ArkBuilders Inc.
ArkBuilders Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building strong, healthy, affirming communities for children and their families across Central Ohio. As communities of color continue to move into Columbus-area suburbs, ArkBuilders meets families where they are — partnering with faith groups, schools, community organizations, and social agencies to strengthen youth, families, and neighborhoods. Our mission is simple: save the children by strengthening the family and the community.
Our team brings over 40 years of combined experience serving at-risk youth and has overseen more than $5.5 million in grants in partnership with leading institutions. Principals George Hicks and Jason Jenkins have built and led programs with W.A.I.T. Inc., the EBONY Boys Program, Lifeline National Basketball Inc., the Ohio State University Young Scholars Program, the Franklin County Juvenile Court Diversion Program, the SUN Program at Whitehall High School, Communities in Schools 21st Century After-School Programs, the YMCA / Key Bank Keys for Success summer program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Columbus City Schools, Afterschool All Stars, A+ Academy, Chase Academy, and School Arts Preparatory Academy.
President
George A. Hicks III, OCPC, ICPS
George brings over 25 years of program development and resource coordination across school and community settings. He works to identify the prevention needs of target populations and has extensive experience working with urban youth in the Columbus, Ohio area. He is currently partnered with the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, Maryhaven Gambling Intervention Program, the Columbus Health Department, Asian American Community Services (AACS), Lead the Way Learning Academy, and Capital University.
George also served for 14 years in full-time pastoral ministry as an Outreach and Missions Coordinator, leading small groups, outreach, visitation, Bible school instruction, and short-term missions. His missions work has reached communities in inner-city Columbus, Mexico, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and Cuba — including a pivotal role in establishing Bible Training Centers in Bolivia that prepared local pastors and workers for ministry.
Co-Principal
Jason Jenkins
Jason Jenkins is Co-Principal of ArkBuilders Inc. and has worked alongside George Hicks for years in building successful youth development and prevention programs across Central Ohio. His work spans the W.A.I.T. Inc., EBONY Boys Program, Lifeline National Basketball Inc., Ohio State University Young Scholars Program, Franklin County Juvenile Court Diversion Program, and the SUN Program at Whitehall High School — among many others. Jason brings deep experience in youth mentorship, program design, and community engagement, with a particular focus on equipping young men with the skills, structure, and relationships they need to thrive. He partners with George in shaping ArkBuilders’ program strategy, partner relationships, and on-the-ground delivery.
Editor’s note: A full version of Jason’s bio with credentials, education, and a headshot will be added shortly.
