Directions for Youth & Families

Directions for Youth & Families Improving lives of individuals, families, and communities through counseling, education, and support.

--Directions for Youth & Families is a private, not-for-profit organization with a history of over 110 years of service to youth and families in central Ohio. Directions’ staff annually serve more than 7,500 children and their families in 20 different programs.

--Programs provide individual, group and family counseling, prevention education, and support services. Services are provided in homes, s

chools, community centers and offices.

--Schools, juvenile court, parents, hospitals, social service agencies, churches, businesses, and concerned community members make referrals to the programs. Some services have a sliding scale fee, and some are without cost to clients.

--All programs are outcome based, have specific objectives, and are monitored for quality.

--Crisis support services for current clients are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You may have heard about PTSD in the context of soldiers or veterans, but PTSD can affect anyone, even kids. Luckily, ea...
06/27/2025

You may have heard about PTSD in the context of soldiers or veterans, but PTSD can affect anyone, even kids. Luckily, early identification and intervention can make a world of difference. That's why this National PTSD Awareness Day we're unpacking some common behaviors and symptoms 🧠

Understanding and recognizing the signs of PTSD is an important first step in the healing process and can help you to better advocate for yourself and your child's needs.

Swipe through to learn more about the emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms ➡️

Thank you to Parker Lee Foundation for yet another generous contribution! 👏
06/27/2025

Thank you to Parker Lee Foundation for yet another generous contribution! 👏

This summer we're partnering with Smart Columbus and City of Columbus - City Hall to offer digital skills classes at no...
06/25/2025

This summer we're partnering with Smart Columbus and City of Columbus - City Hall to offer digital skills classes at no-cost.

You’ll learn how to —

💼 apply to jobs online

⚠ identify scams & cyberbullying

🔒follow internet privacy best practices

👋 use social media

👐 all in a supportive, encouraging environment

The full course is split over multiple days and will be offered at our Crittenton Community Center.

🎁Plus, if you complete the entire course and are eligible, you could receive a new large-screen device for FREE!

👉 Register today for Digital Skills Hub by clicking the link.

↗ Share this post with someone who would be a great fit!



Link: https://www.connectcentralohio.com/digital-skills/

06/19/2025

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in history marking the freedom of enslaved African Americans. At Directions for Youth & Families, we recognize the deep significance of this day and the continued journey toward equity and justice.
Check out this powerful performance by our Ohio Avenue youth, “The Man” by Aloe Blacc, a tribute to the resilience, liberation, and empowerment of the Black community.

This past Saturday, DFYF proudly marched in the Pride Parade! 🏳️‍🌈As a mental health agency, it is our responsibility, ...
06/17/2025

This past Saturday, DFYF proudly marched in the Pride Parade! 🏳️‍🌈

As a mental health agency, it is our responsibility, and great honor, to uplift the LGBTQ+ members within our community. With all that's going on in the world, we recognize the inherent need to show up for one another. The recent attacks on DEI practices and the vilification of trans people cannot be ignored. DFYF is committed to being a supportive, safe, and inclusive space for all youth and families.

Today and every day, we vow to proudly, advocate for you, support you, and uplift YOU 🌈

We’re honored to be one of five organizations selected to receive funds from Dewey’s Pizza’s Juneteenth Fundraiser! 🍕️ O...
06/11/2025

We’re honored to be one of five organizations selected to receive funds from Dewey’s Pizza’s Juneteenth Fundraiser! 🍕️ On June 17, support Directions for Youth & Families by dining at any Dewey's Pizza location in Columbus. A portion of proceeds will go directly toward supporting our mission to uplift youth and families in our community.

📢 Spread the word! Tell your friends, coworkers, and family. Let’s make real change, one slice at a time!

School's out and summer programming is in! ☀️From June until the end of August, our usual after-school programming trans...
06/09/2025

School's out and summer programming is in! ☀️

From June until the end of August, our usual after-school programming transforms into day-time summer fun. Our regular dance, art, and recreation sessions are joined with exciting weekly field trips all at no cost to families. Last year our youth went to some pretty incredible places including ziplining at ZipZone, ice skating at Chiller Ice Rinks inside Nationwide Arena, and a visit to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!

Thanks to support from community members like you, DFYF is able to do fun activities like this with our youth all summer long! Stay tuned to see where they go this year!🌟

Councilwoman Lourdes Barroso de Padilla is kicking off a new initiative, “Up Next with Lourdes,” a series of community m...
06/04/2025

Councilwoman Lourdes Barroso de Padilla is kicking off a new initiative, “Up Next with Lourdes,” a series of community meetings focused on engaging residents across Columbus. We’re starting on the East and South Side on June 5, and you’re invited!

These public forums will highlight current and upcoming city projects, giving you the chance to stay informed and get involved.💬

📍 Crittenton Community Center
🗓️ First stop: June 5 | 5:30–7 PM
📣 Open to all! Let’s talk about what’s next for our neighborhoods.

06/03/2025

We have the great privilege of our youth being invited to perform at this week's Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption event!🎤✨ We’re beyond excited to showcase the incredible talent of The Ohio Avenue Choir and The Crittenon Community Center's own Diynn as she belts out a powerful song by Alicia Keys. Here is her performance from last month's State of the Child event.

05/31/2025

Thank you for making this year's State of the Child fundraiser event a success! We are thrilled to announce that together, we raised over $144,000 for children and families in our community!✨

We're so grateful for our community supporters, our dedicated staff, and the truly amazing children and families we get to serve every day.

Your generous support allows us to provide clinical counseling services, early childhood programs, and after-school/ summer programs at no cost to families. These funds will help us bring hope and healing to even more children and families in central Ohio.

Thank you for helping us restore communities, one child, one family at a time. We couldn't do this important work without you ❤️

Here's a look back at one of our favorite performances from the event. Enjoy this rendition of "Rise Up" by Andra Day sung by our Ohio Avenue choir.

Thank you to our amazing Besa volunteers who joined us at the Crittenton Community Center to decorate gratitude journals...
05/29/2025

Thank you to our amazing Besa volunteers who joined us at the Crittenton Community Center to decorate gratitude journals with our youth! We’re so grateful for your time and energy spent getting crafty with our amazing youth! We truly appreciate your support!

05/21/2025

For 33 years, “Mr. Chip” has been a guiding light at Directions for Youth & Families’ youth centers. We have a beautiful story to share about one of Mr. Chip’s former students, Israel, “giving back” as one of our after-school prevention specialists. It's a powerful story of legacy, impact, and the future of our youth. Watch the full video on DFYF's YouTube channel (link below) to see how Israel's journey has come full circle and how Mr. Chip is passing the torch to the new generation of leaders. 🙌🏾

Youtube: https://youtu.be/eP2r1y29sfs


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