In this episode of the Catalyst podcast, host David Carter interviews Duane Casares, CEO of Directions for Youth and Families. Duane shares his journey into the behavioral health and mental health industry, highlighting the influence of his mother and his personal values in shaping his career path. He discusses the importance of trust and building genuine relationships with the individuals and communities they serve. Duane also explains the community restoration model adopted by Directions for Youth and Families, which focuses on addressing the social determinants of health and partnering with other organizations to create comprehensive solutions. The episode emphasizes the need for empathy, respect, and collaboration in the field of mental and behavioral health.

Duane Casares is the CEO of Directions for Youth and Families, a leading mental and behavioral health provider in central Ohio. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Duane is a social worker by trade and has dedicated his career to serving others. He is passionate about community-based work and believes in the power of outreach to meet the needs of underserved populations. Duane's commitment to social justice and community restoration has led him to develop innovative programs and partnerships to address issues such as infant mortality, food insecurity, and evictions.