How Banking Locally Impacts Your Columbus Community
When the community thrives, we all do. See how we're supporting local families across Columbus.
Key takeaways:
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Building a presence in Columbus means more than serving customers. It also means showing up for the community in ways that help local families thrive.
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To help, we’ve partnered with organizations dedicated to addressing food insecurity, as well as providing families with safe, affordable housing.
- We also know that supporting the community can take many forms, and conversations about budgeting, saving and planning can help people make room for what matters most to them.
There’s plenty to love about Columbus, from the historic streets of German Town to watching the skyscrapers shimmer at sunset from North Bank Park.
And, like the customers we serve, we’re proud to call Columbus home.
"Columbus is an important part of Northwest’s story. It’s where our corporate headquarters are based, and it continues to shape how we think about serving local communities," says Anthony Hapney, manager of our New Albany financial center, the first of four that will soon open in neighborhoods across the area. “We want to help our customers make a mark on this city, whether they’re moving into their first home or opening a business or planning for what's next.”
But serving the community goes beyond banking. We’re committed to creating a brighter future for the next generation of Buckeyes. Here’s what we’re doing to give back to Columbus — and how you can get involved.
Supporting local families in need with the Healthy New Albany Food Pantry
The cost of living has risen over the last several years and many families have felt that pressure most clearly at the grocery store. As a result, many households are having trouble making ends meet. And approximately one in nine residents in Franklin County — nearly 150,000 people — now struggle with food insecurity.
"Food insecurity affects more families than many people realize, including households that may not qualify for assistance but are still stretched thin. When children and families have reliable access to food, it supports health, stability and the ability to thrive,” Hapney says.
Northwest supports the Healthy New Albany Food Pantry, which provides local families with grocery staples and personal care items including fresh produce, dairy, meats, bread and shelf-stable foods.
“The Healthy New Albany Food Pantry’s mission aligns with our values of service and community partnership. We’re honored to contribute to their work and look forward to deepening our relationship with the New Albany community,” said TK Creal, Chief Credit officer.
To help, the bank donated funds to cover the cost of a full month’s supply of fresh produce for pantry clients. Corporate headquarters employees added to the impact by donating more than 300 food and household items and volunteering at the pantry — assisting with unloading and organizing a delivery from the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.
Supporting Westerville families during the holidays
While school cafeterias close over the winter break, hunger doesn’t take a holiday. And families teetering on the brink of food insecurity can be pushed over the edge with the loss of school-funded nutrition programs.
That’s why we partnered with Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) to help families in the area access meals over the holidays.
Throughout the school year, WARM distributes weekend food bags to students who qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session. Our team stepped in to help continue support over the extended holiday break, funding and preparing 1,000 bags for families in need.
“I am deeply grateful for the partnership between WARM and Northwest Bank,” said Chad Maxeiner, WARM executive director. “Their generosity will have a wonderful impact on our community and our work at WARM, and I eagerly anticipate the positive changes ahead."
Building stronger communities with Habitat for Humanity, one home at a time
One of our missions at Northwest is to help families settle into homes they love. And supporting Habitat for Humanity is a central pillar of our philanthropy in the four states we serve. Since 2021, employees across our footprint have volunteered over 1,500 hours for Habitat for Humanity. We’ve also donated more than $1 million to the nonprofit and manage more than 500 loans for Habitat homeowners.
Our teams across the Columbus region are eager to carry on that tradition. We recently had the opportunity to join Habitat for Humanity’s Playhouse Project, which builds outdoor play spaces for young families.
"Participating in Habitat for Humanity’s Playhouse Build gave me a meaningful opportunity to give back to the communities we serve," said Tarika Lewis, Regional Vice President of Community Lending at Northwest. "It was rewarding to see how our time and effort could create something that brings joy, comfort and a sense of belonging to a family. While a playhouse may seem like a small addition, it creates a place for children to play, imagine and grow, reinforcing the importance of investing in our communities and supporting families as they build brighter futures."
Creating a bright future for Columbus
Managing Northwest’s New Albany financial center means Hapney and his team will have even more opportunities to give back — and they’re eager to make a difference in their community.
“We’re fortunate that Northwest walks the walk when it comes to philanthropy. Not only does the bank support local causes, but our team members can access paid time off to volunteer,” Hapney says. “When the community thrives, the bank thrives, and you can feel that philosophy at every level in the bank. I’m so excited to have more opportunities to make a positive impact on Columbus families.”
Get help creating your own impact on the community
Community involvement also shows up in personal decisions, including how people support their families, neighborhoods and the causes they care about. Whether you’re opening a business, buying your first home or trying to make more room in your budget for giving back, it can help to talk through your options with someone local.
To learn more about our Columbus presence and community involvement, watch for updates as the new financial centers prepare to open. If you're ready to get started on the next phase of your financial journey, open an account online.
