Festa

06/12/2026

As our 3-Generation Family ESL Program comes to a close and Festa Summer Lunch Camp begins, one of our favorite traditions returns: our End-of-Year Potluck!

This celebration honors our neighbors who have taken on the challenge of learning English - one of the world's most difficult languages to learn.

Around shared tables and homemade dishes, we see what community looks like: cultures shared, friendships formed, and the reminder that everyone has something valuable to contribute. 🌎❤️🍽️

Pull up a chair and help us share the world with Central Ohio - at The Columbus International Festival on Sunday, August 30th!🥘🎉

Keep an eye on our page for volunteer opportunities - more exciting announcements coming SOON! 👀💥

Alt Text: Video of participants in Festa's 3-Generation Family ESL Program serving themselves food at an end-of-year potluck in Columbus, Ohio. Families and students fill their plates with homemade dishes from many cultures while gathering with neighbors and classmates. A student quote on screen shares how meaningful it is to meet people from different cultural backgrounds and experience diversity through their classes.

06/10/2026

“I would also like to thank you for taking care of my children. Whenever they go out after FESTA they always come back with a smile.”

Recently, those smiles were thanks in part to some very special guests - soft, fluffy baby chicks! 🐣💛

In our 3-Generation Family ESL Program, children learn, play and enjoy enriching experiences while their parents focus on building English skills and new opportunities for their families.

Moments like these are made possible by a community that invests in local families.

Help create more smiles and memories for families in our community: wearefesta.org/volunteer

Alt Text: Children in FESTA's 3-Generation Family ESL Program interact with baby chicks during a special enrichment activity. While parents attend English language classes, children participate in educational and engaging experiences in a safe, nurturing environment.

05/15/2026

This heartfelt letter from an adult ESL student is a beautiful reminder of why this program matters so much. 💜

At 3-Generation Family ESL, students learn more than a language. They become part of a place where everyone gives and receives encouragement, confidence and connection, and we are honored to be part of such a special community.

If you find yourself longing for a community like the one described in this letter, we sincerely invite you to join us - at 3-Generation Family ESL or Festa Summer Lunch Camp + Adult ESL this summer (or both!).

wearefesta.org/volunteer

05/10/2026

Today and every day, we celebrate and honor the roles mothers and mother figures play in our lives.

Tag a mom you appreciate in the comments below!

05/05/2026

Last week, Level 3 ESL class began with the planned lesson, but everything changed when one student shared she had a job interview the next morning. Without missing a beat, the class came together to support her.

They practiced interview questions, role-played different scenarios and talked through what to wear.

Nebyat later shared that she arrived nervous and unsure, but left feeling deeply encouraged. Her classmates gave her confidence and empowered to share about her life.

Update: SHE GOT THE JOB! 🎉

Join us celebrating more wins like this! We are currently looking for classroom assistants to support our adult ESL learners on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. No experience necessary.

Sign-up: wearefesta.org/volunteer

04/20/2026

Festa Summer Lunch Camp registration is OPEN! ☀

Students who have finished K-12 grades are invited to join us every day for games, special activities, friendship and a nutritious, free lunch.

Looking forward to a great summer with all our friends!

wearefesta.org/festasummerlunchcamp

04/14/2026

Our Northland site is thriving and full of imaginative, curious and creative friends! Every evening these incredible children remind us just how powerful playtime can be.

Join us and be a part of something special! You will know you are making a difference when you witness the magic of children building confidence and discovering their voices. These are the kinds of friendships that last long after class time ends.

Come play: wearefesta.org/volunteer

04/10/2026

While Festa isn’t an acronym, it helps us tell our story. We Feed, Educate, Serve, Train and Advocate through multi-generational English education.

A stands for advocate. We have had the honor of being in relationship with families from more than 91 countries around the globe who live right here in Columbus. We’ve been to each other’s homes. We’ve shared life with one another. We have even visited our friends' home countries with them for special occasions! What we've learned about the hardships that people manage daily require us to use our voices to advocate for a better community for all. 🫶

Join the fun: wearefesta.org/volunteer

04/08/2026

Festa is honored to be named one of The Columbus Foundation's “5 Nonprofits to Watch” in 2026! 🌟

We are inspired to be in the company of organizations that, like us, believe lasting change happens through connection, dignity, and long-term investment in people.

Because of you, we are able to serve 1,200 families at three locations of 3-Generation Family ESL across Central Ohio.

In the coming year, we will continue to:
💜 Narrow the enormous gap between the demand for English and the supply of adult ESL classes. Only 10% of people who want to learn English can find a class to attend, and we are committed now more than ever to remove the barriers to language education and support.
💜 Serve families at our three locations across the city.
💜 Train more communities to run family-centered ESL programs in their neighborhoods.

Being named a "nonprofit to watch" affirms what we see every day: when people come together with purpose and care, meaningful change is possible.

Thank you for joining us !

Each year, The Columbus Foundation recognizes 5 Nonprofits to Watch that exemplify strong leadership and a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for people throughout our region. Congratulations to the 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2026: Dress for Success Columbus, Festa, Home for Families, Opera Colu...

04/06/2026

It's an honor together! It is never too early to experience the joy of service.

Join us: wearefesta.org/volunteer