In the news and on the move in 2009...
BETTER CT COMES TO WYSS
Teresa LaBarbera from Channel 3’s Better CT came to WYSS on November 2nd to film a live class from our POWER program and to interview Victor Diaz, son of Felicia Diaz, POWER facilitator and past student. Victor spoke about the benefits the POWER program had on him and his family growing up. It was a “powerful” testament to the success of the program. Program was aired on Friday, November 13th at 10:00 AM.
CELEBRATING THE "SPIRIT OF WATERBURY"
WYSS joined the city's annual "Mardi Gross" celebration on Sunday, October 25th. WYSS cheerleaders danced in costume to the song Thriller and "good" witch Dawn was on the Green selling mums, pumpkins and other seasonal items. WYSS and NAFI Stepping Stones joined together to create The Haunted Halls Of Waterbury, a haunted house held at the Stepping Stones gymnasium on Park Place. Slideshow of the City's annual Fall festival "The Spirit Of Waterbury"
MOTIVATING YOUTH AT THE BACK TO SCHOOL RALLY
The 12th annual City wide Back To School Rally was held on August 19th at Library Park, downtown Waterbury. The purpose of the rally is to motivate and prepare local youth to return to school. Thanks to the support of local businesses and agencies the rally was a great success!! Back To School Rally 2009 Slideshow
"I believe that our students in attendance were motivated and believe that I can do this; and that parents waiked away armed with information and resources that would help make their children successful."
A SIZZLING HOT FOODS EXPO
Students from Crosby High School's Culinary Arts Dept. served up some hot 'n' spicy foods at our 8th annual Hotter Than Heck Fest, which was held on May 8th at the Crossroads Cantina Restaurant in Waterbury. Over 200 attendees were rocking to the music of Crosseyed Cat, while sampling foods from over 20 local chefs and restaurants. For pictures and a listing of our very generous sponsors and vendors click here...
AMERICAN SAVINGS FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Meet our summer intern, a senior at UCONN in the Business and Technology program. We requested and were approved for a small grant to offer an internship opportunity for an American Savings Foundation (ASF) Scholar for the summer 2009. The ASF Scholars Program is one of the largest scholarship programs in Connecticut. This year more than 340 students are receiving over $650,000 in college scholarships from the Foundation. They designed a paid internship program to help their scholars gain meaningful work experience in a professional environment, while giving local nonprofit agencies the extra assistance of a talented college student.
HANDS THAT SERVE...HEARTS THAT CARE
In honor of National Volunteer Week 2009- "Celebrating People In Action", WYSS held a "Volunteer Celebration" . The event was just a small way to thank all of our volunteers for the priceless contributions they give to our agency - their time, their talents and their commitment. Click here... to see pictures of some of our very special volunteers
DREAMS DO COME TRUE
Pam, a professional makeup artist is all set up and waiting for the girls to arrive to WYSS's 6th annual Perfect Prom Project Boutique. Pam along with many other volunteers helped to make dreams come true for 36 local high school girls. Not only did each girl find their perfect prom dress and accessories, but thanks to Kaynor Tech's Fashion Technology Department the dresses fit perfect.
A SYMBOL OF HOPE...A PROMISE TO HELP
Identified by a yellow and black diamond shaped sign, Project Safe Place will once again be a symbol to youth in crisis in Waterbury and the surrounding areas. Providing immediate help and safety, available 24 hours a day. Borne of the need to provide young people with an easily accessible and well recognized haven for youth in crisis, Waterbury Youth Services has partnered with the Waterbury Fire Department to re-establish a network of “Safe Places”. Youth friendly businesses and public locations will display the Safe Place logo indicating their participation.
PJ Party V...CELEBRATING WITH GINA BARRECA
Nearly 150 pajama clad women gathered at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel for Pajama Party V on Thursday, March 19th. Guests browsed vendor boutiques and a wonderful array of raffle baskets. The highlight of the night was the hilarious presentation by guest author, humorist, and speaker Dr. Regina Barreca. Gina delighted the audience with her unique observations of the female personality in all of its glorious strength and absurdity! For pictures of the event click here...