City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation

10/03/2026

Great food, a spectacular atmosphere, and a wonderful crowd made the 2026 LFYO Fundraising Luncheon at Sōw Plated an incredible success! Over 170 were in attendance. We at the Mothers Cove and The City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation were proud to attend, participate in, and show our support for LFYO’s incredible mission across Central Ohio! ❤️🙌

The annual benefit brings together community leaders, sponsors, and partners to raise crucial funds for Central Ohio youth and families. LFYO provides financial literacy training, single-parent economic empowerment, and classroom mentoring at local schools like Easthaven Elementary.

09/27/2026

🌼 New Initiative from The Mothers Cove: A Stronger Start for Moms & Babies

The Mothers Cove, powered by the City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation, is excited to launch a new initiative designed to give expectant moms and their babies an even healthier, more supported start.

This expanded effort strengthens our commitment to walking alongside mothers from pregnancy through early childhood — offering early prenatal connections, hands‑on support, practical education, and ongoing resources that empower families every step of the way.

Through this new initiative, The Mothers Cove will help moms:

🎯Connect to early prenatal care
🎯Access community‑based support
🎯Learn through pregnancy & parenting education
🎯Receive resources and continuous guidance

Every mother deserves a safe, informed, and supported journey — and this initiative is another step toward ensuring healthy moms, healthy babies, and healthy outcomes.

✨ Getting connected takes just 2 minutes.
Visit TheMothersCove.org to learn more and join the movement toward healthier beginnings.

09/24/2026

📸 Community Spotlight: Homeownership Workshop Success!
The City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation hosted an amazing homeownership workshop where families from across the community came together to learn, grow, and take real steps toward owning a home.

A special thank‑you to Park National Bank for leading an informative presentation on financing a home, understanding 100% financing options, and sharing details about their impactful $15,000 home loan grant. Their Columbus Community Home Lenders showed true commitment to empowering families with knowledge and support.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Lawrence Funderburke, who delivered powerful financial guidance that helped attendees understand credit, budgeting, and long‑term financial stability. His wisdom gave families the confidence to move forward on their homeownership journey.

The turnout was incredible, the conversations were meaningful, and the energy in the room showed just how much our community is ready to build stronger futures.

Together, we’re strengthening families, neighborhoods, and opportunities across Columbus.

09/13/2026

🧡 The Mother’s Cove at RiseUp C’BUS!

The Mother’s Cove — a proud program of The City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation — was an active participant in the most recent Community Health event at RiseUp C’BUS.

Our team connected with families, shared vital maternal‑health resources, and supported community partners working together to strengthen wellness across Columbus. Every conversation, every smile, and every moment of encouragement reflects our mission to uplift mothers and create pathways to healthier futures.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve and stand alongside organizations committed to empowering families. 🌿✨

09/11/2026

🍼 Infant Mortality Awareness Month — A Message from Michelle Sutton

This month, Michelle Sutton, Founder of The Mentors 4 Moms and representative of The Mothers Cove, is bringing attention to Infant Mortality Awareness Month — a time to reflect, learn, and take action so more babies reach their first birthday.

She’s sharing important conversations about the causes of infant mortality, the impact on families, and the steps communities can take to support healthier pregnancies and safer beginnings for our children.

To read her full message and explore more of her insights, visit:
👉 https://thementor4moms.blogspot.com/

09/05/2026

✨ Eastland & Far South Side Family — Join Us! ✨

We’re excited to invite you to Rise Up CBUS! happening Thursday, September 10 from 4:30 PM–7:30 PM at First Church of God (3480 Refugee Rd, 43232).

This community event brings together City of Columbus departments and local partners to connect residents with resources, services, and support. 💙

Stop by to:
🔹 Get helpful information
🔹 Ask questions
🔹 Learn about programs available in your neighborhood
🔹 Meet the teams working to uplift our community

📲 GoTo https://www.columbus.gov/Community/Activities-Events/Upcoming-Events/Rise-Up-CBUS to learn more!

Let’s rise up together, Eastland!

09/02/2026

🔥 Eastland IGNITE: Business Grant Opportunity Up to $10,000!
A Stronger Eastland | A Brighter Tomorrow

Eastland business owners — this is your moment. The City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation, in partnership with the City of Columbus, is launching the Clean & Safe Corridors Grant to help strengthen our business community through safety upgrades, beautification, and customer‑focused improvements.

💰 Grant Awards Up to $10,000
Through taking a survey, as well as participating in A total of $10,000 is available for Eastland corridor businesses.

⛔ Please note this is only opened to businesses within the 43232 zip code.⛔

📋 How to Take Part
Your first step is simple:
👉 Complete the Clean & Safe Corridors Survey
https://form.jotform.com/262182835687065
This quick survey helps us understand your needs around safety, beautification, customer traffic, and growth — and it shapes how grant dollars are invested.

👉 After the survey, you’ll be invited to join Q&A and listening sessions, where you will be able to voice your opinion about safety, beautification, and other ideas to improve the the Eastland corridor.

🧩 Why This Matters
Your voice helps build a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Eastland corridor. One idea from you can strengthen your business and the entire community.

📲 Click on the link below to get started!
👉 https://form.jotform.com/262182835687065
Unlock your chance at a $10,000 business grant by completing the survey today.

📞 For more information please contact Ted Murdaugh at [email protected]

Let’s build a stronger Eastland — together.

City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation serves the local Columbus community by providing knowledge, skills and resources to help individuals achieve and sustain a better life for themselves and for their families.

09/01/2026

🏡 Thinking About Buying a Home? Join Us!
We’re excited to partner with Park National Bank and Mr. Fundy for a FREE Homebuyer Workshop designed to help you take the next step toward homeownership.

📅 Tuesday, September 22
⏰ 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 First Church of God — 3480 Refugee Road, Columbus

Come learn about:
• Park’s $15,000 home loan grant
• 100% financing options
• The homebuying process
• How to build, manage, and improve your credit
• What it means to prequalify — and how to get started

Doors open at 5:00 PM with refreshments, and the presentation begins at 5:30 PM.

Plus — door prizes, credit checks, and the chance to chat with lenders one‑on‑one.
A Spanish‑speaking lender will also be available.

✨ Come for the education, stay to get prequalified!
Walk‑ins are welcome!
OR REGESTER HERE 👉🏾https://www.eventbrite.com/e/park-national-bank-homebuyer-seminar-september-22-2026-tickets-1993846883702?aff=oddtdtcreator

City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation serves the local Columbus community by providing knowledge, skills and resources to help individuals achieve and sustain a better life for themselves and for their families.

08/25/2026

The Mother’s Cove sends a heartfelt “Thank You” to Lawrence and Monya Funderburke and the incredible Funderburke Foundation for sponsoring a beautiful Spa Day for our mom clients at Allvera Wellness Spa in Columbus! 💛✨

Our moms enjoyed a full day of pampering — relaxing massages, refreshing facials, and soothing sauna treatments provided by the amazing Allvera Wellness Spa team. Lunch and thoughtful gifts made the day even more special.

We are deeply grateful for partners like the Funderburke Foundation, who continue to uplift, encourage, and support mothers throughout the Columbus community. Together, we’re building stronger families and brighter futures. 🌸

08/18/2026

🎓 Celebrating Our Summer STEAM & SkillBuilders Graduates! 🎓

As our children head back to school this month, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible young people who graduated from our City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation Summer STEAM Camp and SkillBuilders Summer Camp back in July. Their hard work, growth, and dedication made this summer unforgettable.

🎓 SkillBuilders Summer Camp Graduates
Our SkillBuilders students spent the summer diving into financial literacy, skilled trades, mental health awareness, leadership development, and practical life skills. They learned how to manage money, explore career pathways, strengthen emotional wellness, and build confidence for the future. These young leaders are stepping into the school year equipped with tools that will serve them for life.

🎓 STEAM Summer Camp Graduates
Our STEAM campers explored athletics, academic enrichment, hands‑on learning, creative projects, and exciting field trips. They strengthened their minds and bodies, discovered new interests, and built friendships through teamwork and exploration. Their curiosity and energy lit up the entire summer.

Now, as all our students return to school, they carry the knowledge, confidence, and momentum they built with us. We are proud of every single one of them and excited to see the amazing things they will accomplish this year.

We want to thank out supporters and key sponsor as well!

➡️City of Columbus Recreation and Park
➡️Norfolk Southern Railway
➡️First Church of God
➡️The Lawrence Funderburke Youth Organization
➡️Fellowship of Christian Athletes
➡️See Brilliance
➡️Lance & Aileen Porter Foundation
➡️Jameson Consulting (Cheeseburger Life)
➡️The Toy Barn
➡️CERN
➡️...and our wonderful volunteers!

Because of you, our youth were able to experience a summer full of growth, learning, and opportunity. We truly couldn’t have done it without you.

👉🏾City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation — empowering youth, building futures.