Columbus Community Leader Provides A Safe Haven For Inner City Kids

Columbus, OH— Without community leaders, Columbus wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Cathie Abookire, a Columbus reader who nominated Rachel Muha.

How do you know this community leader?

Relative.

What does this community leader do?

Founded the Brian Muha Foundation/Run the Race Center to provide a safe haven for inner-city children. Food, classes, art, music and computer skills are provided at no cost. The Run the Race Farm provides the beauty and quiet of nature for children who may live in the chaos of the city. Most importantly, Rachel's Foundation teaches children how to become productive citizens, lead good lives and help other people.

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

In 1998 Brian Charles Muha was a student at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. His goal was to become a doctor. On May 31, 1999, Brian's short life ended when two killers, who chose Brian's off-campus house at random, broke in, assaulted Brian and his friend, Aaron Land, and killed them. But Brian did not live or die in vain. His kind and charitable spirit lives on in his family and friends who are now committed to helping others in his name because his mother, Rachel Muha, founded The Brian Muha Memorial Foundation with the core principle of 'Overcoming Evil with Good.'

The Run the Race Center, part of the Brian Muha Foundation, is an after-school and summer program for inner city young people. The Center offers them a safe haven so they don't have to be on the streets doing things they really don't want to do. We offer a food pantry, dinner, Bible study, open gym, basketball league, art, computer, library, music and tumbling rooms, chess club, book club, board games, tutoring and homework help; everything a child needs to grow up healthy and become a good, productive citizen. Everything we offer is free of charge to the children.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

Not only did Rachel forgive her son's murderers, she dedicated her life to providing children with the skills, faith and love they need to live good lives.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.