Celebrating our 55th year, the Columbus Free Press will honor five outstanding community activists and a community organization at our November 2025 Salon and Awards event on Saturday, November 8 from 1:30-4:30pm at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road. Our honoree for the Free Press 2025 Outstanding Community Organization is Heer to Serve.

Heer to Serve advocates for those who are unsheltered and facing housing insecurity with a person centered approach, providing emergency and necessary supplies and support to those on the far south side of Columbus. Heer to Serve volunteers work to meet their basic needs through tangible items, social support, and programing.

The residents of Heer Park guide their mission because they believe showing up for those in need is just as important as empowering others, uplifting them through their struggles, and acknowledging the expertise of those with lived experience.

During the community serve, they setup in a fixed location to provide material supplies to our residents and neighbors. Supplies are contingent upon donations, so things change each time, but they always strive to provide a hot meal, non-perishable groceries, and seasonal clothing.

The Free Press event is free and open to the public. Also honored will be: Bob Krasen, Julialynne Walker, Lezlie Combs, Paul Becker and Jawhara Qutiefan. The event is free and light refreshments will be available.