How Franklinton Rising is Building Hope

On a breezy spring day, the construction site buzzed with sights, sounds, and smells of homebuilding. Workers in hard hats climbed ladders and operated power tools as the strong scent of fresh lumber lingered in the air. But after closer inspection, one could see that a different sort of building was happening beyond the newly-sided duplex. Young adult trainees were learning skills to build a better future, both occupationally and spiritually.

In 2014, the nonprofit Franklinton Rising was founded with the aim to reduce poverty by restoring neighborhoods and mentoring disadvantaged young adults aged 17-24. The program provides life skills, job training, and spiritual guidance, and allows its construction trainees to work 10-30 hours weekly. Initially focusing on rehabilitating boarded-up houses, Franklinton Rising shifted to ground-up construction in 2023 due to rising costs. These new energy-efficient homes will be rented at below-market rates, increasing access to affordable housing in the city. Franklinton Rising has also begun to build outside the Franklinton area, expanding to other neighborhoods like the near east side. 

To recruit trainees for their program, the program partners with local schools and nonprofits who refer youth and young adults. Local partners include Franklin County YouthBuild, NCUS TEC, and schools like the Fort Hayes Career Center and Franklinton Prep. Central Ohio Youth for Christ is a close partnership as well, allowing Franklinton Rising to use its facilities for a workshop and storage.

One of the unique aspects of Franklinton Rising is their holistic approach to helping disadvantaged youth. The staff helps them obtain driver’s licenses, teaches financial literacy, reading, and math courses to help trainees overcome educational gaps, and has even found housing for houseless employees during their training. Trainees typically train with Franklinton Rising for 12-18 months, and when they demonstrate they have the skills and motivation to move on, the staff connects them to opportunities in fields like carpentry, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC.

What truly sets Franklinton Rising apart is its commitment to discipling trainees in the way of Jesus. President Tom Heffner said, “We will teach [trainees] basic job skills in construction and networking, help [them] to become employed, or to launch a career. And even more importantly than that, we're sharing the gospel. We're discipling them, helping them to know about who God is.” As the trainees work alongside the staff, the staff demonstrate how their faith in the Lord shapes their words and actions on the job site.

In light of this, Franklinton Rising is actively seeking more church partnerships in which churches can send volunteers to “invest in the transformation of young at-risk adults, empowering them to become productive citizens with successful careers in the building trades, property ownership, and the embodiment of Christian values within the community.” Heffner notes that the trainees are in need of mentors (male and female) who can bring them to church and tutor them as they seek to finish their GEDs and learn to manage their personal finances. Additionally, Franklinton Rising is seeking more financial partnerships, either churches or individuals who are looking to invest both in the city’s underserved youth and in alleviating Columbus’ affordable housing crisis.