $40,000 end-of-year goal. Your gift helps us strengthen our infrastructure, open more doors for collaboration, and prepare for an exciting year of programming in 2026.
Your generosity fuels opportunity, community connection, and economic mobility—creating a Northland where everyone can thrive.
Thank you for believing in Elevate Northland and the work we do.
We look forward to growing with you in 2026.
Warmly,
The Elevate Northland Team
Get in touch.
- 4848 Evanswood Dr Columbus, OH 43229
