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.

Foundation for Youth is designated a Platinum Level participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency.

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OUR STORY

A Legacy of Empowering Youth. A Future Built Together.

Since 1928, Foundation For Youth (FFY) has been part of the story of Columbus and Bartholomew County, Indiana. For nearly a century, we have believed in the potential of every young person and the power of a community that comes together to help them thrive.

What began as a grassroots effort to provide young people with a safe, positive place to spend their time has grown into a comprehensive network of programs that support youth and families through every stage of life. Built on the spirit of collaboration that would become known as the Columbus Way, FFY has long demonstrated what is possible when a community invests in its greatest resource: its people.

Our story is one of opportunity, connection, and the belief that every young person deserves the chance to discover who they are, develop their strengths, and build a bright future.

Nearly a Century of Making a Difference

For generations, Foundation For Youth has created opportunities for young people to learn, lead, build relationships, and discover their potential. Through mentorship, education, recreation, and personal development, we help youth develop the skills and confidence they need to navigate life’s challenges and pursue their goals.

At the Boys & Girls Club, young people find a place to belong, explore their interests, and grow through engaging, hands-on experiences. Through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bartholomew County, caring mentors build meaningful relationships that help youth see new possibilities for their futures. Our athletics and aquatics programs encourage healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and perseverance, while Columbus Youth Camp gives young people the opportunity to explore the outdoors, build confidence, and form lasting friendships.

From prevention education and leadership development to programs that strengthen families and connect youth with caring adults, every part of our work is rooted in the belief that positive experiences and supportive relationships can make a lasting difference.

Because when young people are given the tools, encouragement, and opportunities to succeed, the impact reaches far beyond childhood.

Growing Stronger, Together

The impact of Foundation For Youth extends well beyond our walls. Former Club kids, campers, athletes, and program participants have grown into parents, educators, business leaders, healthcare professionals, public servants, and community advocates. Their stories are part of our legacy, demonstrating how investing in young people today helps shape the community of tomorrow.

We also know that meaningful change doesn't happen alone. Our work is made possible through the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of donors, the commitment of community partners, and the trust of families who welcome us into their lives.

Together, we help create a stronger Bartholomew County—one where young people have access to opportunities, families feel supported, and individuals are empowered to contribute to something greater than themselves.

Who We Are Today

Today, Foundation For Youth brings together a diverse range of programs and services designed to inspire growth, strengthen connections, and create opportunities for youth and families throughout our community.

Our programs include:

Boys & Girls Club — Providing a safe, supportive environment where young people can learn, build relationships, and develop essential life skills.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bartholomew County — Connecting youth with caring mentors who encourage growth, confidence, and positive futures.
Columbus Youth Camp — Creating meaningful outdoor experiences that foster independence, teamwork, leadership, and a love of nature.
Athletics & Aquatics — Promoting healthy lifestyles, physical development, confidence, and sportsmanship.
Prevention Initiatives — Equipping young people and families with knowledge, resources, and skills to make healthy choices.
ECHO Teen Council — Creating opportunities for teens to build leadership skills, develop their voices, and make a difference.
Youth Ambassadors — Encouraging young people to grow as leaders and become active contributors to their community.
TBRI: Foundation For Hope — Supporting connection, understanding, and positive relationships through a trauma-informed approach.
Safe Place — Helping connect young people in crisis with safety, support, and resources.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to making our programs accessible and creating opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to participate, grow, and succeed. While our programs continue to evolve to meet the needs of our community, our purpose remains the same: to inspire and enable our youth and our community.

The Next Chapter Starts With Us

As Foundation For Youth looks toward its second century of service, we remain committed to building on the legacy of those who came before us while creating new opportunities for generations to come. Our story is still being written—in every mentoring relationship, every new skill discovered, every challenge overcome, and every young person who begins to believe in what is possible. Whether you are a parent seeking opportunities for your child, a volunteer ready to make a difference, a donor investing in the future, a community partner, or someone whose life was shaped by FFY, you have a place in our story.

Together, we are building a future where every young person has the opportunity to belong, grow, and 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 Mission

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.

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:

Build trust and meaningful connections
Strengthen emotional regulation, resilience, and self-awareness
Grow confidence, decision-making skills, and positive values
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!