Scaling Second Chances: Lessons from the Hilltop Move the Box Pilot
A mom homeschooling her kids at the library saw the sign that said “expungement applications” and whispered, “I need that.” Hours later, she became the first guest to walk out with her expungement process complete.
That moment was the heart of something much bigger. Over the past year, Make-A-Day had been in conversation with Deena Strategies about how to address one of the most stubborn barriers to housing and employment stability: the weight of an old criminal record. At the same time, the Hilltop Library invited us in for a community event. The timing was right. After our first event with Hilltop, sharing meals and connecting with neighbors, we knew this was the place to launch a new model for justice.
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Neighbors Saving Neighbors: Lessons from Save A Life Day
On September 25, neighbors across Franklin County gathered for Save A Life Day, a countywide effort to shift the overdose narrative from tragedy to prevention. From the packed room at Linden Fresh Market to the quiet reflection of the memorial table, the day was more than an event. It was a living demonstration of community care in action.
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A New Neighborhood, A Shared Commitment
At Make-A-Day, we believe that dignity is universal, but support must be specific. Recently, our outreach team partnered with community leaders, public health workers, and mutual aid providers to bring a street outreach event to a neighborhood outside of our usual routes. It was a chance to listen, to learn, and to serve in ways that honored the strengths already present.
We approached this event not as experts or fixers, but as neighbors. We knew we were stepping into a space with its own history, culture, and networks of support. Our goal was not to replace what was working, but to build relationships and extend our care where it was most needed.
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“It Just Didn’t Seem Right to Walk Away” — Volunteer Matthew C. King's Journey with Make-A-Day
When Matthew first encountered Make-A-Day, he was struck by the concept of free gourmet meals with no questions asked. What started as a chance encounter quickly became a commitment. Now a familiar face at our Pop-Ups, Matthew leads with quiet care, showing up to serve meals, check in on neighbors, and hand out essentials. Read how one volunteer turned compassion into consistent action.
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Love Without Borders: How a Vintage Camper Became a Rolling Advocate of Presence
Back in June, Make-A-Day hosted a community Pop-Up event in Columbus, Ohio—an afternoon filled with hospitality, dignity, and human connection. One of the most meaningful additions was a vintage camper parked quietly along the edge of the event. Inside it? Toothbrushes, clothes, diapers, snacks, soap—and so much love. That trailer belongs to Paige Johnston, founder of The Boundless Trailer, who drove 8 hours to be there. But the supplies aren’t the whole story. What’s inside that trailer—and what drives it—is something much deeper.
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Mindful Connections: Where Futures Take Root
Some days change lives quietly. At our Mindful Connections Pop-Up, 91 neighbors accessed housing, healthcare, recovery support, food security, and more, all in a single afternoon. From starting housing paperwork to getting a haircut before a job interview, every moment built momentum toward stability.
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One Year In: A Letter from Christy
One year as Executive Director at Make-A-Day. In 12 months, we’ve served 14,800 guests, delivered 12,000 meals, supported hundreds in housing and services, and launched bold new initiatives like Move the Box. The numbers matter, but it’s the moments of dignity, connection, and change that keep us moving forward.
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