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Youth

Programs

4-H

4-H is an extracurricular, volunteer-led, family-oriented program for youth from urban, suburban, and rural communities.

4-H helps young people develop life skills and learn by doing. A life skill is an ability that one can use in everyday life. The basic life skills are building self-confidence, developing an inquiring mind and making decisions, setting and meeting goals, relating to other people, developing a concern for the community, and developing leadership skills.

Location

Purdue Extension

Address

783 S Marr Road

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

(812) 379-1665

Hours

Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

Eligibility

Youth in Kindergarten to 12th grade

Intake Procedure

Call for information

What To Bring

Fees

Up to $20 for annual membership; scholarships available

Additional Languages

Purdue Extension

812-379-1665

783 South Marr Road

Columbus

IN

47201

AEI Youth Sports Fund

AEI is partnering with Heritage Fund to provide financial assistance for area youth to participate in athletic and fitness programs. Through this fund, AEI hopes to provide additional access to athletic and fitness activities to youth with financial barriers to participation.

Grants will include assistance for but not limited to lessons, clinics, travel, equipment, program fees, dues, etc. Grants will be considered based on financial barriers to participation.

Location

Heritage Fund Community Foundation

Address

538 Franklin Street

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

(812) 376-7772

Hours

Eligibility

Youth, parents, clubs, teams, and others are eligible to apply for grants to support youth ages 18 and under who reside in Bartholomew and surrounding counties in Indiana.

Intake Procedure

View website to apply online or call with questions; applications accepted quarterly

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Heritage Fund

812-376-7772

538 Franklin Street

Columbus

IN

47201

Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation

Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation is a learning institution that is funded by the local, state, and/or federal government. BCSC offers general education to children in kindergarten through grade 12 and extracurricular activities are also part of many public school programs.

Location

Address

1200 Central Avenue

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

(812) 376-4234

Hours

Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm

Eligibility

Intake Procedure

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation

812-376-4234

1200 Central Avenue

Columbus

IN

47201

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”)  in communities across the country as the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

Location

Foundation for Youth

Address

405 Hope Avenue

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

(812) 348-4558

Hours

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Eligibility

Children age 5 to 18 living in Bartholomew County with parent commitment to one year

Intake Procedure

Call or visit website for information

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Foundation for Youth

812-348-4558

405 Hope Avenue

Columbus

IN

47201

Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline

The Indiana Department of Child Services leads the state's response to allegations of child abuse and neglect and facilitates child support payments. We consider the needs and values of all we serve in our efforts to protect children while keeping families together whenever possible.

Location

Address

Phone Number

(800) 800-5556

Hours

24 hours daily

Eligibility

Indiana is a mandatory reporting state; anyone who suspects a child has been neglected or abused must by state law make a report

Intake Procedure

Call to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Indiana Department of Child Services

812-376-9361

4555 Ray Boll Boulevard, Ste A

Columbus

IN

47203

Child Care Finder

Early Learning Marketplace is modernizing how families find child care. Through the easy-to-use interface, families can search for programs near them, filter based on their needs, and claim available seats in real time. No more wasting time searching the internet and making phone calls only to reach a dead end. 

Location

Brighter Futures Indiana

Address

Phone Number

(800) 299-1627

Hours

Mon-Thur 8am-7pm
Fri 8a-5p

Eligibility

Anyone looking for child care

Intake Procedure

Call or visit website

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Brighter Futures Indiana

800-299-1627

No physical address

Columbus

IN

47201

Child Care Resource and Referral

Indiana’s Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network is a trusted and knowledgeable resource for families, providers and  community leaders that helps connect them to early care and education services, support and information. CCR&R agencies provide local family outreach and support; engage with key audiences to advance early childhood education quality, access and affordability;  and monitor for local changes, conversations and happenings related to early childhood education. Chances And Services for Youth CCR&R agency serves 24 counties across Central Indiana: Bartholomew, Brown, Clay, Delaware, Fayette, Greene, Hancock, Henry, Johnson, Madison, Montgomery, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Randolph, Rush, Shelby, Sullivan, Union, Vermillion, Vigo, and Wayne Counties.

Location

Address

Phone Number

(812) 232-3952 Option 1

Hours

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Eligibility

Anyone searching for child care

Intake Procedure

Call for information

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Chances and Services for Youth

812-232-3952

1101 South 13th Street

Terre Haute

IN

47802

Child Care Vouchers

The Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) program is designed to ensure that low-income families in Indiana have equal access to child care and educational opportunities. Firefly Children and Family Alliance provides eligibility determination services for families accessing the CCDF program.

Location

Address

Phone Number

(317) 545-5281
(866) 287-2420

Hours

Mon, Tues, Thurs 8am-4:30pm
Wed 8am-5pm
Fri 8am-4pm

Eligibility

Bartholomew County parents or foster parents working or going to school with children who are age 12 or younger unless they have special needs; meet income guidelines

Intake Procedure

Call for information or apply online via website

What To Bring

Photo ID, proof of identity for all family members

Fees

Additional Languages

Firefly Children & Family Alliance

812-314-2213

1531 13th Street, Ste. G800

Columbus

IN

47201

Child Support Division

The Child Support Division represents the State of Indiana and is not permitted to act as your attorney; however, we may be able to assist you in the establishment, enforcement, or modification of child support orders.

Location

Address

234 Washington Street

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

(812) 379-1674

Hours

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Eligibility

See website for further information

Intake Procedure

Call or walk-in

What To Bring

Photo ID

Fees

Vary

Additional Languages

Bartholomew County Prosecutor

812-379-1674

234 Washington Street

Columbus

IN

47201

Clarity Pregnancy Services

Clarity Pregnancy Services is in a unique position to assist our clients with material assistance by providing diapers, clothing, and other essential items for our clients who need help supporting their new families.

Location

Address

2420 Seventh Street

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

(812) 378-4730

Hours

Mon-Thurs 11am-4:30pm

Eligibility

Intake Procedure

Call to schedule an appointment

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Clarity Pregnancy Services

812-378-4114

4550 W Jonathan Moore Pike

Columbus

IN

47201

Clothing Vouchers

Sans Souci's voucher program exists to serve Bartholomew County community members who are in need of items like clothing, shoes, and winter coats. 

Location

Sans Souci

Address

1526 13th Street

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

(812) 372-3419 Option 1

Hours

Intake/Pickup Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm

Eligibility

Bartholomew County residents; have not received assistance in the last year

Intake Procedure

Call; vouchers will be processed and ready for pickup 24 hours later

What To Bring

Photo ID; proof of address

Fees

Additional Languages

Spanish assistance available Mon-Fri 10am-1pm

Sans Souci

812-372-3419

1526 13th Street

Columbus

IN

47201

Community Partners for Child Safety

A voluntary program, designed to ensure safe, stable homes for children. CPCS provides community support to vulnerable families located in central Indiana that self-identify or are referred by community agencies, schools, churches, relatives and other community systems.

Providing services in the home is the first step in identifying underlying issues that can lead to instability and unsafe environments for children. Trained case managers help families understand the importance of defining and working toward family-specific goals. Goals often include securing safe, affordable housing; seeking employment or advancing job skills; learning and using constructive communication and parenting skills and connecting families to resources to address addictions and mental health concerns. The case manager is key in identifying necessary community resources, initiating referrals and ultimately supporting families.

Location

Firefly Children and Family Alliance

Address

1531 13th Street, Ste. G800

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

(812) 314-2213

Hours

Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

Eligibility

Families with children under age 18 who reside in one of the service areas and who are not actively involved with the Department of Child Services or Healthy Families

Intake Procedure

Call for information

What To Bring

Information will be given at time of intake

Fees

Additional Languages

Firefly Children & Family Alliance

812-314-2213

1531 13th Street, Ste. G800

Columbus

IN

47201

Council for Youth Development

The Council for Youth Development (CYD) is a cross-sector coalition that aligns efforts to advance a culture of positive youth development in Bartholomew County. We envision a community where all youth and families are reaching their full potential.

Location

Address

4555 Central Avenue, Ste. 1309

Columbus

IN

47203

Phone Number

Hours

Eligibility

Youth, caregivers, or youth care workers

Intake Procedure

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Council for Youth Development (CYD)

4555 Central Avenue, Ste 1307

Columbus

IN

47203

Department of Child Services

The Indiana Department of Child Services leads the state's response to allegations of child abuse and neglect and facilitates child support payments. We consider the needs and values of all we serve in our efforts to protect children while keeping families together whenever possible.

Location

Address

4555 Ray Boll Boulevard, Ste. A

Columbus

IN

47203

Phone Number

(812) 376-9361

Hours

Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

Eligibility

Families who have a DCS case

Intake Procedure

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Indiana Department of Child Services

812-376-9361

4555 Ray Boll Boulevard, Ste A

Columbus

IN

47203

Enrollment Center

Welcome to Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC)! We are excited to welcome all children to our community. Together we learn! Please review the information below for detailed information on our online enrollment process, our enrollment center, language support, and necessary enrollment documents to get started. The BCSC Enrollment Center website contains all of the helpful information and enrollment links you will need to begin your learning journey in BCSC.

Location

BCSC Enrollment Center

Address

2401 Beam Road

Columbus

IN

47203

Phone Number

812-376-4463

Hours

Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

Eligibility

Intake Procedure

Call for an appointment

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Spanish

Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation

812-376-4234

1200 Central Avenue

Columbus

IN

47201

FRHC Replay

Our mission is to offer opportunities for extracurricular activities to those in need. We supply gently used, yet functional sports equipment of all kinds, including musical instruments. Donations can be dropped off in the box located on the right side of the driveway at the address provided.

Location

Address

4185 East 450 North

Columbus

IN

47203

Phone Number

(812) 350-8525

Hours

Eligibility

Intake Procedure
What To Bring

Fees

Free

Additional Languages

FRHC Replay

812-350-8525

4185 E 450 N

Columbus

Columbus

47203

First Steps South East

Indiana’s First Steps system is a family-centered, locally-based, coordinated system that provides early intervention services to infants and young children who may have developmental delays or who have a diagnosed mental or physical condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delays. First Steps brings together families and professionals from education, health, and social service agencies. By coordinating locally available services, First Steps is working to give Indiana’s children and their families the widest possible array of early intervention services.

Location

Address

1531 13th Street, Ste. G900

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

(866) 644-2454

Hours

Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

Eligibility

Children up to age 3 who are experiencing developmental delays

Intake Procedure

Call to schedule an intake appointment

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Thrive Alliance

(866) 644-6407

1531 13th Street Suite G900

Columbus

IN

47201

Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corporation

Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corporation is a learning institution that is funded by the local, state, and/or federal government. FRHC offers general education to children in kindergarten through grade 12 and extracurricular activities are also part of many public school programs.

Location

Address

9423 State Road 9

Hope

IN

47246

Phone Number

(812) 546-4922

Hours

Eligibility

Intake Procedure

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corporation

812-546-4922

9423 N State Road 9

Hope

IN

47246

Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide FREE early childhood services to enrolled children and their families, which include health, nutrition, social, and other services determined to be necessary by family needs assessments, in addition to education and cognitive development services. Programs’ services are designed to be responsive to each child and family’s ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage.

Location

Human Services, Inc.

Address

4355 E 600 N

Columbus

IN

47203

Phone Number

(812) 372-8407

Hours

Hours vary by class

Eligibility

Families with children ages birth through age 5 or pregnant mothers, foster children, homeless children, families that receive TANF or SSI, or children with a documented learning disability living in Bartholomew County; household income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

Intake Procedure

Apply in person, by mail, or online

What To Bring

Birth certificate and shot record for child(ren); photo ID for parent

Fees

Additional Languages

Human Services, Inc.

812-372-8407

4355 East 600 North

Columbus

IN

47203

Healthy Families

Healthy Families is a voluntary and confidential home-based service to support new and expectant parents. Because babies begin learning at birth, Healthy Families believes parents are their child’s first and best teachers. 

The program provides families with information about services available in the community, information about the health, safety and care of newborns, and access to the latest information on brain development. Families receive regular visits from a trained Family Support Specialist who can provide support, developmental assessments for their child, and an opportunity to set and accomplish family goals.

Location

New Hope Services

Address

1531 13th Street, Ste. G450

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

(812) 314-2243

Hours

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Eligibility

Pregnant or new parent with child under 90 days old and under 250% of Federal Poverty Level

Intake Procedure

Call to schedule an appointment

What To Bring

Proof of income or Medicaid card (if applicable)

Fees

Additional Languages

New Hope Services

Healthy Families: 812-314-2243 WIC: 812-379-1557

1531 13th Street, Ste G450

Columbus

IN

47201

IYG Counseling Program

The IYG Counseling Program is open to any youth and young adults between the ages of 12-24. The counseling services provided are focused on providing short-term counseling that is trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based. We also offer some long-term therapy services as well. The program's goal is to support young people in all areas of their lives, including identity development, building healthy coping skills, and navigating stressful life circumstances. All services at IYG are LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming. Sessions can be completed in person or virtually and support groups are available. All therapy services are provided free of cost.

Location

IYG Columbus

Address

1531 13th Street

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

317-864-8134

Hours

By Appointment

Eligibility

Youth ages 12-24

Intake Procedure

Intakes are completed after parental or self-consent is collected and typically take 1-1.5 hours.

What To Bring

Fees

None

Additional Languages

Indiana Youth Group (IYG)

317-541-8726

1531 13th Street

Columbus

IN

47201

Imagination Library of Bartholomew County

The Imagination Library mails high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to enrolled children from birth to age five. Dolly Parton envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More, and Be More.

Location

Address

Phone Number

(812) 373-6432

Hours

Eligibility

Bartholomew County resident; birth to age 5

Intake Procedure

Register online

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Imagination Library of Bartholomew County

812-373-6432

None

Columbus

IN

47203

Intensive Outpatient Program

Columbus Behavioral Center’s outpatient program can help address mental health issues for adolescents and teens within Bartholomew County. We look forward to working alongside you in serving young people and their families in our community.

Location

Columbus Behavioral Center

Address

4105 Vickers Drive

Columbus

IN

47203

Phone Number

(812) 565-9323

Hours

Office: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Group: Mon-Thurs 2pm-5pm with walk-ins Fri

Eligibility

- Youth ages 12-18
- Who does not meet the criteria for acute LOC (level of consciousness) or IOP (intensive outpatient program) is essential to prevent acute LOC
- Who have an existing mental health diagnosis
- Who is medically stable
- Who have an IQ of 70+
- Who have been unsuccessful with traditional outpatient series

Intake Procedure

Phone screening, then in-person assessment

What To Bring

Insurance information; relevant medical history

Fees

Vary; accepts health insurance

Additional Languages

Columbus Behavioral Center

812-565-9323

4105 Vickers Drive

Columbus

IN

47203

Medicaid: HIP, Hoosier Healthwise, Medicare Savings Program, Traditional

The FSSA Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning efficiently and effectively administers Medicaid programs for the state of Indiana. Medicaid is more than just health coverage—it provides a vital safety net to one in five Hoosiers.

Indiana Health Coverage Programs include traditional Medicaid, Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), Hoosier Healthwise, Medicare Savings Program, and many other programs tailored to the needs of specific populations. 

Location

Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA)

Address

2330 Poshard Drive

Columbus

IN

47203

Phone Number

(800) 403-0864

Hours

Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

Eligibility

Varies by program

Intake Procedure

To apply for assistance, individuals can utilize various methods:
1. Walk-in: Visit the local office to access computers and apply in person.
2. Online Application: Visit the organization's website to apply electronically.
3. Printed Application: Download and print an application from the website to fill out manually.
4. Phone Request: Call to request an application be mailed to you for completion.

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Family and Social Services Administration

800-403-0864

2330 Poshard Drive

Columbus

IN

47203

Nurse-Family Partnership

Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) pairs individuals pregnant with their first child with a registered nurse for ongoing visits aimed at assisting parents and families in providing the very best start for their children during the earliest, most developmentally critical years. Nurse-Family Partnership is a national, community health program, widely researched and recognized for increasing health care access and improving health outcomes.

Location

Address

Phone Number

(812) 283-7900

Hours

Meets with clients at their convenience

Eligibility

Be less than 28 weeks pregnant; have no previous live births; be at 200% of the poverty level or below (equivalent to the Medicaid eligibility requirement)

Intake Procedure

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Goodwill Industries

317-524-4313

1635 W. Michigan Street

Indianapolis

IN

46222

On My Way Pre-K

On My Way Pre-K awards vouchers to 4-year-olds from low-income families so that they may have access to a high-quality pre-K program the year before they begin kindergarten. Families who are approved may use their voucher at any approved On My Way Pre-K program.

Location

Address

Phone Number

(317) 545-1069

Hours

Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

Eligibility

1) Child will be 4 years old by August 1 of the current year and plan to start kindergarten in the next school year.
2) Child must live in a household with an income below 150% of the federal poverty level.
3) Parents or guardians in the household must be working, going to school, attending job training, or looking for a job.

Intake Procedure

Call for assessment

What To Bring

Fees

Vary

Additional Languages

Office of Early Childhood

317-545-1069

2955 North Meridian Street, Ste. 120

Indianapolis

IN

46208

Tutoring Program

The Columbus Enrichment Program (CEP) is a free volunteer trained tutoring program that serves students in grades K-12 with the opportunities to improve their basic learning skills.

Location

Second Baptist Church

Address

1325 10th Street

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

812-371-2722

Hours

Sat 10a-12p

Eligibility

Students in grades PreK-12 needing assistance with school work.

Intake Procedure

What To Bring

Fees

None

Additional Languages

Additional Agency Services

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WIC (Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Program)

WIC is a federally-funded nutrition program that provides benefits, nutrition counseling, and community referrals to pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under five years of age in Bartholomew, Clark, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott, and surrounding Indiana counties.

WIC is designed to improve fetal development, reduce the incidence of low birth weight and premature births, reduce maternal and childhood anemia, and promote breastfeeding.

Location

Address

1531 13th Street, Ste. G450

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

(812) 379-1557

Hours

Mon 11am-7pm
Tues-Fri 9am-5pm

Eligibility

-Pregnant women
-New moms (up to six months after delivery)
-Breastfeeding moms (up to one year after delivery)
-Infants
-Children under the age of five
-You must live in Indiana and meet income guidelines.

Intake Procedure

Call to schedule an appointment

What To Bring

1) Photo ID
2) Proof of address
3) Proof of income OR proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF benefits

Fees

Additional Languages

New Hope Services

Healthy Families: 812-314-2243 WIC: 812-379-1557

1531 13th Street, Ste G450

Columbus

IN

47201

Youth Nights

Indiana Youth Group serves young people ages 12-19 who self-identify as LGBTQ+, as well as their ally peers. All programs and services are offered free of charge. IYG strives to provide safer spaces to build self-confidence, explore individualism, and develop friendships within the LGBTQ+ community. IYG promotes a space of acceptance, equity, and restorative practices. We also advocate for LGBTQ+ youth in schools, the community, and through family support services.

Location

Indiana Youth Group

Address

1531 13th Street

Columbus

IN

47201

Phone Number

(317) 541-8726

Hours

Youth Center: Thur 3pm-8pm
Staff available by appointment Mon-Fri

Eligibility

LBGTQ+ youth and allies, ages 12-19, with valid ID

Intake Procedure

Basic intake interview with staff during a youth night or complete a virtual form to begin the process through the website, www.indianayouthgroup.org

What To Bring

Fees

Additional Languages

Indiana Youth Group (IYG)

317-541-8726

1531 13th Street

Columbus

IN

47201

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