Family And Youth Initiatives (Fyi)

Family & Youth Initiatives (FYI), originally began as Tri-County Women's Network in 1978. Co-founded by Pat Banaszak and Carol Tipton, its primary goal was to provide free education and support services to struggling teen mothers. In its first 15 years, the Women's Network served over 1,200 families via three centers in Southwest Ohio. In 1993, the Women's Network experienced a 45% surge in requests for pregnancy tests from girls ages 10 to 11. This shocking trend inspired the organization to change its name to FYI and broaden its mission. FYI now represents several community services, including: - Education for pregnant women, and parents with young children. This includes an "earn-while-you-learn" program, offering families a way to earn daily necessities, such as diapers, formula and baby food for free. - A free preschool program specializing in devloping social and emotional skills. - A proactive in-school program for middle and high school teens that focuses on: developing healthy relationships, character building, and the realities and consequences of engaging in at-risk behaviors. Topics include: sexual activity, drug and alcohol abuse and teen dating violence. - Prescription drug abuse prevention education supported by local law enforcement and the Ohio District Attorney. - A community garden; nutrition and cooking classes. - GED and job skills classes and several other adult development courses. It is our sincere hope that, with the support of our local community, we can continue to offer these services and more to the people within our reach. We want every person who walks in our door – at whatever stage of life – to walk out changed: better equipped to thrive today and have hope for their future.