WHO WE ARE
Foundation For Youth (FFY) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been a dedicated community pillar for youth and families across Bartholomew County and beyond since 1928. FFY offers a wide range of programs, including sports leagues, out of school activities, camps, prevention, and mentoring services - all designed to support the physical, social, and emotional development of youth. By promoting values such as community, connection, and accountability and grounded in our 4 cornerstones: Commitment to Learning; Character and Leadership; Positive Identity; Healthy Lifestyles, FFY helps young people become well-rounded, confident individuals ready to succeed in life.
FFY is committed to making a positive impact on youth in Columbus and surrounding areas, ensuring that every child has access to safe, engaging, and enriching experiences. FFY's programs reach thousands of children each year, providing them with opportunities to build friendships, develop new skills, and enhance their academic and personal growth. As a nonprofit organization, FFY relies on community support, volunteers, and partnerships to sustain its programs and expand its outreach. Through its efforts, FFY continues to be a vital resource for building a stronger, more connected community, one child at a time.
OUR STORY
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:
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Athletics
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Aquatics
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Boys & Girls Club
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Columbus Youth Camp
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TBRI: Foundation For Hope
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bartholomew County
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Council for Youth Development Bartholomew County
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Prevention Initiatives
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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.
OUR MISSION AND VISION
MISSION
To Inspire and Enable Our Youth, Our Community
VISION
Be a community leader empowering our youth to build healthy and productive futures through access to world class programs and facilities; made possible by professional staff and committed supporters.
OUR VALUES
IMPACT
We focus on achieving lasting and positive change by devoting ourselves to empowering youth to reach their full potential.
SUSTAINABILITY
We work to support the current needs of our community’s youth while planning for those of the future.
OPPORTUNITY
We create possibilities and equitable opportunities for participants to grow and thrive.
CONNECTION
We strive to create an welcoming environment where all feel safe, respected, and supported as valued contributors and we celebrate the diversity of our kids.
COMMUNITY
We develop meaningful connections and foster collaborations to advance and strengthen collective outcomes.
LEADERSHIP
We motivate others to embrace common goals and align resources to maximize our impact.
OUR CORNERSTONES
We believe that character and leadership are at the heart of youth development. By teaching honesty, responsibility, and empathy, we empower young people to lead with integrity, make thoughtful decisions, and positively influence their peers and communities. Through this foundation, they grow into compassionate, confident leaders ready to face challenges and uplift those around them.
We believe in fostering a lifelong commitment to learning. By encouraging curiosity, perseverance, and a growth mindset, we inspire youth to embrace new experiences both in and beyond the classroom. We’re dedicated to helping them discover the value of hard work, resilience, and continuous growth as they chase their dreams and overcome life’s obstacles.
We believe in nurturing a positive identity within every young person. By helping them recognize their unique strengths, we empower them to build confidence, develop self-esteem, and find purpose. With a strong sense of self, youth are better equipped to make healthy choices, form meaningful relationships, and step boldly into their communities.
We believe in the importance of healthy lifestyles. By promoting physical activity, balanced nutrition, emotional well-being, and positive daily habits, we support young people in building a strong foundation for lifelong health. Through this focus, youth are prepared to handle challenges, build strong connections, and thrive in every area of their lives.
TRAININGS & CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Child and Youth Care Professionals
At FFY, having staff certified through the Child and Youth Care Certification Board (CYCCB) reflects our strong commitment to providing the highest quality care and support to the young people and families we serve. This nationally recognized certification demonstrates that our team members have met rigorous professional standards in areas like youth development, relationship building, crisis intervention, and ethical practice. It means our certified staff bring proven skills, knowledge, and experience to their work, ensuring that every child and youth in our care receives thoughtful, developmentally appropriate, and compassionate support. Having CYCCB-certified professionals on our team not only strengthens the services we offer but also highlights our dedication to maintaining excellence and accountability in everything we do.
Building Trust. Inspiring Growth. Creating Change.
At Foundation For Youth, we believe every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued. Our team uses evidence-based practices — including Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Developmental Assets, Developmental Relationships, and LifeSkills — to create spaces where children and teens can thrive.
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TBRI provides a trauma-informed framework that helps us respond with compassion, connection, and purpose — meeting kids where they are, not where we expect them to be. Developmental Assets and Developmental Relationships strengthen the bonds between youth and caring adults, encouraging confidence, empathy, and personal growth. Through LifeSkills training, youth gain practical tools to make positive choices, manage emotions, and build healthy relationships.
These approaches help every young person:
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Build trust and meaningful connections
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Strengthen emotional regulation, resilience, and self-awareness
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Grow confidence, decision-making skills, and positive values
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Feel seen, heard, and respected in consistent, caring environments
Whether in the gym, afterschool in the Club, or swimming in the pool, these practices guide how we connect with youth every day. By focusing on safety, belonging, and growth, we help young people discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop the skills they need for lifelong success — because when youth feel safe and supported, they thrive.
STAY IN THE KNOW!
Join the FFY Newsletter to get the latest updates on our programs, events, volunteer opportunities, and more!
