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.

This May we are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with an extra special event! 🍪Join us on Thursday, May 28 from...
04/23/2026

This May we are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with an extra special event! 🍪

Join us on Thursday, May 28 from 6-7pm at the Easton Community Room for a cookie decorating workshop hosted by the Columbus-based, baking extraordinaire .

Plenty O'Cookies will bring the freshly baked cookies, icing, and colorful decorations - You just need to bring your imagination and willingness to have a blast!

Visit the link to snag your tickets today: https://dfyf.networkforgood.com/events/100015-cookie-decorating-for-a-cause

This past weekend we hosted our first ever Pickleball tournament fundraiser!Participants had fun (and worked up a sweat)...
04/14/2026

This past weekend we hosted our first ever Pickleball tournament fundraiser!

Participants had fun (and worked up a sweat) in the kings and queens style tournament competing for prizes and supporting DFYF's mission.

Thank you to for hosting us and for everyone that came out to support!

Last week, we hosted Inspire Us, a fundraising event for our See Kids Dream program, and what an incredible night it was...
04/03/2026

Last week, we hosted Inspire Us, a fundraising event for our See Kids Dream program, and what an incredible night it was! ✨

We had the privilege of hearing directly from our student leaders as they shared how See Kids Dream has empowered them through service-learning, not only shaping their growth, but helping them become stronger, more engaged members of our community.

Because of your generosity, we raised over $10,000 to ensure these impactful programs can continue in schools at no cost to students.

To everyone who attended, gave, and supported, thank you. We are beyond grateful for a community that believes in our youth and invests in their future.💙

The Crittenton Art Club and Advanced Art Group recently took a field trip to the 🖼️Our youth had a great time viewing t...
03/13/2026

The Crittenton Art Club and Advanced Art Group recently took a field trip to the 🖼️

Our youth had a great time viewing the current exhibits and taking part in the museum's "Teen Studio" where they were able to explore new materials and make art of their very own!

Thank you to our donors and our incredible staff for making experiences like this possible! 🎨

Directions for Youth & Families is excited to partner with MatchPoint to host a Pickleball Tournament! 🏓All proceeds fro...
03/11/2026

Directions for Youth & Families is excited to partner with MatchPoint to host a Pickleball Tournament! 🏓

All proceeds from the event will support the important mental health and prevention work Directions for Youth & Families provides to youth and families across the community.

The tournament will take place Saturday, April 11 from 1:00–4:00 PM at MatchPoint. Registration is $30 per person.

Grab a paddle, bring a friend, and join us for a fun afternoon! Please register using the link in the bio. We can’t wait to see you on the court!

Directions for Youth & Families is excited to host our very first Pickleball Tournament!🏓 All proceeds from the event wi...
03/11/2026

Directions for Youth & Families is excited to host our very first Pickleball Tournament!🏓 All proceeds from the event will support the important mental health and prevention work we do in the community.

The tournament will take place Saturday, April 11 from 1:00–4:00 PM at MatchPoint. Registration is $30 per person.

If you or someone you know would like to participate, please register using the link below. We are excited to see you there!

https://app.courtreserve.com/Online/Events/Details/17037/4YTNB8S17037565?resId=47493399

Inspire Us is almost here! In less than ONE month, we’re gathering for a powerful evening of purpose, passion, and poss...
03/04/2026

Inspire Us is almost here! In less than ONE month, we’re gathering for a powerful evening of purpose, passion, and possibility. ✨

Join us on March 24th 6:00–7:30 PM at the Villa Milano as our incredible student leaders take the stage to share how they’re creating real change through service-learning. Their stories will move you. Their impact will inspire you.

Tickets are available now, grab yours through the link in our bio.

Come ready to be inspired. Leave ready to make a difference. We can’t wait to see you there!💙

Our after-school youth closed out Black History Month with a celebration that included powerful performances and thought...
02/28/2026

Our after-school youth closed out Black History Month with a celebration that included powerful performances and thoughtful works of art.

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past, while empowering the future. Celebrating the achievements, influence, and legacy of Black History and Black people while also honoring the Black voices that continue to shape our community.

This month, and every month, we are proud to be a part of this community, and we are honored to work alongside you.

This National Leadership Day we are celebrating the future leaders in our See Kids Dream (SKD) program! 🌟Through SKD's s...
02/20/2026

This National Leadership Day we are celebrating the future leaders in our See Kids Dream (SKD) program! 🌟

Through SKD's service-learning curriculum, students research causes that are important to them and work together to find ways to help.

In this program, students develop and use skills like empathy, communication, and collaboration to find creative solutions to real problems, all the while being leaders of positive change in their communities!

Empowering compassionate leaders is what SKD is all about. Today, and everyday, we are excited to see these future leaders in action and we are hopeful for a bright future in their hands.

Join us for Inspire Us, an evening of inspiration, impact, and powerful student voices.On March 24th, our student leader...
02/10/2026

Join us for Inspire Us, an evening of inspiration, impact, and powerful student voices.

On March 24th, our student leaders will take center stage to share how they’re changing the world through service-learning in the See Kids Dream program. From learning the fundamentals of philanthropy, to researching nonprofits, interviewing community leaders, and creating real projects that give back, this is youth leadership in action.

Inspire Us gives you a sneak peek into the program and the opportunity to hear directly from the kids about how serving their community is shaping who they are becoming.

Your support makes this possible. Proceeds from the event directly support service-learning within schools allowing us to reach more students, partner with more educators, and invest in the next generation of compassionate leaders.

Click the link in our bio to purchase a ticket, host a table, or become a sponsor. Lasagna dinner included!💙

Grab your galentines and get ready for this year's Sips & Scents event!On Wednesday, February 11th Worthington Candle Wo...
02/09/2026

Grab your galentines and get ready for this year's Sips & Scents event!

On Wednesday, February 11th Worthington Candle Works and for an evening to make a candle, make a difference 🕯️

Tickets are $55 and include a custom scented item of your choice from Worthington Candle Works and one glass of wine from House Wine. With the help of skilled staff, you'll create your own custom scent and take home your finished product.

All proceeds will go towards DFYF's programs and services.

Click the link below to purchase tickets 🎟️🍷
https://dfyf.networkforgood.com/events/95731-sips-scents-with-dfyf

Guests must be 21+

🚨Fun Field Trip Alert 🚨A few weeks back the youth in our after-school programs had the incredible experience of seeing T...
02/06/2026

🚨Fun Field Trip Alert 🚨

A few weeks back the youth in our after-school programs had the incredible experience of seeing The Nutcracker live at The Ohio Theater!

Thanks to BalletMet's KidTix Program, we were able to take youth from our Ohio Avenue and Crittenton centers to see this classic ballet performance. Many of the youth that attended are in our dance club and seeing professional dancers at work was a dream come true 🩰

Thank you for making this possible! ✨

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1515 Indianola Avenue
Columbus, OH
43201

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