Directions for Youth & Families

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Columbus, OH
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.

05/27/2026

Join us in congratulating Mark Houston and Nicole Tabung for receiving this year's SWEA Education Partner Award!

Each year the South-Western Education Association celebrates the contributions of people who make learning a special experience for the children of our community.

This year, Mark and Nicole were presented with the award by Franklin Heights High School for their longstanding dedication and support of FHHS students and families.

Thank you South Western City Schools for recognizing our hard-working clinicians! We are so incredibly proud of them, and we look forward to continuing this impactful partnership for years to come.

05/22/2026

We celebrated our See Kids Dream program participants at our annual Leaders of Tomorrow event! 🌟

This year, our See Kids Dream program welcomed 850 student leaders from 29 schools around Central Ohio.

Students completed 20 service projects and raised over $12,000 for 14 local nonprofit organizations.

We are incredibly proud of all their hard work this past year, and we can't wait to see what they accomplish in the future! 🌎

05/14/2026

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming our friends and supporters into our Crittenton Community Center for a reimagined State of the Child.

The event began with an opportunity for guests to experience after-school life through mini art, music, and life-skills sessions. Afterwards the kids took the stage, and, to quote a guest, "that was the icing on the cake!"

We wanted our friends and supporters to experience the value of our programs firsthand, to see what they make possible every day. We couldn't do this important work without them.

Thank you for believing in our youth and in this community! 'Til next year! 🌟

05/01/2026

Last week, DFYF hosted a special event for our senior community members in honor of Minority Mental Health Month.

Our Community Engagement Coordinator, Jason, presented on the benefits of mindfulness and led our seniors through breathing techniques and a body mapping exercise. A trained flutist, Jason incorporated his musical talents to teach seniors how to use music as a mindfulness practice.

This event was the third in DFYF’s Senior Engagement series, a new program within the Crittenton Community Center’s community development endeavor. Senior Programming is specifically aimed at educating local seniors about health and wellness and creating a sense of community.

Senior programming is currently held on the last Friday of every month at the Crittenton Community Center.

For more information about senior programming, the series schedule, or how to get involved, contact Jason Leon Moncrief at [email protected]

04/29/2026

Our 37th annual State of the Child event is just one week away, and we can't wait for you to see what we have in store! 🌟

This year, we are thrilled to be hosting State of the Child at our very own Crittenton Community Center. But that's not all that's new; we have reimagined
the event to create an exciting engagement experience!

Before our youth take the stage, attendees will be able to experience DFYF's mission like never before. With the help of staff and youth led sessions, supporters will have the opportunity to step into the world of our after-school youth.

As always, State of the Child is a celebration of the mission impact YOU make possible. DFYF provides counseling and education programs to over 9,000 youth and families each year, but we couldn't do that without your help.

Thank you for your unwavering support for this community.

To learn more about this year's State of the Child event, visit the link below ⬇️

https://dfyf.org/state-of-the-child-luncheon/

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

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!

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.💙

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! 🎨

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!

Address

1515 Indianola Avenue
Columbus, OH
43201

Website

http://www.dfyf.org/

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