What We Do

Community Happens Here is dedicated to nurturing human connection by creating spaces of conversation, learning, empathy, and hospitality.

We’re committed to discovering what genuinely and meaningfully brings people together. In response to the U.S. Surgeon General's 2023 Public Health Advisory on “Our National Epidemic of Loneliness and Social Isolation," we continue providing evidence-based programming and building physical infrastructure that empowers neighborhood connection.

Our public programs, co-working and space rentals support each other. Our space and community networks give co-workers an active pool of collaborators. Our gatherings spaces and events offer neighbors space to connect. And our neighborhood partnership accelerate positive impact in Pleasant Ridge, Golf Manor, and Kennedy Heights.

Take a look at our key programs and initiatives:

SIDEWALK HOSPITALITY
our flagship program

Every Saturday, we offer a free and friendly space for neighbors to meet one another while they learn new skills and share unique experiences. This technology-free programming brings human-centered connection to our neighborhoods of focus.

What Happens: Teen baristas and skilled volunteers create spaces of hospitality and welcome that generate opportunities for neighbors to connect across difference. Our youth volunteers are trained to become facilitators of cross-cultural conversations, helping establish us as cutting-edge, place-based experts in cultivating connections that empower people and communities to flourish.

The Impact: We've seen shy kids become confident, friends connect over games, and strangers become neighbors. These cross- and counter-cultural connections happen every Saturday, creating a community where everyone feels welcomed, seen, heard, and connected.

COFFEE CUP CAFE
Award-winning entrepreneurship education

We provide essential staffing, supplies, and administrative oversight to this unique skills-based program at Pleasant Ridge Montessori School. Each year, over 100 students participate in this initiative that introduces students to business basics, presents them with real-world problem-solving opportunities, provides practical job skills, and empowers them to be future marketplace and academic leaders.

IMAGINE CINCINNATI PARTNERSHIP
Supporting families and children

We partner with Imagine Cincinnati to support parents and caregivers and empower families to create sustainable rhythms and rituals, find rooting in nature, and discover they are not alone. We host Imagine’s weekly Friday-morning playgroup and provide budgetary oversight and grant writing support to help grow this cutting-edge initiative.

NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAMMING SUPPORT

We provide programming support to neighborhood celebrations including:

  • Ridge Day annual neighborhood festival

  • Play in the Park family events at Kennedy Heights Park

  • Pleasant Ridge Montessori School's Fall Festival

  • Neighborhood Egg Hunt hosted at Community Happens Here

  • Human Library connecting diverse community voices

COMMUNITY RESOURCE HUB

Meeting Space for Local Organizations We provide valuable meeting space to several area nonprofits, enabling them to carry out their vital work in our community. Whether it's a Girl Scout Troop, a support group, a neighborhood book club, or a non-profit board meeting, we believe our space should serve the good of our community.

Event Hosting & Rentals Our freshly renovated buildings have served as a welcome refuge for families in transition. They’ve also hosted team retreats, vibrant community dinners, and specialized programs like our one-day trauma-informed drama camp for young women.

Why Our Approach Matters

Communities with higher levels of social connection typically enjoy significantly better health outcomes. Research shows that a one-unit increase in social capital increases the likelihood of survival by 17% and of self-reporting good health by 29%.