Building Stronger Futures Together

For nearly 90 years, Foundation For Youth (FFY) has been a cornerstone of support, opportunity, and connection in Bartholomew County. Through a comprehensive network of prevention, enrichment, and intervention programs, FFY serves youth, families, and adults—meeting community needs today while building a healthier, more resilient future.

At the heart of FFY’s work is a belief that every young person deserves access to safe spaces, caring relationships, and meaningful opportunities to thrive. From early childhood through young adulthood, FFY’s programs are designed to promote positive mental health, academic success, physical wellness, and lifelong skills.

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Prevention, Mental Health, and Community Well-Being

FFY’s Prevention Initiatives work collaboratively with community members, coalitions, and partners to promote positive mental health and address substance misuse across Bartholomew County. Funded by the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addictions and the Office of National Drug Control Policy, this work raises awareness, delivers evidence-based education in schools and community settings, and creates free, family-friendly, substance-free events that foster connection and belonging. By strengthening protective factors and empowering youth and families with knowledge and skills, Prevention Initiatives help reduce risk and support long-term well-being.

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Crisis Intervention and Immediate Support

Safe Place is a national crisis intervention and prevention program for youth in need of immediate help. As the licensed Safe Place agency, FFY coordinates a county-wide network of schools, fire stations, libraries, and trusted community locations marked by the recognizable Safe Place sign. When young people face crisis—Safe Place ensures they are never alone and are quickly connected to safety, support, and long-term resources.

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Youth Ambassadors

The CYD Youth Ambassador program brings together high school students from across Bartholomew County who are passionate about community, equity, and positive change. Youth Ambassadors engage directly with local leaders, organizations, and systems—learning how community structures work while building confidence, advocacy skills, and a strong sense of belonging.

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For many participants, the impact is life-changing. As former Youth Ambassador Bea Orben shares:

“The community I found as a Youth Ambassador changed my senior year, my experience in Columbus, and my whole life. I learned to trust others’ support, see my strengths clearly, and believe in myself. Being a Youth Ambassador gave me the confidence to chase and achieve my goals.”

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Bea’s journey—from overcoming significant personal challenges to graduating with a 4.0 GPA, entering recovery, and pursuing architecture at Parsons School of Design—reflects the power of youth being seen, supported, and valued.

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ECHO: Empowering the Community with Hope and Opportunity

CYD's new youth empowerment program, ECHO (Empowering the Community with Hope and Opportunity), a youth-led leadership council made up of high school students committed to creating positive change. ECHO brings together young leaders from across youth organizations to elevate youth voices, strengthen mental health awareness, and lead prevention-focused efforts.

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Through monthly meetings, service projects, and community events, ECHO members collaborate to influence programs, inspire hope, and turn ideas into action—proving that when young people have a seat at the table, communities grow stronger.

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VOICE Bartholomew County

As part of CYD’s youth empowerment efforts, VOICE Bartholomew County is a teen-led initiative focused on combating tobacco and vaping through advocacy and education. Aligned with a statewide movement, VOICE empowers youth to expose the manipulative tactics of Big Tobacco, promote a vape-free community, and partner with local organizations to drive meaningful, youth-informed change.

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Healing, Connection, and Trauma-Informed Support

FFY’s commitment to emotional well-being is grounded in Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI)—a trauma-informed framework used across the organization to respond with compassion, connection, and purpose.

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The TBRI: Foundation For Hope Camps bring this framework to life by offering free, trauma-informed camps for families navigating foster care, system involvement, and the effects of trauma. Guided by trained staff and volunteers, families engage in empowering, connecting, and corrective practices that build trust, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships. In partnership with agencies such as Johnson County Court Services, HopeAlight, and the Department of Child Services Region 14, these camps fill a critical gap—strengthening families and the broader community through healing and hope.

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Academic Success, Belonging, and Opportunity

A cornerstone of FFY’s impact is the Boys & Girls Club at Foundation For Youth, which provides a safe, structured, and supportive environment every day after school until 6:30 p.m., as well as full-day programming during summer and school breaks. Serving youth ages 5–18, the Club is a vital support system for working families, particularly those facing financial hardship. Through a sliding fee scale and scholarships, no child is turned away due to cost.

 

The outcomes are powerful:

• 67% of members return year after year

• 89% earn mostly As and Bs

• 90% are on track to graduate high school

• Summer Learning Lab participants showed an average 16% improvement in English Language Arts and Math

 

Through programs such as Power Hour, Summer Brain Gain, DIY STEM, Maker Space Studio, Tech Lab, SMART Girls, Passport to Manhood, and career exploration through Indiana Kids, the Boys & Girls Club builds academic confidence, social-emotional skills, and future readiness.

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In addition to learning and enrichment, FFY meets a critical basic need: nutrition. Last year alone, the Club provided more than 11,000 meals and snacks. The Club has expanded to offer a daily hot afterschool meal—ensuring youth have the nourishment they need to focus, learn, and grow.

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Mentorship That Changes Lives

Big Brothers Big Sisters, a program of Foundation For Youth, strengthens the community through one-to-one and small-group mentoring relationships that empower young people to reach their full potential. By pairing youth with caring, consistent adult mentors, BBBS helps build confidence, resilience, and hope—creating relationships that can change the course of a young person’s life.

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Innovative programs like CHARGED (Creating Holistic Achievement through Role Models, Guidance, and Empowerment for the Development of Teens) support teens ages 14–18 through small-group mentoring focused on life skills, relationships, and future readiness. Participants often form lasting bonds that continue beyond high school.

 

As former CHARGED participant Makenna England shares:

“While I was in high school, I wasn’t really involved in anything until I was invited to join the CHARGED program. It was the best decision I could have made. Connecting with Megan has changed my life… Now that I have graduated, Megan and I meet up for coffee or lunch and talk about life. I also know that someday I will be a coach for the CHARGED program and be to someone what Megan was and still is to me.”

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The impact of these relationships is deeply personal. As Big Sister Cathy King shares:

“Being a Big Sister has been an incredible experience. The moments I cherish most were the simple ones—grabbing a coffee, baking cookies together, or just chatting during the drive home from school. Those everyday moments became the most meaningful. I’m deeply grateful to BBBS for connecting me with Leonia, and I know this relationship will continue for many years to come.”

 

Through relationships rooted in trust, consistency, and care, Big Brothers Big Sisters helps shape a more connected, resilient Bartholomew County.

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Health, Wellness, and Recreation for All

FFY’s Athletics and Aquatics programs promote physical health, confidence, and community connection through inclusive, affordable opportunities for all ages. From basketball, volleyball, pickleball, Girls on the Run, and Trailblazers to swim lessons, aqua aerobics, lap swimming, and master swim training, these programs support lifelong wellness while building teamwork, leadership, and belonging.

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Adventure, Exploration, and Outdoor Learning

For nearly 90 years, Columbus Youth Camp has inspired generations of young people through outdoor adventure and experiential learning. Situated on 137 scenic acres, the camp offers activities such as zip lining, paddling, hiking, archery, STEM, arts, athletics, and team-building experiences. The natural environment serves as an active classroom—helping youth build confidence, life skills, and a lasting appreciation for the world around them.​