Healing Center

Who Can Visit?

The Healing Center is open to everyone, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, or religious background. You do not need to be a member of any church or organization to receive help. The center offers practical, social, and spiritual support to individuals and families — whether you need emergency food, clothing, financial coaching, or other services.

How to Register?

When you arrive for the first time, you will need to check in. Visitors check in by texting a number and waiting for a code to be sent to their phone. After that, you stand in a registration line. First-time guests may also be asked to sit through a brief orientation. Staff or advisors may meet with you to learn more about your needs and connect you to the right services.

How Often You Can Visit?

You can shop at the food pantry (called "The Marketplace") once every other week. That means each household is welcome to visit roughly twice a month for food.

Good to Know

• The Healing Center is a ministry of Vineyard Cincinnati Church, but you do not need to be Christian or attend the church to receive services.
• It can be busy, especially on Saturdays — arriving early helps.
• Children are not allowed in the clothing store ("The Wearhouse"), but free childcare is available in the Kids Clubhouse while you shop or wait.
• Some visitors have reported receiving expired packaged food items. It is a good idea to check expiration dates on packaged goods. Fresh produce and meat have been noted positively by reviewers.
• Free coffee is available while you wait.
• The center connects guests to over 40 social services in the region, and many services are free to the community.

Food & Essentials

The food pantry, called "The Marketplace," serves more than 3,000 families each month. You can choose from a wide variety of food items, including:

• Fresh produce
• Dairy
• Meat selections
• Pantry staples

Food is supplied by the FreeStore Foodbank and donations from individuals, groups, and retailers like Kroger, Target, and Costco. Reviewers have noted a great variety of meats and fresh produce.

How to Pick Up

Come to the Healing Center during regular service hours:

• Wednesday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Thursday evening: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

When you arrive, check in by texting a number to receive a code. You will then wait in line to register, and you will receive text messages when it is your turn to shop in different areas of the store.

Additional Support

The Healing Center offers a wide range of free services beyond food:

• Clothing (The Wearhouse): Free used clothing for men, women, and children
• English Classes (ESOL): Free English language classes
• GED / High School Equivalency Classes: Free test prep classes
• Computer Classes: Free basic computer instruction
• Financial Coaching: One-on-one money coaching and group financial classes ("Strive 2 Thrive")
• Job Programs: Career support and job coaching
• Health Care: Medical services available on-site
• Free Tax Preparation (VITA): Free tax prep for lower-income households, available January through April
• Community Resource Connections: Staff can connect you to dozens of other local organizations and services
• Spiritual Care / Prayer: Prayer rooms and volunteers available for prayer
• Kids Clubhouse: Free childcare while parents use services
• Bicycle Donations: Bikes are available for guests
• THRIVE Program: A longer-term mentoring and coaching program to help individuals and families move from crisis to stability. For more information, contact Adrienne Wiley at adrienne.wiley@healingcentercincinnati.org or 513-346-4080 ext. 323.

Facilities

The Healing Center is a large, welcoming building with multiple areas:

• The Marketplace: A food pantry store where guests can browse and choose food items
• The Wearhouse: A clothing store with used clothing for all ages
• Kids Clubhouse: A childcare room for children while parents receive services
• Prayer Rooms: Private spaces for prayer and spiritual support
• Computer Lab: Available for free computer classes
• Community Area: A space where volunteers greet and support guests
• Donation Drop Box: Located around the back of the building for dropping off donated items anytime
• Free coffee is available while you wait

Ways to Give

There are several ways to support the Healing Center:

• Donate Online: Make a tax-deductible financial gift at interland3.donorperfect.net
• Drop Off Donations: Use the large donation bins around the back of the building (available anytime), or drive up the ramp to the back door and ring the bell Tuesday–Friday 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, or Saturday 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
• Needed Items: School supplies, clean and gently used clothing and coats (especially large and tall men's sizes, in-season only), non-perishable food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, baby items (diapers, formula, furniture, strollers, car seats), new or gently used household items (pots, pans, dishes, bedding, curtains, utensils), small working appliances, and eyeglasses
• Kroger Community Rewards: Link your Kroger Plus Card to The Healing Center and Kroger will donate a portion of your purchases. Visit Kroger's Community Rewards to enroll
• Employer Matching Gifts: Many employers match employee donations. Ask your HR office if your company participates
• Planned Giving / Wills: You can name the Healing Center as a beneficiary of your estate. Contact Trevor Bryan at 513-671-0422 ext. 226 or bryan@vineyardcincinnati.com
• Stock Donations: Contact Trevor Bryan at 671-0422 ext. 226 or bryan@vineyardcincinnati.com

For questions about item donations, call 513-346-4080. For Kroger Rewards questions, contact marketplace@healingcentercincinnati.org.

How to Join the Team?

The Healing Center relies on volunteers to make all of its services possible. There are roles for individuals, groups, and students.

To get started:

1. Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form
2. Attend a Volunteer Orientation to find the right fit — register using the Volunteer Orientation Registration Form

Available volunteer roles include:

• Bicycle Repair
• Coaching (Job, Money, Life)
• Community Resource Connector
• Computer Lab Instructor
• ESOL English Teacher
• Guest Support / Front Desk
• GED/HSE Teacher
• Hospitality
• Kid's Clubhouse Childcare
• Marketplace Food Store (operations or prep & sort)
• Phone Reception
• Prayer Partner
• Clothing Store (operations or prep & sort)
• VITA Tax Preparer, Greeter, or Screener (January–April)

Groups are welcome! Small groups, work groups, and school groups can serve together. Email info@healingcentercincinnati.org or call 513-346-4080 ext. 323 to schedule.

Community service hours are also accepted. Contact the same email or phone above.

Age guidelines:

• Ages 0–11: Cannot serve, but can enjoy the Kids Clubhouse
• Ages 12–15: May serve in food or clothing with a parent/guardian present (one adult per three youth)
• Ages 13+: May serve as a Student Leader in the Kids Clubhouse without a parent/guardian
• Ages 16+: May serve independently; must arrange their own transportation

For volunteer questions, contact Adrienne Wiley at adrienne.wiley@healingcentercincinnati.org or 513-346-4080 ext. 323.