Improving lives of individuals, families, and communities through counseling, education, and support.

Directions for Youth & Families impacts over 6,300 youth and their families each year through mental, emotional and behavioral health services. We are a resiliency-oriented, trauma-informed agency working and training with experts and educators. Through counseling, education and support programs we are proud of the impact we have in contributing to a healthy community – one individual, one family at a time.

How you can get involved

When we support kids and families, we Open Doors for a new future. Please help us continue to Open Doors for kids and families by making a gift today. Your support makes life changing experiences and programs possible for kids. Every donation goes towards providing central Ohio youth and families with critical counseling and support services so they can heal and pursue their dreams.


Friends Helping Families is our holiday and year-round giving program for our client families.

One-year Anniversary of the opening of our new Crittenton Community Center.  More information about supporting meaningful change through sponsorship of a locker ($250), garden bench ($750), and engraved leaf ($1,000 and up) on the social justice tree, an art installation in the Center lobby representing the growth of a community.

Directions for Youth & Families selected as the 2022 Honoree of The Columbus Foundation Award!
We are honored to be recognized for the important role our programs and services play in bringing stability and opportunity to youth, families, and neighborhoods. More details here.

Counseling
Services

We provide services addressing a range of issues including school concerns, sexual abuse, delinquency, domestic violence, family conflict, substance abuse and mental health issues. Most services are provided on an outreach basis, in youth’s homes, schools or other community settings. Learn more.

Early
Childhood

Ready, Set, Grow is an in-home kindergarten readiness program working directly with children and parent/guardian to enhance learning and assist parents with child development skills. We provide prenatal and early childhood support through the Early Head Start Partnership Program.

After School &
Summer Programs

Our after-school and summer programs provide homework help, computer labs, leadership development, recreation and creative arts programming. We operate two youth centers, Crittenton Community Center, on the east side in the Kimberly Parkway neighborhood, and Ohio Avenue Youth Center.

  • Central Ohio United Way
  • ADAMH
  • Franklin County DJFS
  • National Crittenton Foundation
  • Council of Accreditation
  • Ohio Mental Health