A center in Columbus that provides food, clothing and health services to Native Americans is closed for financial reasons. And the executive director is not sure when the center will have enough money to reopen.
The Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio was founded in 1975 by Selma Walker. Her daughter, Executive Director Carol Welsh says, the center tries to meet the needs of an under-served population with a food pantry, clothing, referral services and programs.
The center's most recent annual report says more than 6,800 people received food during 2006. The Mid Ohio Food Bank provides supples as do individuals, churches and schools through food drives. Welsh says, there is food at the center, but no one to distribute it.
Welsh estimates the center needs between $150,000 and $200,000 per year to provide services and programming. She says efforts are underway to raise money through grant writing, and through an online auction scheduled for the month of March.
She describes the center's financial situation as "critical," but Welsh says she is optimistic.