YOUTH-LED INITIATIVES
The Torch Club
A new initiative from Foundation For Youth, this group of 12 elected members represents the outward face of the Boys & Girls Club. Their mission is to make a difference in the community and be positive role models for their peers.
Youth Ambassadors
The Council for Youth Development, an initiative of Foundation For Youth, leads the Youth Ambassadors (YA) program. This program empowers Bartholomew County high school students in grades 10–12 who are dedicated to civic engagement and personal development. Youth Ambassadors take part in youth-led outreach projects, develop leadership skills, and advocate for equity within their communities. Each ambassador completes over 20 hours of community service and helps organize and participate in events such as International Youth Day, Spark Spirit Week, the Youth Empowerment Summit, and Global Youth Service Day.
Each month, Indiana Youth Services Association (IYSA) celebrates the work of one of the state’s youth service bureaus. In November 2023, The Foundation for Youth was featured.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Were you an FFY kid? Maybe you learned to swim with FFY Aquatics, played your heart out in FFY Athletics, found a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters, spent your summers at Columbus Youth Camp, or discovered your leadership voice as a CYD Youth Ambassador. Maybe you found community and belonging at the Boys and Girls Club—or stepped up to give back as a volunteer. However you were involved, your story matters.
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Where are you now? How did FFY shape the person you’ve become? Whether it helped you build confidence, taught you life skills, introduced you to lifelong friends, or inspired your career path, we want to hear how your involvement with FFY made an impact on your life.​​
IMPACT OF OUR PROGRAMS
Foundation For Youth Prevention Initiatives works collaboratively with community members, coalitions, and partners to promote positive mental health and address substance misuse in Bartholomew County. Funded by the State of Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addictions and the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the program raises awareness, provides support, and offers free, family-friendly events to meet the community’s needs and foster connection.
The work of our program, Council for Youth Development (CYD), has a profound and lasting impact on the Bartholomew County community by uniting diverse voices and organizations around a shared commitment to youth success. By aligning cross-sector efforts—from early childhood through young adulthood—CYD ensures that all young people and their families have access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive. This collaborative approach addresses critical social-emotional and developmental needs, especially through initiatives like the Youth Master Plan and the expansion of 40 Developmental Assets® and Developmental Relationships® across the community. As youth face increasing pressures and challenges, CYD’s work is essential in breaking down systemic barriers, fostering inclusive environments, and building a culture that prioritizes positive youth development. Through strategic partnerships, innovative tools like the Youth Development Index, and a community-wide vision, CYD is helping to shape a brighter, healthier future for Bartholomew County—one where every young person is empowered to reach their full potential.
The TBRI: Foundation For Hope camps make a profound impact on the community by offering essential, trauma-informed support to families in need—completely free of charge. Rooted in the Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) model developed by the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, these camps provide a safe, nurturing space where families can begin to heal, reconnect, and grow stronger together. Trained staff and volunteers guide participants through empowering, connecting, and corrective practices that help build trust, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships. In partnership with local agencies like Johnson County Court Services, HopeAlight, and the Department of Child Services Region 14, the program fills a critical gap for families navigating the challenges of trauma, foster care, and system involvement. By prioritizing emotional well-being and creating opportunities for lasting connection, Foundation For Hope camps strengthen the fabric of our community and offer a path forward for families who need it most.
The Boys & Girls Club at Foundation For Youth plays a transformative role in Bartholomew County by providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for youth ages 5 to 18. In a community where many families rely on accessible, high-quality out-of-school programming, FFY fills a critical gap—offering kids and teens a place to learn, grow, and thrive every day after school, during school breaks, and even on snow days. Through hands-on activities in spaces like the Maker’s Studio and the xFinity Computer Lab, to exciting seasonal events, FFY sparks curiosity and creativity while building confidence and lifelong skills. For teens, the Boys & Girls Club offers dedicated programming focused on academic enrichment, college and career preparation, and positive mentorship—ensuring every young person has the tools and support to discover their path. Grounded in a trauma-informed approach, FFY helps youth build resilience, develop healthy relationships, and feel a sense of belonging. To ensure no child is left out due to financial barriers, FFY offers a sliding fee scale for families in need, making high-quality programs accessible to all. This essential work not only uplifts individual lives—it strengthens the entire Bartholomew County community by investing in its most valuable resource: its young people.
Our program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, plays a vital role in strengthening the Bartholomew County community by fostering one-to-one mentoring relationships that empower local youth to realize their full potential. In a time when many young people face overwhelming social, emotional, and academic challenges, the consistent presence of a caring mentor can be life-changing. Through strategic partnerships with families, schools, volunteers, and donors, Big Brothers Big Sisters creates meaningful connections that provide guidance, build confidence, and inspire hope. These relationships are more than mentorship—they are powerful tools for breaking cycles of adversity and unlocking opportunities. By defending, igniting, and nurturing the promise within every child, Big Brothers Big Sisters is helping to shape a more connected, resilient, and thriving Bartholomew County.
The FFY Athletics program enriches our community by providing inclusive, affordable sports opportunities for all ages. Through activities like basketball, volleyball, pickleball, Girls on the Run, and Trailblazers, it promotes confidence, teamwork, leadership, and healthy lifestyles. More than fitness, FFY Athletics builds character, fosters community, and strengthens the social fabric of the county—one game, practice, and connection at a time.
FFY Aquatics offers a safe, welcoming space for all ages to enjoy low-impact, health-focused water activities. With affordable swim lessons, aqua aerobics, lap swimming, and master swim training, the program promotes fitness, water safety, and community connection. In a region with limited year-round aquatic access, FFY Aquatics supports lifelong wellness and strengthens our community’s well-being.
For nearly 90 years, Columbus Youth Camp has been a beloved and essential part of our community, providing generations of young people with meaningful outdoor experiences that inspire growth, connection, and adventure. Since the camp’s lake was constructed in 1937 by WPA volunteers, it has served as a central gathering place for summer camps, school field trips, family reunions, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and community retreats. Set on 137 acres of natural beauty, the camp offers a wide range of activities—from zip lining and paddling to hiking and team-building courses—all designed to help youth build confidence, develop life skills, and form lasting memories. The natural setting isn't just a backdrop—it's an active classroom that encourages curiosity, exploration, and a deep appreciation for the world around us. With a variety of specialty camps like STEM, gardening, arts, athletics, and adventure, Columbus Youth Camp continues to meet the evolving needs of today's youth while preserving the traditions that have made it a cornerstone of community life for nearly a century.
Safe Place is a vital lifeline for youth in Bartholomew County, offering immediate access to safety, support, and hope in times of crisis. As the local coordinator, Foundation For Youth partners with schools, fire stations, libraries, and other trusted community spaces to create a visible network of help, marked by the recognizable yellow and black Safe Place sign. In a world where many young people face overwhelming challenges such as family conflict, abuse, homelessness, or mental health struggles, Safe Place ensures they are never alone and always have somewhere to turn. This program not only provides emergency support, but also connects youth to long-term resources that promote stability, healing, and empowerment. By bringing together caring adults and safe spaces throughout the county, Safe Place plays a critical role in protecting vulnerable youth.
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