Otterbein University- Promise House

The Promise House, managed by the Center for Community Engagement at Otterbein University is a student-led service organization dedicated to addressing socioeconomic barriers that K-College youth face while pursuing their education, including food insecurity, access to resources and textbooks, and financial illiteracy. The Promise House serves as a volunteer resource center and cooperative providing access to free, fresh, and healthy food. The program also offers several services including access to the Ohio Benefit Bank services, college readiness programs with local middle and high school youth, financial literacy workshops, opportunities to volunteer at the Otterbein Community Garden, and alternative spring break trips in the Columbus area. Ten Promise House student coordinators manage the operations of the food pantry by working at the Promise House during weekly shifts. These coordinators also hold specific leadership roles, in inventory, public relations and college readiness.