Family & Youth Initiatives
Family & Youth Initiatives’ (FYI) mission is to empower families and provide hope. As we engage, equip, and encourage those we serve, we are rescuing children from potential trauma and changing the direction of families’ and students’ lives. FYI helps build a solid foundation for growth through education, training, and support. It is our hope that every person who walks through our doors to walk out changed: better equipped to thrive today and have hope for the future.
Beginning in 1978 as Tri-County Women’s Network, co-founders, Pat Banaszak and Carol Tipton, originally provided free education and support to struggling teen mothers in Springfield. Since then, FYI has expanded to include three Parenting Networks for parents of all ages, an in-school education program for middle and high school students in seven counties, a robust mentoring program reaching elementary through high school students and youth detained at the Clark County JDC, and a vibrant community garden.
Each program relates to families and students where they are and is offered free of charge.
Parenting Network
- Provides education and material assistance to parents who are expecting a child or have children up to age five. As parents complete lessons on pregnancy, parenting, and other life skills, they receive “baby bucks” to shop for items like a crib, car seat, clothing, diapers, and other items needed for their child. Mentoring is provided in a one-on-one setting and group classes on safe sleep, preventing child sexual abuse, shaken baby syndrome, and stress management are also available.
Real Life Teen Choices
- Provides middle and high school students in seven counties with community educators for a 5-day in-school program focusing on positive choices for a healthy future. Educators focus on developing healthy relationships, realities and consequences of engaging in at-risk behavior, and the advantages of following a sequence for success. Topics include sexual activity, substance abuse, mental health awareness, and teen dating violence.
Mentoring Program
- Provides mentors in one-on-one and group sessions for youth in grades 3 - 12, and youth detained at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center. Trained mentors offer a consistent caring adult to listen, support, and encourage youth in making positive, healthy decisions to discover their strengths and how to reach their full potential.
Community Garden
- Provides garden plots to members of the community to grow their own produce yearly. Gardeners meet regularly to exchange planting, harvesting, and preserving techniques for their garden. They also help in the community garden section dedicated to growing produce for food pantries in Park Layne and New Carlisle.
FYI has multiple opportunities to join in this mission, whether as a volunteer, financial supporter, or organizing a mini fundraiser. You can be an integral part of changing lives in our community.
Contact Information: Family & Youth Initiatives, 468 N Dayton Lakeview Rd, New Carlisle, OH 45344
937-845-0403 Hours: M - Th 9am - 5pm
www.fyiohio.org nikki@fyiohio.org
