Each month, CCHA proudly recognizes the amazing work being done by our community partners, through our #CCHACares initiative.
This September, we are excited to highlight the Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana (DYFI), an organization that is especially near and dear to the heart of CCHA’s Administrative Assistant, Felicia Tindal. Her daughter, a Type 1 diabetic, was a camper there for several years before becoming a counselor; her son, also a type 1 diabetic, worked as a lifeguard for the organization. Felicia herself spent a summer there, instructing their arts and crafts program for campers.
DYFI is a local 501c3 non-profit with a mission and passion to educate, encourage, and empower children living with Type 1 diabetes, while providing support to their families. They serve hundreds of youth every year through their Residential Summer Camp, Day Camp, Family & Teen Weekends, Ambassador Program, and other outreach opportunities. While they are located in Noblesville, they serve the entire state of Indiana.
DYFI was formed in 1989 to support, educate and encourage children with Type 1 diabetes. The DYFI camping experience and outreach programs give children with Type 1 diabetes the opportunity to learn more about their diabetes and to grow more confident in their ability to handle the daily challenges faced in managing their disease. As part of their mission, and to ensure children with diabetes have a place to call home where they can learn more about diabetes management, in late 2005 DYFI purchased a camp in Noblesville, Indiana.
Each year DYFI serves between 240-270 youth with diabetes, along with their families just through their camps and programs.
The camp, Camp Until a Cure, is the only camp in Indiana that is owned, designed and operated specifically for the needs of children with diabetes. DYFI has continued to grow with both families and outreach and have partnered with others in the community to help educate and provide awareness about Type 1 diabetes.
As they want to continue to help as many children and families as possible, it is their policy that every child has the opportunity to attend their programs, regardless of ability to pay.
The Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana is made possible through donations and volunteers. CCHA encourages you to see how you can help this organization.