Serving Our Neighbors (SON) Ministries Rebrands as Festa

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Feb. 15, 2021 - PRLog -- The most adverse situations grow the most innovative solutions. That's the idea behind one local organization, that's rebranding, expanding, and launching a Social Enterprise to meet increased demands.

Serving Our Neighbors (SON) Ministries began in 2007 as a grassroots movement when one Hilliard mom learned that 2,000+ children go hungry when schools close for summer break in her suburban town. She organized a group of neighbors to create Hilliard's first free summer lunch program, which to date has served 145,962 meals to children facing poverty. In addition, after listening to parents desperate for homework help for their children, they launched an unparalleled flagship Three-Generation Family ESL Program and trained 17 communities to replicate these programs.

"We exist to serve children and families in poverty – many are New Americans and many live in suburbs. As COVID-19 hit, neighboring communities asked us to help them serve children and families facing poverty," says Kim Emch, Founder and Executive Director. "We are inspired by the unexpected, so we were thrilled to say 'yes.'"

That "yes" led to big changes for the organization. First, a new model that geographically expands throughout Columbus, into Ohio and across the nation. Second, a rebrand for the organization to represent its broadened mission and reach.

"On March 3, 2021, SON Ministries will change its name to Festa. We'll still be a faith-based non-profit ending poverty through life changing relationships. Offering the same impactful year-round programming to feed, educate and serve, we're now adding a training department and monetizing our expertise," Emch explains. "This adds a revenue stream while simultaneously expanding our impact, increasing the number of families served, volunteers mobilized, life changing relationships built and communities developed. With 14 years of experience, Festa is committed to making sure suburban communities can press the easy button and have the tools they need to end poverty in this generation!"

Communities now served with flagship programming include: Hilliard, Galloway, Dublin, Westerville, Upper Arlington, and Canal Winchester.

Next on the list of local neighbors to serve: Hilltop, Kipp Columbus, Delaware, Marion, Marysville, Plain City, Powell, Worthington, Clintonville, Northern Lights, OSU/Fairgrounds, Gahanna, Pickerington, Whitehall/East Side, Wedgewood, West Side, Hilltop North, Grandview, Franklinton, Near Southside, Southwest.

Festa invites the community to an outdoor, socially-distanced tailgate event April 30 at Rock City Church 4311 Anson Drive Hilliard, OH 43026. This event will celebrate the expanded mission and share a BIG announcement how you can serve our neighbors. Learn more and register at http://www.son-ministries.org.