Back to Top Button
Facebook Linkedin Instagram Youtube

Training today’s residents for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Serenity Space

Beautification sparks transformation—turning care into infrastructure and hope into legacy.

A Legacy-Driven Hub for Beautification, Wellness & Civic Pride

Serenity Space is the living embodiment of ACFC’s founding vision: when we clean, care for, and beautify our blocks, we restore dignity, pride, and possibility. This multi-use community hub serves as the operational and inspirational center for beautification, environmental stewardship, and community wellness.

The Why

Serenity Space was born from ACFC’s founding commitment to beautification as transformation. The original idea was simple but powerful: if we clean, care for, and beautify our blocks, we restore dignity, pride, and possibility. From that seed, every other ACFC initiative has grown—composting, wellness, storytelling, youth leadership, and civic integration. Serenity Space is where beautification becomes infrastructure, and infrastructure becomes legacy.

Cheerful group of people

A Modular, Multi-Use Community Hub

Serenity Space hosts ACFC’s most impactful programs—all rooted in beautification and stewardship. As a program facilitator, ACFC coordinates these educational and community-building initiatives in partnership with licensed professionals and community organizations.

1

Beautification Launchpad

Hosts community cleanups, mural painting, and seasonal planting.

Coordinates Street Team Cleanup Crew and Trash Receptacle Initiative.

Serves as the visual and operational anchor for neighborhood pride.

2

Environmental Stewardship Zone

Home base for Compost & Cultivate workshops.

Urban Soil drop-off site and compost bin maintenance.

Garden beds and soil education for youth and families.

3

Wellness Activation Space

Hosts Serenity Wellness Circuit: yoga, fitness, and healthy meal workshops.

Walkable routes from nearby homes with hydration stations and affirmations.

Promotes physical and emotional health in a safe, outdoor setting.

4

Civic Learning & Storytelling Platform

Launchpad for Bridge & Build ESL and civic tours.

Hosts citizenship clinics, story circles, and cultural exchange events.

Bulletin boards with multilingual civic resources and neighborhood news.

5

Workforce & Leadership Development Hub

Training site for WorkReady in partnership with ACNS Business Solutions.

Onboarding and check-ins for Street Team stipend roles.

Youth fellowships, volunteer coordination, and ambassador recognition.

6

Seasonal Outreach & Distribution Site

Hosts turkey and pumpkin giveaways, holiday events, and youth programming.

Branded tents, signage, and logistics coordination for high-impact outreach.

Storage for supplies, tables, and community gear.

Programs UNDER SERENITY SPACE

Serenity Space carries its mission forward—building bridges of care and resilience throughout the neighborhoods it serves.

Under Serenity Space, Compost & Cultivate and the Serenity Wellness Circuit work hand in hand to nurture both the environment and community well-being. Compost & Cultivate teaches residents the value of composting, gardening, and soil health, turning everyday practices into sustainable neighborhood renewal. Meanwhile, the Serenity Wellness Circuit extends these efforts beyond the hub—bringing wellness, beautification, and cultural programming directly to local blocks, ensuring that healing and connection reach every corner of the community.

Compost & Cultivate Workshop Series

In Partnership with Urban Soil Company

Compost & Cultivate is a hands-on educational series hosted at Serenity Space that teaches residents the why, how, and impact of composting. Participants learn to turn everyday food scraps into nutrient-rich soil, reduce landfill waste, and contribute to a healthier urban ecosystem—all while building skills that connect directly to Urban Soil Company’s regenerative mission. The program also creates paid leadership opportunities through ACFC’s Street Team Cleanup Crew.

Program Goals

Educate residents on the environmental and economic benefits of composting.

Provide practical, accessible composting techniques for home and community use.

Reduce organic waste in Columbus neighborhoods.

Strengthen the local soil economy through Urban Soil Company's processing model.

Empower residents and youth with sustainability knowledge and stipended service opportunities.

Program Components

  • Overview of food waste statistics and landfill impact.
  • Explanation of composting’s role in soil health and climate resilience.
  • Visual demo: “What happens when we compost vs. when we trash”
  • How to start a home compost bin (indoor and outdoor options)
  • What to compost: greens, browns, and what to avoid
  • Troubleshooting: odor, pests, moisture balance
  • Participants receive starter kits and illustrated guides.
  • How collected compost supports Urban Soil’s regenerative soil blends.
  • Tour of Urban Soil’s processing model and community partnerships.
  • Opportunities to contribute to drop-off sites or join the soil stewardship network.

Paid Stipend Track

  • Weekly Compost Bin Maintenance: Street Team members monitor and empty community compost bins.
  • Stipend-Based Role: Members compensated for consistent service, reporting, and cleanliness.
  • Skill Development: Organic waste handling, time management, environmental reporting.
  • Workshop graduates can join this paid track as neighborhood stewards.
  • Kid-friendly compost games and soil science activities.
  • Family challenges: “Scrap to Soil” tracking sheets and garden starter kits.
  • Youth can earn service hours or stipends for helping maintain compost stations.
  • Participants who complete the series can become block ambassadors.
  • Responsibilities: hosting mini demos, maintaining bins, educating neighbors.
  • Champions receive branded gear and recognition at ACFC events.

Program Logistics

ScheduleMonthly workshops, March–October
LocationSerenity Space garden and classroom zones
AudienceAll ages, with targeted outreach to families, seniors, and New Americans
PartnersUrban Soil Company, local gardeners, sustainability educators

Program Safety & Oversight

  • Facilitation Role: ACFC serves as program facilitator, coordinating educational workshops in partnership with Urban Soil Company professionals.
  • Professional Supervision: All composting education conducted by trained sustainability educators and Urban Soil Company staff.
  • Youth Participation: All ages welcome; youth under 18 must have parental consent for stipended roles.
  • Safety Protocols: Proper waste handling training provided; gloves and protective equipment supplied.
  • Liability Coverage: Comprehensive insurance maintained through partnership agreements.
  • Required Documentation: Street Team participants complete liability waivers and service agreements before stipended work begins.

Serenity Wellness Circuit

Community-Powered Outdoor Wellness Initiative

Serenity Wellness Circuit is a community-powered outdoor wellness initiative that brings accessible fitness, mindful movement, and healthy living education to residents within walking distance of Serenity Place. The program blends physical activity, nutrition workshops, and yoga into a weekly rhythm that promotes holistic health and neighborhood connection.

Program Goals

Activate public spaces for regular wellness routines.

Provide free, culturally inclusive fitness and nutrition education.

Encourage walking and outdoor movement within the neighborhood.

Foster mental clarity, physical strength, and community bonding.

Reinforce ACFC's commitment to health equity and environmental stewardship.

Program Components

  • Mapped walking paths from key residential clusters to Serenity Place.
  • Route markers with motivational messages and hydration stations.
  • Optional guided walks led by community wellness ambassadors.
  • Weekly group workouts: cardio, strength, and mobility.
  • Led by certified instructors or trained volunteers.
  • Equipment-free and adaptable for all ages and abilities.
  • Hands-on demos using affordable, culturally relevant ingredients.
  • Topics: meal prepping, plant-based swaps, hydration tips.
  • Participants receive recipe cards and pantry starter kits.
  • Gentle yoga and breathing sessions under shaded areas.
  • Focus on stress relief, posture, and emotional grounding.
  • Multilingual instruction available to ensure accessibility.
  • Participants receive a “Wellness Passport” to track attendance.
  • Earn stamps for each session attended.
  • Redeem for wellness gear, grocery gift cards, or ACFC swag.

Program Logistics

ScheduleSaturdays and Wednesdays, April–October
LocationSerenity Place lawn, adjacent green spaces, and walking routes
AudienceAll ages, with special outreach to seniors and New Americans
PartnersLocal fitness instructors, nutritionists, grocers, and cultural organizations

Program Safety & Oversight

  • Facilitation Role: ACFC serves as program facilitator, coordinating wellness activities in partnership with certified fitness and nutrition professionals.
  • Certified Instruction: Outdoor fitness sessions and yoga classes led by certified instructors or trained volunteers under professional guidance.
  • Participant Requirements: All participants must complete health screening questionnaire and liability waiver before first session.
  • Age-Appropriate Programming: Activities designed for all ages and abilities; minors under 16 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
  • Safety Protocols: Hydration stations provided, emergency contact procedures established, first aid kit on-site.
  • Medical Disclaimer: Participants advised to consult healthcare providers before beginning any fitness program.
  • Liability Coverage: Comprehensive insurance coverage maintained for all programming activities.
  • Accessibility: Programs adapted to accommodate varying fitness levels and physical abilities.

Strategically Building Community Spaces for Engagement, Learning, and Lasting Impact

Development & Activation Plan

Our Phased Approach to Building Community Infrastructure

 

Site Selection & Setup

  • Identify walkable, accessible location near target residential clusters.
  • Secure permissions, insurance, and zoning compliance.
  • Install branded signage, shade structures, compost bins, and basic infrastructure.

Program Integration

  • Schedule recurring workshops and activations.
  • Train facilitators, Street Team members, and volunteers.
  • Create branded onboarding packets and outreach flyers.

Community Engagement & Feedback

  • Host launch event with food, music, and program demos.
  • Collect resident input on future programming.
  • Offer volunteer and ambassador roles.

Documentation & Growth

  • Track impact metrics across all programs.
  • Capture photos, testimonials, and stories.
  • Use data to support grant applications and sponsorships.
How Are You Giving Today?

Help us tailor your giving experience by letting us know if you're donating as an individual or on behalf of a business. Every contribution matters—let’s make yours count in the best way possible.

Corporate Sponsorship

Consumer Donation

Small Business Donation