At Greater Columbus Community House, service isn’t just a calling — it’s a legacy. For generations, families have come together under our roof to strengthen families and empower our community.
For Kerry Charles, member of our Board of Trustees, and his niece Dr. Ta’Sha Camara, member of our Young Professionals Board, that legacy runs deep. Both bring their hearts, talents, and leadership to Greater Columbus Community House, carrying forward their family’s connection to a place that has shaped them — and continues to shape Linden’s future.
What first connected you to Greater Columbus Community House — and what’s it like sharing this experience as uncle and niece?
Kerry: Greater Columbus Community House has long been a part of our family’s story. While we weren’t direct beneficiaries of its services, several relatives have worked there or supported its programming over the years. Sharing this experience with my niece just feels right and special. Service is in our DNA. We both have a deep passion for the work this organization does and its ability to change and save lives. Ta’Sha is a softy, and I love seeing her heart on full display when she’s volunteering or just talking about this gem of a place.
Ta’Sha: My connection to Greater Columbus Community House has always been rooted in family. My father began working there at just 18 years old, often bringing me along as a baby. As I grew older, I attended summer camp and later joined the teen summer job program. After college, I knew I wanted to continue that legacy by working for SSCH. Today, working alongside my uncle feels like a full-circle moment—it’s inspiring to see the impact he has on the Greater Linden community, and one day I hope to carry forward that same level of influence and service.
Do you have a fond memory that makes you glad to be part of this community?
Kerry: When I moved back home, our creative services team at NBC4 asked for locations to shoot promotional spots. Greater Columbus Community House was at the top of my list. Using the building and its services as a backdrop felt like the perfect way to introduce myself to central Ohio. In the promo, my co-anchor Colleen Marshall and I are shown volunteering. Since we filmed it during the pandemic, there weren’t other volunteers around, so we rolled up our sleeves and got to it.
Ta’Sha: Two of my favorite memories stand out the most — coming every summer during high school for a summer job and experiencing Christmas Cares. It warms my heart each year to see so many familiar faces come together during the holidays.
What are you most proud of when it comes to your involvement here?
Kerry: At NBC4, I often say my job is to hold the microphone for those with marginalized voices. Through that lens, I’ve supported Greater Columbus Community House capital campaign, helped secure funding to preserve jobs and sustain food delivery programs, and recruited passionate leaders to serve on the Board. That kind of impact is something I’m extremely proud of.
Ta’Sha: Beyond serving on the Young Professionals Board, I feel deeply connected to the SSCH family. During my downtime at work, I often stop in to chat with staff who’ve become like family. I also cherish the impact I’ve been able to make alongside my peers, supporting the mission and strengthening the community.
Brag a little — what’s a personal or professional achievement you’re especially proud of outside of Greater Columbus Community House?
Kerry: Well, I worked as an anchor and reporter in one of the biggest cities in the country (ATL, shawty!). I try to stay modest, but… I’ve got two Emmys! Actually, technically three — ask me about that sometime. Not bad for someone so many people once doubted could succeed in this business, right? I say so myself.
Ta’Sha: One of my proudest achievements is earning my Doctorate in Social Work with a concentration in administrative leadership. That accomplishment represents years of hard work and allows me to pour back into my community in meaningful ways. I’m equally proud of coming into self — being in your late 20s can be an experience, and I’m just grateful to be proud of who I am. Little me would be proud (and think I was extremely cool, might I add).
What excites you most about the future of Greater Columbus Community House?
Kerry: The future of Greater Columbus Community House is incredibly bright. For more than 100 years, people have poured into this place and made a difference. The recipe of love, care, refuge, family, and community has stood the test of time — and I believe it will continue producing results for the next century and beyond.
Ta’Sha: What excites me most is knowing that generations to come will have the same opportunity to grow with it and eventually return to make their own impact. The children truly are our future, and SSCH has the power to shape them—just as it has shaped me.
Carrying the Mission Forward
Together, Kerry and Ta’Sha represent the best of what Greater Columbus Community House stands for — family, service, and community. Their story embodies our mission to strengthen families and empower our community, and our vision for Linden to become a neighborhood of togetherness and endless opportunities.
Because when service runs in the family, the ripple effects reach far beyond our doors.
Beautiful story continue to do the good work keep shining bright like a diamond