Since 1928, Foundation For Youth (FFY) has been at the heart of our community — inspiring and enabling our youth, and empowering the families of Columbus. What began as a grassroots effort to “keep the roving bands of youth from the streets of Columbus” has evolved into a vibrant hub of opportunity, leadership, and connection. We’re proud to be one of the earliest examples of the “Columbus Way,” where local leaders joined forces to invest in our children and shape a stronger, more unified community. What started as a place of safety has grown into a center for enrichment, mentorship, and personal growth. Today, FFY provides a wide array of programs that serve kids and families at every stage. We create spaces where young people can discover their strengths, build lifelong relationships, and learn the values of teamwork, responsibility, and compassion.
 

A Legacy of Impact

Each year, hundreds of Club Kids come through our doors after school and during the summer — and data shows that those who attend 52 times or more annually are significantly more likely to graduate from high school. Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, youth who are matched with a mentor are far less likely to be involved in the juvenile justice system. Our athletics and aquatics programs do more than develop physical skills; they cultivate discipline, cooperation, and the confidence to lead. Out in the woods at Columbus Youth Camp, kids explore 137 acres of forest, trails, and water — learning how to set goals, solve problems, and work as a team. Many young campers go on to become counselors, returning year after year to share what they’ve learned and to lead by example.
 

From Generation to Generation

Over nearly a century, the ripple effects of FFY’s work have shaped lives across the nation. Former FFY kids are now local business leaders, educators, medical professionals, public servants, and community organizers. They are our neighbors and our leaders — the ones helping Columbus thrive today and investing in tomorrow. You’ll find FFY alumni in our schools, our hospitals, our city government, and beyond. They are living proof of what happens when a community believes in its youth.

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Who We Are Today

Located at 405 Hope Avenue, Foundation For Youth is home to impactful, mission-driven programs including:

• Boys & Girls Club

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bartholomew County

• Athletics

• Aquatics

• Council for Youth Development Bartholomew County

• Columbus Youth Camp

• Prevention Initiatives

• TBRI:Foundation For Hope

• Safe Place

Every service we offer is rooted in our mission: to inspire and enable our youth and our community. We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, but more than that, we’re a movement — powered by volunteers, community partners, families, and young people who believe in building a better future together.

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The story of FFY is one of transformation, resilience, and hope. And it’s still being written — every day, by every child who walks through our doors. Whether you’re a parent, a volunteer, a donor, or a former FFY kid yourself, we invite you to be part of our mission and help us raise the next generation of leaders. Together, we’re not just serving youth — we’re shaping a community where everyone has a place to belong, to grow, and to lead.