WHO WE ARE
Foundation For Youth (FFY) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been a dedicated community pillar inspiring and enabling individuals primarily in Bartholomew County for years. Established in 1928, FFY's mission is to inspire and enable youth ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive. 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 leadership, FFY helps young people become well-rounded, confident individuals ready to succeed in life.
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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 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.
Developmental Assets and Developmental Relationships Trainings
Developmental assets are the positive experiences, relationships, and personal qualities that young people need to thrive. These assets, identified by the Search Institute, are divided into external assets — like support from family, schools, and the community — and internal assets, such as personal values, self-esteem, and decision-making skills. Together, these assets help shape young people into healthy, responsible, and caring individuals. Closely connected to this is the concept of developmental relationships, which are meaningful connections through which young people feel cared for, are encouraged to grow, receive support, have a voice, and are introduced to new opportunities and experiences.
When our staff are trained in developmental assets and developmental relationships, it means they have been intentionally trained to recognize, build, and support these essential factors in the lives of young people. This training equips our team with tools and strategies to foster strong, supportive relationships and create environments where youth feel safe, valued, and empowered. It reinforces our staff’s role not just as supervisors or program leaders, but as mentors and positive role models who actively contribute to the growth, confidence, and future success of the young people we serve.
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Learn more about the Search Institute's research on developmental assets here.
Learn more about the Search Institute's research developmental relationships here.
TBRI/Trauma Informed Approach
For our youth-working staff, following a TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) and trauma-informed approach means recognizing that many young people carry experiences of trauma that can shape how they see the world, how they trust others, and how they respond to challenges. TBRI is a compassionate, evidence-based framework designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable youth by focusing on building trusting relationships, providing felt safety, and supporting healthy emotional regulation. A trauma-informed approach acknowledges the impact of past trauma, avoids practices that could unintentionally re-trigger those experiences, and instead responds with empathy, understanding, and strategies that promote healing and resilience.
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When our staff commit to this approach, it means every interaction with youth — and with one another — is grounded in empathy, patience, and relational care. Staff are trained to create environments where all members feel safe, seen, and heard. This involves using consistent routines, clear expectations, supportive language, and restorative practices rather than punitive responses. It also means being aware of our own emotional responses and maintaining a culture of respect and kindness. By applying TBRI and trauma-informed practices, our staff not only help young people feel secure and supported but also actively contribute to their emotional growth, stability, and long-term well-being.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
We believe that understanding the experiences behind a young person’s behavior is essential to supporting their growth. That’s why our staff are trained in recognizing and responding to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).​ This knowledge equips our team to create safe, supportive environments where every child feels seen, valued, and understood. By recognizing the impact that early trauma can have on development, relationships, and learning, our staff can better connect with youth, foster resilience, and offer meaningful guidance that meets kids where they are.
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This allows us to approach our programs — whether it’s in the gym, the pool, the classroom, or the community — with empathy, patience, and trauma-informed care. It’s a vital part of how we build trust, nurture confidence, and help young people overcome challenges as they discover their strengths and grow into compassionate, capable leaders.
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