Directions for Youth & Families

Home
United States
Columbus, OH
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, schools, 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.

09/23/2025

In honor of Su***de Prevention Month, we’re taking the time to raise awareness and share some warning signs.

Youth mental health is a topic that’s often left out of the conversation surrounding su***de and mental health in general 🧠

But kids, just like adults, can suffer from depression, anxiety, and many other mental health issues. In fact, su***de is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14.

Prevention and early intervention can save lives. Understanding and recognizing the warning signs is an important first step.

Swipe through to learn more about the signs ➡️

***depreventionmonth ***depreventionawareness ***dehotline

09/05/2025

Every child has the power to succeed, but they can’t always do it alone. 💙 This is a group project, and we need you on the team.

Your monthly gift provides year-round support:
✨ Free mental health services
✨ In-school & after-school programs
✨ Hope and healing for families

No matter the amount, your gift makes a lasting impact. 💫
Join our community of monthly donors today. Donation link below!

https://dfyf.networkforgood.com/projects/206595-support-dfyf-s-programs-services?utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_2938506

09/02/2025

Thanks to everyone who came out to our community concerts at the Crittenton Community Center last month 🎤

It's an honor to be a part of this neighborhood and we can't wait to host more events like this in the future!

Special thanks to and for sharing your music with us 🎷

08/29/2025

As summer comes to a close, we're taking a look back on some of our favorite moments from this year's summer programming ☀️

2 youth centers, 8 weeks, and 15 fun field trips- This summer is one we won't forget!

A huge thank you to and for making this possible!

08/27/2025

Our mission to build and inspire hope, healing, and resilience doesn't end when the school bell rings 🏫

DFYF's after-school programs offer academic support, meals, and engaging activities for kids ages 8-18.

Located in under-served, under-resourced neighborhoods in Columbus, our Ohio Avenue Youth Center and Crittenton Community Center are a safe space where youth are encouraged to think creatively, try new things, and give back to the community through the arts
and service projects.

Just this past year our centers have:

Supported 322 youth 🚸

Saw a 95% academic improvement from our enrolled youth ✏️

Served 13,600 meals 🍽️

We're here to make sure kids and families have the support they need to succeed, this school year, and every year after. We couldn't do this important work without your support.

To donate visit the link: https://dfyf.networkforgood.com/projects/206595-support-dfyf-s-programs-services?utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_2938506

08/25/2025

Help ease the back-to-school stress with these four simple tips from our clinicians 💡

Establish a routine: Start building routines before school starts to get kids prepared. Be consistent and create a set time for meals, baths, and bed.

Talk about it: Talk to your child about how they're feeling about the new school year. Listen to them and let them know their feelings are valid. Explore what they may be concerned about and what they are looking forward to!

Practice skills: Learn what activities/ things help to calm yourself and your child. (Deep breaths, breaks, talking with support people, etc.) Practice these often!

Connect with counselors: Encourage your child to connect with the counselors at school. Don't be afraid to connect with them too!

Whether you're preparing your child for their first day or starting another year, your support makes all the difference. Here's to another great school year! 🎒

08/20/2025

Leaders are built in the classroom.💡Through our See Kids Dream program, students explore community needs, meet with local experts, and lead service projects that create real change.

Since 2008, See Kids Dream has engaged over 10,000 student leaders, contributed 200,000+ service hours, and donated $509,000+ to local nonprofits

These students are the next generation of leaders, and your support makes it possible. To donate, use the link below 💙

https://dfyf.networkforgood.com/projects/206595-support-dfyf-s-programs-services?utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_2938506

08/19/2025

At Directions for Youth & Families, healing involves more than just talking. Our mental health professionals use art, play, and creative expression to help kids process big emotions and lean into their unique talents. 🎨🧩

Every item you help provide becomes a tool for growth, healing, and hope. Together, we’re equipping youth with what they need to thrive, and we couldn’t do it without you. Join us in making a difference.

Amazon Wishlist Link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31LGHAJ8VY83L/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex?

08/14/2025

Save the Date! DFYF is hosting two outdoor community concerts this month at our Crittenton Community Center 🎵

August 22- The Conspiracy Band 6-7pm

August 27- Columbus Symphony 5-6pm

🎟️ FREE admission- all are welcome!

Join us for an evening of live music and community spirit!

Attendees should bring their own lawn chairs. In the event of rain concerts will be held inside.

08/13/2025

Back-to-school time can be stressful but DFYF's in-school services are here to help! ✏️

Thanks to DFYF's School Connections program kids from all over Central Ohio have access to counseling and support services during the school day.

Our in-school clinicians work with students, parents, and teachers to make sure youth get the help they need, at school as well as at home. But that's not all, in our partner schools DFYF clinicians support and consult with school staff, giving them helpful strategies and interventions to use in the classroom and beyond✅

Thanks to the support of generous donors and community members, all kids can get the help they need, when and where they need it.

08/08/2025

This summer, six DFYF youth joined 's Youth CoLab internship program ☀️

The goal? To use design as a vehicle for positive social change within our community.

Over the span of seven weeks, the paid interns immersed themselves into the world of urban planning and design. Developing professional skills like:

Project planning ✅

Public speaking ✅

Communication✅

Their creativity, artistry, and dedication was on full display when they presented their final product: an incredible revitalization of the All People’s Fresh Market located on the south side of Columbus.

We’re incredibly proud of our youth, and we’re grateful to have passionate community partners like the Neighborhood Design Center. Together we’re empowering youth to invest in their future and in the future of our communities!

07/24/2025

The force is strong with our youth! 💫

Thanks to the youth in our summer program had the incredible opportunity to make custom lightsabers.

Applying key STEM learning concepts as well as an abundance of imagination and creativity, the kid’s custom lightsabers of course had to be paired with equally awesome Jedi poses ⭐️

Here’s to making summer learning fun!

Address

1515 Indianola Avenue
Columbus, OH
43201

Website

http://www.dfyf.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Directions for Youth & Families posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Columbus?