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.

What is the power of youth? Is it boundless imagination? Limitless potential? A bold sense of adventure? However you def...
12/31/2025

What is the power of youth?

Is it boundless imagination? Limitless potential? A bold sense of adventure?

However you define the power of youth, here at DFYF we know one thing for sure. All children possess the power for positive change.

Every child has the capacity to heal, grow, and overcome challenges. They just need the opportunity to do so.

That's where you come in. You can make a difference.

With your help, we can give children and families a safe space, a listening ear, and a helping hand.

Together we can give every child the opportunity to be healthy and pursue big dreams 💚

Click the link to give today: https://dfyf.networkforgood.com/projects/206595-support-dfyf-s-programs-services?utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_2938506

This season of giving reminds us that together, we make a difference. Thank you for supporting our mission and helping b...
12/24/2025

This season of giving reminds us that together, we make a difference. Thank you for supporting our mission and helping bring hope to children and families. Happy Holidays!❤️

Our Crittenton Community Center was recently named an IIDA Columbus Interior Design Award winner 🏅We are honored to be r...
12/09/2025

Our Crittenton Community Center was recently named an IIDA Columbus Interior Design Award winner 🏅

We are honored to be recognized by and we are grateful to DesignGroup for making this incredible space come to life.

From the beginning of the design process with , this community and the children and families we serve were at the heart of it all. So much thought, care, and intention went into this project.

Creating the Crittenton Community Center was truly a labor of love. Thank you for helping us give this community the space it deserves ❤️

Today, on this Giving Tuesday, you can provide hope and healing for youth right here in Columbus. With more children in ...
12/02/2025

Today, on this Giving Tuesday, you can provide hope and healing for youth right here in Columbus. With more children in need of mental health support than ever before, the necessity for youth mental health services is urgent. Your support ensures that youth and families have access to the services they need, regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you so much for supporting our youth and families this year!

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

This Black Friday, let your generosity go further than ever. While you’re shopping for amazing deals, consider adding so...
11/28/2025

This Black Friday, let your generosity go further than ever. While you’re shopping for amazing deals, consider adding something meaningful to your cart for the young people we serve at DFYF.

Our Amazon Wishlist is filled with items that help equip our staff and allow us to better support our youth every day.

Shop our Wishlist this Black Friday or Cyber Monday with the link below and make a real, lasting difference.

Amazon Wishlist Link: https://a.co/4dS9Bd3



Social services are the backbone of this agency and society as a whole. While often overlooked and undervalued, these se...
11/27/2025

Social services are the backbone of this agency and society as a whole. While often overlooked and undervalued, these services, and the dedicated professionals and providers in this space, change lives.

To all the social workers, mental health professionals, and frontline workers, we see you and we extend our immense gratitude to you. We are inspired by your strength and giving spirit. And we are deeply grateful for your compassion, dedication, and tireless support that you give to others.

You are the steady light in challenging times, and your empathy and commitment make our communities stronger, safer, and more hopeful.

Today, and everyday, we thank you for your service and your commitment to making the world a better place.

For more than three decades, Duane Casares has led Directions for Youth & Families with passion, purpose, and vision. Du...
11/26/2025

For more than three decades, Duane Casares has led Directions for Youth & Families with passion, purpose, and vision.

Duane was the first Masters Licensed social worker at DFYF, serving as both a clinician and Clinical Director before eventually becoming CEO. He has dedicated his life to supporting youth and families in our community, but his reach extends even further.

Nationally, Duane has been a leader in advancing trauma-informed care in the mental health space. He has spoken at the White House, New York City Public Schools, Boston University Law School, and many more organizations about the need for comprehensive care and DFYF's outreach model. Duane has met with government leaders to share DFYF’s transferable Community Restoration Model and has acted as a presenter, trainer, consultant, panelist, CEU provider, and educator for numerous organizations.

His impact will continue to shape this community for generations to come. Thank you and here's to 33 years of dedicated service!

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/

Address

1515 Indianola Avenue
Columbus, OH
43201

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