YCS - Formerly ECRN+

03/10/2026

Join the YMCA of Central Ohio for a fun, hands-on outdoor adventure at Glacier Ridge Metro Park!

Families will learn about different types of bird nests, explore real examples, and take a guided hike to search for nests along the trail. In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, we’ll also honor our national bird, the Bald Eagle, by working together to build a life-sized eagle nest using natural materials from the park. Plus, our YMCA STEM Team will lead another fun hands-on science activity for families!

📅 March 29, 2026
🕒 3:00–4:30 PM
📍 Location: Glacier Ridge Metro Park (9801 Hyland Croy Rd)
Meet at the Shelter House in the second parking lot.
👨‍👩‍👧 All ages and abilities welcome
🚶 Trail is ~0.7–1 mile (mostly paved or gravel)
🌦 Rain or shine

Recommended: Closed-toe shoes, layers, and gloves (optional).
🔭 Binoculars will be provided!
📩 Questions? FamilySupport@ymcacolumbus.org

Come explore nature and help build a giant eagle nest! 🪺🌲
Registration is required for this FREE event! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/happy-hikers-club-lets-build-an-eagle-nest-tickets-1983957590560?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/10/2026

Join the YMCA of Central Ohio and Nationwide Children’s Hospital for an important and informative virtual training focused on supporting youth mental health!

📅 Wednesday, March 25th
🕠 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
💻 Virtual Event (Zoom link sent prior to the session)

This session will provide practical tools and knowledge to help individuals recognize warning signs and confidently respond when a young person may be at risk.

In this training, you will learn:
• Key terms and current statistics related to youth su***de
• Warning signs and risk factors associated with su***de in young people
• Signs of depression, anxiety, and self-injury in youth
• Effective, practical strategies for responding to youth at risk

This session is educational, supportive, and empowering, helping caregivers feel more confident in having potentially lifesaving conversations.

Presenter:
Melanie Fluellen, LPCC-S is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Su***de Prevention Specialist with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She has been a clinician for 18 years and has extensive experience supporting children and teens who have experienced trauma. Melanie currently works with the Center for Su***de Prevention and Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, helping schools implement the SOS Signs of Su***de Prevention Program, providing su***de prevention trainings, and offering counseling to teens experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and su***de attempts.

🎟 Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-talk-with-your-child-about-mental-health-with-nationwide-childrens-tickets-1983963288603?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/26/2026

🌟✨ What a magical night! ✨🌟

We had the most amazing time at our Enchanted Evening event! It was a wonderful night full of food, crafts, scavenger hunts, campfire marshmallows, magical character visits from Magical Adventures Parties, and even a hands-on STEM snow-making activity that brought a little winter wonder to our evening! ❄️ It was so special seeing families learning, laughing, and making memories together in such a beautiful setting.

A huge THANK YOU to Caffé DaVinci for the delicious food that fueled our fun, and to the Highbanks Metro Park for hosting us in such an incredible nature space. We are so grateful for your partnership in making this night so memorable!

Thank you to all the families who joined us! We can’t wait to see you at our next magical adventure! ✨

02/23/2026

Spring hasn't sprung yet, so all the more reason to kick off with a FREE Community Day visit to the always-lush Franklin Park Conservatory!

The theme for Sunday, March 1, is Autism and the Arts. We're celebrating with a resource fair and performances by Band Together Central Ohio. Don't miss it!

More information: https://www.fpconservatory.org/events/march-community-day/

02/16/2026

Join us TOMORROW for our next Free Legal Clinic- Overcoming Transportation Challenges in Special Education.

You can learn more and register to attend at lawyers4students.com/legalclinic

02/16/2026

02/04/2026

01/28/2026

✨ Enchanted Evening ✨

Join us for a magical night of family fun with the YMCA of Central Ohio and Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks! Every child and caregiver deserves meaningful, joyful time together—and this evening is all about just that. 💛

Treat the special child in your life to an enchanted experience at Highbanks Metro Park Nature Center, featuring:
🔥 Campfire & marshmallows
🎨 Crafts
🧪 A hands-on STEM activity
🗺 Scavenger hunts
🎭 Entertainment
🧚 Visits with magical characters
🍽 Food and more!

This inclusive event welcomes children of all ages and abilities along with their caregivers. Best of all, this event is FREE as a service to the community!

During the event, the Nature Center will be closed to the public, giving families a private, relaxed space to connect, explore, and make memories together.

WHERE: Highbanks Metro Park Nature Center
9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
WHEN: February 22nd
TIME: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
WHO: Families of all ages and abilities

👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980460034275?aff=oddtdtcreator

We can’t wait to share this enchanting evening with you! ✨💫

01/28/2026

✨ FREE Virtual Resource Session ✨

Join us to learn more about I Am Boundless and their inclusive programs designed to support individuals and families of all ages! 💙 There will also be time for a live Q&A, so bring your questions!
This virtual session will focus on programs and services available in Central Ohio and statewide for individuals and families with I/DD and/or behavioral health needs, with special emphasis on Boundless Health and Boundless@Home.

WHERE: Virtual via Zoom
WHEN: February 18, 2026
TIME: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
WHO: Families & Professionals

About the Programs:
• Boundless Health is an inclusive, integrated care health center in Worthington that accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans.
• Boundless@Home allows individuals with county board of DD waivers to choose their own in-home caregiver—which can be a parent, neighbor, or trusted community member—who can be paid for their caregiving. This model empowers families and individuals to direct their own care and offers a flexible alternative to traditional staffing agencies.

👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980460402376?aff=oddtdtcreator
We hope you’ll join us for this informative and empowering session! 🌟