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What is Upwardtunity?

Upwardtunity is a transformative program designed to address the mental health, housing instability, and economic challenges faced by young women of color and housing-insecure families in Columbus, Ohio. With a culturally responsive, trauma-informed approach, the program offers transitional housing support, mental wellness programming, job placement services, and mentorship opportunities — all rooted in sisterhood, resilience, and community healing.

Whether navigating homelessness, surviving trauma, or seeking emotional stability, Upwardtunity walks beside participants on their journey to upward mobility, long-term independence, and self-worth.

 

Our Mission

To empower young women and families through holistic support services that build emotional well-being, housing stability, and economic self-sufficiency.

 

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Who We Serve

• Young women of color ages 16–24

• Families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity

• Residents of Franklin County, especially underserved zip codes like 43211, 43219, 43205, and more

 

 

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Why Upwardtunity?

Columbus, Ohio continues to experience high levels of poverty, housing instability, and mental health disparities — especially within Black and Latino communities.
According to local data:

• Over 40% of residents in zip codes like 43211 and 43219 live below the poverty line.

• 1 in 3 youth of color in Franklin County report experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety without access to care.

• Housing instability increases risk of chronic stress, academic failure, and generational poverty.

• Youth experiencing homelessness are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than their housed peers.

 

 

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Our Theory of Change

If young women of color and housing-insecure families receive trauma-informed transitional housing assistance, culturally responsive mental health services, life coaching, and job training —
then they will achieve greater emotional stability, secure housing, employment, and long-term economic mobility.

 

Logic Model Snapshot

Inputs Activities Outputs Outcomes Impact

Trained case managers, mentors, therapists, Transitional housing placement, mental health circles, career coaching100+ women served, 200+ hours of programming, 45+ families housed75% housing stability, 60% job/training placement, 85% improved well-being Economic mobility, reduced homelessness, increased resilience, generational healing

 

Key Program Components

 Mental Health & Wellness

• Biweekly peer support circles

• 1-on-1 mentorship with trained wellness coaches

• Self-Care Saturdays (yoga, journaling, art therapy)

 Transitional Housing & Homelessness Prevention

• Housing placement assistance

• Eviction prevention & mediation

• Household furnishing and support services

 Job Training & Career Coaching

• Workforce readiness and resume support

• Access to GED/credential programs

• Employer connections and career pathway development

 Youth & Family Support

• Trauma-informed case management

• Wraparound resources (food, transportation, education)

• Access to behavioral health services

 

Our Impact Goals

• Support 100+ young women of color

• Provide 200+ hours of mental wellness programming

• Serve 30–45 families annually through transitional housing

• Achieve 75% stable housing placement within 3–6 months

• Connect 60% of adults to employment or training

• Partner with 5+ local BIPOC therapists and 10+ mentors

 

Why It Matters

Columbus is facing a housing and mental health crisis in many BIPOC communities. Upwardtunity responds with dignity, compassion, and community-centered care. When we heal together, we rise together.