Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Immigrant Empowerment
Founded in 2000, Rich C (ETSS) has dedicated two decades to empowering immigrants, refugees, and low-income individuals in Central Ohio. Our mission centers on societal integration through education, training, and supportive services, fostering self-reliance and cultural awareness. With staff fluent in over 50 languages, we provide tailored programs including English language instruction, job readiness training, and youth development initiatives. Our resettlement services secure housing, facilitate school enrollment, and connect families with essential resources. Recognized with awards such as the United Way Richard V. Carrick Community Leadership Award, we combine deep local expertise with global perspective.Through partnerships like our Project Africa initiative, we extend impact to underserved communities in Ethiopia. Our 24/7 community-focused approach ensures accessibility, with programs operating across multiple sites in Columbus and Whitehall. By addressing barriers to economic independence and offering culturally competent care, we help individuals transition from survival to thriving. Our track record includes serving over 500 youth annually through academic support and leadership development, while our adult services have facilitated thousands of successful job placements. This sustained commitment to holistic empowerment has established ETSS as a trusted pillar of Central Ohio's immigrant communities.
Services
ESOL Classes
Job Readiness Training
Youth Development Programs
Resettlement Services
Small Business Assistance
Cultural Orientation
Family Support Services
Digital Learning Programs
Community Health Navigation
Volunteer Coordination
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialized experience in immigrant and refugee integration
- Our staff speaks over 50 languages to provide culturally competent support
- We provide comprehensive services from job training to youth development
- Our resettlement program secures housing and essential resources within 30 days
- We maintain a 95% client satisfaction rate across our adult education programs
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) organization
What people say
Life-changing support
Caring staff
Effective job training
Welcoming environment
Youth development success
Services
ESOL Classes
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes combine language instruction with job readiness training. Our bilingual instructors help students develop communication skills for professional and daily life contexts. Classes operate Monday-Friday with flexible scheduling to accommodate working adults.
Resettlement Program
Comprehensive resettlement assistance includes housing placement, school enrollment, and benefits application. Our case managers guide families through initial settlement challenges and connect them with long-term support networks. Services prioritize rapid self-sufficiency within the first 90 days.
Youth Development
Academic support and leadership development for K-12 students operate three days weekly during school terms. Bilingual staff provide homework assistance, cultural enrichment, and social-emotional learning. Summer programs include academic continuity and recreational activities.
Job Readiness Training
Individualized job placement support combines skills assessment with vocational training. Services include resume development, interview preparation, and employer networking. Our counselors assist both entry-level job seekers and professionals transitioning careers.
Small Business Assistance
Business training programs teach U.S. entrepreneurship fundamentals. Participants receive mentorship and technical assistance for startup development. The curriculum covers business planning, financial management, and market navigation for immigrant entrepreneurs.
People
Dr. Seleshi Asfaw
Founder & Executive Director
Dr. Asfaw has led ETSS since its founding in 2000, expanding services from Ethiopian community outreach to multi-cultural support across 100+ countries. His leadership has secured major grants and partnerships while earning recognition through awards like the United Way Richard V. Carrick Community Leadership Award.
Questions
What populations does ETSS serve?
We specialize in supporting immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and low-income individuals from over 100 countries, with particular expertise in Ethiopian communities.
Do you offer language classes?
Our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes combine language instruction with job readiness training, operating Monday-Friday with flexible scheduling.
How can I get job assistance?
Our Employment Counselors provide individualized support including skills assessment, resume development, interview preparation, and employer networking for both entry-level and professional career transitions.
Are youth programs available?
We offer after-school academic support, summer enrichment programs, and leadership development for K-12 students, operating three days weekly during school terms.
How does the resettlement program work?
Our resettlement team provides housing placement, school enrollment assistance, benefits application support, and cultural orientation to help new arrivals establish stability within their first 90 days in the U.S.
Can I volunteer with ETSS?
We welcome volunteers for tutoring, mentorship, and community events. Our Circle of Welcome program offers opportunities to directly support refugee families through sponsorship initiatives.
