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, 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.

Happy World Kindness Day! In our See Kids Dream program we focus on teaching the importance of being kind to others and ...
11/13/2025

Happy World Kindness Day! In our See Kids Dream program we focus on teaching the importance of being kind to others and the world. We believe that kindness, no matter how big or small, has the power to change the world! 💙🌎

Let’s spread kindness today and every day!

We want to expend our gratitude to the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces for their service and sacrifice. Tha...
11/11/2025

We want to expend our gratitude to the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces for their service and sacrifice. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do !

Stress affects everyone. While all of us have experienced it at some point or another, not all of us may know how to man...
11/06/2025

Stress affects everyone. While all of us have experienced it at some point or another, not all of us may know how to manage it 🧠

People of all ages can experience stress. Stress doesn't always have to be bad. It can motivate us. It can encourage us to study for a test or take care of a task we've been putting off for a while.

But chronic stress, or long-term stress, can contribute to a list of mental and physical health problems. Mental health disorders, weakened immune systems, digestive issues, and heart disease have all been linked to prolonged stress.

At DFYF we know how stressful life can be. That's why this we're sharing some simple ways to manage stress.

Swipe and read below to discover how you can prioritize your (and your child's) well-being ➡️

1. Get enough sleep: While experts recommend at least seven hours of sleep a night for adults, kids need even more rest. For kids ages 6-12, nine to 12 hours of sleep is recommended. For teens, eight to 10 hours a night is recommended. Limit screen time at night for better quality sleep.

2. Exercise Often: Exercise is a stress reliever for all ages. It can help to relieve tension and make you feel happier. It's recommended that kids ages 6-17 get 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

3. Connect with others: Having someone to talk to can relieve the intensity of stress. Everyone needs a friend. Talk to your friends, family, or a professional when you're feeling worried.

4. Go outside: Spending time outside or in nature can relieve stress and help improve overall well-being.

5. Write about it: Everyone needs to express themself. Writing or journaling can help reduce mental distress. Next time your thoughts are racing give it a try!

6. Have fun: Kids and adults need time to do what brings them joy- whether it be art, dance, or fun with friends, it's important to make time for the things you care about.

Next time you're stressed try out some of these tips. Everyone is different, so pay attention to what works for you! ✨

Trick or Treat? 👻Our after-school centers had a spook-tacular time last week celebrating Halloween.The Crittenton Commun...
11/04/2025

Trick or Treat? 👻

Our after-school centers had a spook-tacular time last week celebrating Halloween.

The Crittenton Community Center and Ohio Avenue Youth Center hosted festive, fun activities for our youth, including their very own "haunted" houses, pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, and some wicked awesome games for youth 🎃

Check out some of our favorite costumes ➡️

📣We're hiring! 📣 DFYF is looking for a part-time After-School Program Cook to join our team. If you're passionate about ...
10/28/2025

📣We're hiring! 📣

DFYF is looking for a part-time After-School Program Cook to join our team.

If you're passionate about cooking and helping our community, we want to hear from you!

What You'll Do 🍴
- Shop weekly for food and supplies
- Prepare healthy meals for after-school program participants
- Conduct weekly inventory

What You'll Love About Us ✨
- Competitive salary
- Supportive, positive team
- NO on-call or weekend hours

What We're Looking For ✅
- ServSafe Certification
- Valid driver's license
- Experience in food service/ related field

We can't wait to meet you!

➡️Click the link to learn more and apply: https://dfyf.org/career-opportunities/current-available-positions/

Happy National Youth Confidence Day! At both of our after-school centers our Prevention Specialists work hard to instill...
10/20/2025

Happy National Youth Confidence Day! At both of our after-school centers our Prevention Specialists work hard to instill confidence in our youth, whether that’s through words of encouragement or teaching them new skills. We aim to build up the next generation of confident future leaders!

Lettuce, taco about supporting youth mental health! 🌮🌟Join us this Saturday, October 18, from 5-9pm for dinner at Chipot...
10/14/2025

Lettuce, taco about supporting youth mental health! 🌮🌟

Join us this Saturday, October 18, from 5-9pm for dinner at Chipotle and make a difference!

Proceeds will support Directions for Youth & Families community-based programs and services.

Make sure to show this flyer at checkout or use the promo code 7PJYX7Z when ordering online.

Together we can create a happier, healthier community for all!

📍Location: 1726 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
💻 Order online with code: 7PJYX7Z

Each year, World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health.All peopl...
10/10/2025

Each year, World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health.

All people, all places deserve the chance to heal, grow, and thrive. And while anyone can have mental health issues, not everyone has access to the care they need.

Many people struggle to find providers, while many others have difficulty finding affordable care. Even more challenging can be finding mental health care services for youth.

Here at Directions for Youth & Families we are proud to offer community-based counseling and support services. Providing care in client's homes, schools, and community spaces allows us to serve even more people- ensuring all people have the ability to get the care they need and deserve.

We know that access to quality mental health care can be life-changing and lifesaving. That's why today and every day we advocate for the prioritization of mental health care, education, and safe spaces for this community, and for all people.

This October, our friends in  are celebrating 35 years of moving and grooving! 🎵Join us on Saturday October 25 at The Ex...
10/08/2025

This October, our friends in are celebrating 35 years of moving and grooving! 🎵

Join us on Saturday October 25 at The Exchange at Bridge Park for a night of celebration, laughter, and good music.

The Conspiracy Band has generously offered to donate a portion of the proceeds to DFYF's Head Start collaboration program in partnership with OSU.

Here's to a good night, good memories, and a good cause! 🌟

Click the link to purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-35th-conspiracy-legends-concert-with-special-guests-tickets-1431651651629?msockid=27b4f7f793126b700c15e24392736a31

It's National Digital Inclusion Week! 🌐This year’s theme — Community-Driven Digital Futures — is a powerful reminder tha...
10/06/2025

It's National Digital Inclusion Week! 🌐

This year’s theme — Community-Driven Digital Futures — is a powerful reminder that the best solutions often come from the communities closest to the challenges.

This week and every week, we are proud to partner with the ConnectUS Coalition to offer no-cost Digital Skills Hub classes to community members 🔗

Because reliable internet, devices, and skills aren’t “extras”—they’re essential infrastructure for thriving families, strong businesses, and growing communities.

Together we are breaking barriers and building opportunity!

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

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 t...
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

Address

1515 Indianola Avenue
Columbus, OH
43201

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