Directions for Youth & Families

Directions Website

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.

Recap time 🌱✨Volunteers from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center spent their Rehab Day of Service helping ou...
10/08/2026

Recap time 🌱✨

Volunteers from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center spent their Rehab Day of Service helping out in our community garden!

They harvested the last of our produce, cleaned up the beds, and got everything all ready for winter.

Thank you staff, we are grateful for your commitment to youth and families in our community!

Last week we hosted our first Big Table event, and it was a success!Our Crittenton Community Center welcomed 25 particip...
10/06/2026

Last week we hosted our first Big Table event, and it was a success!

Our Crittenton Community Center welcomed 25 participants, including two after-school youth, to discuss what after-school programming looks like in Columbus, and what we can do to make it more accessible to community members.

Joined by the Concrete Orkidz Foundation and the After School Initiative for Middle Schools Columbus (AIMS), attendees shared successes, challenges, and listened to multiple perspectives.

Thank you to everyone who attended, shared, and listened; we are grateful to host our community members and excited to create even more opportunities for connection.

Until next year!

Next Tuesday, DFYF is hosting a community conversation - Beyond the Bell: Building Equitable After-school Opportunities,...
09/23/2026

Next Tuesday, DFYF is hosting a community conversation - Beyond the Bell: Building Equitable After-school Opportunities, and we want to hear from you!

In association with The Columbus Foundation’s Big Table initiative, we are partnering with the After School Initiative for Middle Schools Columbus (AIMS) and the Concrete Orkidz Foundation to discuss what true, equitable access to after-school programming can look like across Columbus.

Every Columbus middle school student deserves access to engaging, high-quality after-school opportunities that help them thrive. As an organization that supports youth across Central Ohio, we know that building these opportunities requires voices from every corner of our city.

Your voice is important and we hope you'll share it with us.

Visit the link to register for the event: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2AGeLYcuxOy8ZBpkOe9XCBbNUC5ZXiQftjySaZ_se7qvWwQ/viewform

School

Want to support youth and families in our community? Consider donating to our Amazon Wishlist ✨DFYF's Amazon Wishlist is...
09/18/2026

Want to support youth and families in our community? Consider donating to our Amazon Wishlist ✨

DFYF's Amazon Wishlist is filled with items that equip our staff with the tools to support youth every day. From art supplies to fidget toys to books on healing, every item on this list helps to bring a child hope and healing.

Shop our Wishlist at the link: https://a.co/05uZCOZ9

A few moments from last week's Senior Resource Fair ✨It was great seeing so many people come out, ask questions, get hea...
09/16/2026

A few moments from last week's Senior Resource Fair ✨

It was great seeing so many people come out, ask questions, get health screenings, meet local organizations, and learn more about all this community has to offer our seniors.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and for all the organizations who spent the day connecting with our seniors. We are grateful for your partnership!

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day 🎗️This year's theme, "Changing the Narrative on Su***de", calls on all of us to ch...
09/10/2026

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day 🎗️

This year's theme, "Changing the Narrative on Su***de", calls on all of us to challenge the harmful myths surrounding su***de and to create a space for real, compassionate conversations.

Shifting from silence and stigma to openness and support, all of us can help foster a world where people feel comfortable speaking up and seeking help.

It all starts with a conversation.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

You are not alone. Your life matters.

***dePreventionDay ***dePreventionMonth #988

A massive thank you to  volunteers for giving back to our community garden! 🌱Not only is our community garden a space fo...
08/21/2026

A massive thank you to volunteers for giving back to our community garden! 🌱

Not only is our community garden a space for residents and youth to gather and learn; it also provides fresh, seasonal produce for our Eastland community members.

We couldn't do this important work without you! 🌟

🎉 Another successful All Staff Development Day in the books!Our team came together for an informative morning of trainin...
08/18/2026

🎉 Another successful All Staff Development Day in the books!

Our team came together for an informative morning of training, followed by fun “90’s Field-Day” themed team-building activities.

The agency had the opportunity to celebrate many of the staff’s anniversaries, graduations, and other important milestones. We’re extremely grateful whenever the agency has the opportunity to all come together.

Thank you to everyone who participated and for your continued dedication to supporting children, families, and communities throughout Central Ohio 🙌

DFYF's senior engagement event for August is a paint and sip🎨🍵Join us on Friday, August 29, from 10am-12pm, for an after...
08/14/2026

DFYF's senior engagement event for August is a paint and sip🎨🍵

Join us on Friday, August 29, from 10am-12pm, for an afternoon of tea drinking, painting, and community!

Special guest, Mayra Bentances, owner of Teas your Spirits Eatery, will help guide you as you make your own specialty tea blend from her assortment of homemade syrups, flavors, and infusions.

While you're sipping, DFYF's very own Cauley Smith will lead a painting session for you to follow along🖌️

All materials will be supplied, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.

We hope to see you there!

We are one week away from our Conspiracy Band concert AND our first-ever Back-to-School Bash, and we want to celebrate w...
08/12/2026

We are one week away from our Conspiracy Band concert AND our first-ever Back-to-School Bash, and we want to celebrate with you! 🎉

Join us on Wednesday, August 19, at the Crittenton Community Center for an extra special event for the whole family.

Enjoy live music from at our amphitheater while you learn about community resources, and stock up on school supplies ✏️

Plus, stop by between 5-5:30pm to get a picture with Brutus Buckeye!

We can't wait to see you there!

📅 Wednesday, August 19, 2026
⏰ 5 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
🏫Crittenton Community Center - on the lawn
📍3840 Kimberly Parkway N. Columbus, OH
🎟️ Admission is free - register at the link: https://dfyf.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/back-to-school-bash-rsvp

Address

1515 Indianola Avenue
Columbus, OH
43201

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