In the news and on the move in 2008...
CREATING CHRISTMAS MEMORIES FOR FAMILIES
We would all like to extend our heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to all those who contributed to this year’s Santa’s Toy Fund and who participated in our Adopt-A-Family Program. Your generosity helped us raise $17,000 providing for 260 families with 855 individuals receiving Christmas gifts. This is especially meaningful during these difficult economic times. Your generosity and kindness brought joy and hope and helped to lighten the burden of those in our community who are seeking to create Christmas memories for their families.
A MARSHMALLOW FIGHT FOR WYSS!!
On December 7th over 30 participants joined Rich DiGirolamo and Karin Whitley embark on their first Altruistic Crazy Mission...a marshmallow fight on the Waterbury Green!! All participants brought a bag of non-perishable food items, an unwrapped toy, gift card or a monetary donation for Waterbury Youth Services in exchange for an arsenal of marshmallows. After receiving their marshmallows they then proceeded to march down to the green dressed in Santa hats and singing Christmas songs for some good ole fashioned fun!
SANTA'S TOY FUND GATHERING
The spirit of Christmas was seen at the Waterbury Country Club on December 3rd as we celebrated the 23rd annual Santa’s Toy Fund Gathering. The Santa's Toy Fund Committee generously sponsors the event; this makes it possible for every dollar to be directed to help the needy children & families in the Waterbury area have a wonderful & joyous Christmas. Click here... for more pictures.
A RECIPE FOR A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING DINNER
The Holy Cross Girl's Soccer Team (Varsity & JV) showed true team spirit as they worked together with their coach and parents to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for our youth and their families. On November 25th over 70 sat down at a beautifully set table for a complete home cooked turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The youth and their families were very thankful to receive such a wonderful Thanksgiving meal.
WYSS LIVES UNITED
Every year WYSS provides an incentive for 100% participation during the United Way Campaign. Last year the staff would get to see their Program Directors kiss the pig "Terri". Thanks to WYSS's "Live United" Committee, this year the staff divided into two teams and played a hilarious game of Pictionary. Lots of laughs and a wonderful pot luck lunch as staff signed up to contribute to this years annual United Way Campaign.
A ROCK 'N' ROLL EVENING...CELEBRATING 30 YEARS
More than 300 people filled the ballroom at the Holiday Inn in Waterbury on October 22 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Waterbury Youth Services. The event featured speeches from former Governor John G. Rowland and Chris Dailey, associate head coach of the UConn women's basketball. WYSS received an Official Citation from the State Of Connecticut General Assembly and one from the City Of Waterbury recognizing their 30th Anniversary. Close to $32,000 was raised for agency programs that serve local children and families in need. For more pictures and a list of our very generous sponsors click here...
BACK TO SCHOOL RALLY
The City wide Back to School Rally held on August 20th at Library Park was a great success!!! Over 2000 attended the event this year. Motivational speeches were given to stress the importance of going back to school. Information about community resources, along with many great give-aways were provided. Entertainment, face painting, petting zoo, hot dogs, water, juice, ice cream and goodies were enjoyed by all.
EXCELLENCE IN YOUTH AWARDS
“Excellence is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.” The Excellence In Youth Awards is a very special annual event that recognizes youth who have demonstrated outstanding character. This year over 85 youth were nominated by local schools in our five “Character” categories: Citizenship, Community Service, Good Samaritan, Initiative & Leadership. A ceremony was held at The Village At East Farms on May 21st to celebrate with the 21 winners & their guests.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION AWARDS
In honor of National Volunteer Week, WYSS held a special celebration on April 30th to thank our wonderful volunteers. This years theme was Volunteers-The HEART of the Community. Rebecca her daughter, long time WYSS volunteers received our “Shinning” Star Volunteer Award. We could not accomplish the work we do with out our hardworking and dedicated volunteers. They serve as mentors, help with events, provide special holiday dinners for the Safe Home children, do repairs and renovations at the Rainbow House and much...much more.
PERFECT PROM PROJECT
Thanks to the generosity of the community and the hard work of our volunteers, the Perfect Prom Project held on April 6th, was a great success!!! You will be pleased to know that this year’s event helped over 40 local girls go to their proms looking like a princess. Along with the gowns... certificates for single long stemmed roses, full flower bouquets, manicures, prom hair styles, handmade jewelry sets, earrings and accessories were given away. The girls received makeup tips, had snacks and when they left, thanks to Kaynor Tech’s Fashion Technology Department, their gowns fit perfectly.