In the news and on the move in 2010...
THE JACI CARROLL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The Santa's Toy Fund Committee made an exciting announcement at the Santa's Toy Fund 25th Anniversary celebration. In honor of founder Jaci Carroll, the Committee set up an annual scholarship fund that will give $1,000 to a WYSS student who is graduating from high school and headed off to college. The scholarship will be generously matched by Jaci Carroll Staffing.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CHAMPIONS OF YOUTH
Over 250 guests attended our annual Fall Gala to honor the 2010 "Champions of Youth”. Dr. Richard Shea received the Humanitarian Award. Dr. Shea was one of five community members who were recognized for making a difference in the lives of children! To see a list of the honorees and our generous sponsors please visit our Fall Gala 2010 page.
OVER 3,000 ATTEND CITY WIDE BACK TO SCHOOL RALLY
WYSS in partnership with the Department of Education, the Mayor's Office and other community agencies hosted its 13th annual city wide Back To School Rally on August 24th at Library Park, downtown Waterbury. "It's a rally to get the kids motivated to go back to school on a positive note by giving them information and resources for the school year." reported Event Coordinator Glenis Vialva. This years rally featured motivational speaker and radio talk show host Dr. Tekemia Dorsey. Information about community resources, health & safety was available for parents; there was free food, beverages, giveaways, live entertainment, face painting and much more for all to enjoy. Back To School Rally Slideshow
HOTTER THAN HECK FEST...A NIGHT OF SMOKIN' HOT FUN!!
Crossroads Cantina was rocking to the music of Crosseyed Cat while close to 300 guests sampled food from 36 local food purveyors at our 9th annual Hotter Than Heck Fest. Check out the pictures on our Hotter Than Heck Fest 2010 Slideshow and acknowledgements and thank yous to our very generous Hotter Than Heck Fest 2010 Sponsors, Food Purveyors & Volunteers.
VOLUNTEERS BUILD A BETTER WORLD
A very special thanks to all of our volunteers for their generous commitment of time, support & inspiration to Waterbury Youth Services and to the people in our community. This was the sentiment conveyed at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Awards which was held on April 21st during National Volunteer Week. Our volunteers make a "world" of difference in so many ways and that is why we choose "Volunteers Build a Better World " as this years theme!!
PERFECT PROM PROJECT BOUTIQUE..A CINDERELLA STORY
A whole community came together to make dreams come true for over 50 local girls this prom season. It started months ago with an out pouring of donations: beautiful new and gently used prom gowns; 75 pairs of new prom shoes; jewelry; gift certificates for corsages, updos and more. It all came together on Sunday, April 11th at WYSS's 7th annual Perfect Prom Project Boutique...
WYSS GOES TO NERD!!
WYSS had the privilege to be one of 24 non-profit agencies chosen to attend the first ever New England GiveCamp which was held at NERD (Microsoft's New England Research & Development Center in Cambridge, MA)!! Over 100 technology professionals came together for this weekend-long event; generously donating their time and talents to help provide software solutions for non-profit agencies. A very talented team of 4 was assigned to WYSS for the weekend. It was a great experience to work along side individuals who are dedicated to helping make a difference in their communities.
WYSS YOUTH VS WATERBURY POLICE OFFICERS
WYSS Youth played a friendly game of basketball with the police officers from Waterbury Police Activity League (PAL). Though our youth scored more baskets, everyone was a winner in this game!! Youth & police officers had a chance to build relationships and all donations from this charity basketball game were given to St. Vincent De Paul's Shelter.
WYSS youth and the Waterbury Police Department are collaborating on a project funded by The Youth Development Training Resource Center at The Consultation Center. The goal of this project is for youth and local police to build better relations by sharing information and learning from each other through positive interactions. The youth are documenting this entire process by putting together a digital story.
VISIT FROM NBA BASKETBALL PLAYER RYAN GOMES
NBA Basketball player Ryan Gomes, WYSS’ newest Board member made a visit to WYSS on February, 12th. Ryan, along with area firefighters and community leaders helped launch Project Safe Place. Ryan also took the time to speak to our youth about the importance of staying in school, setting goals and persevering through adversity. He signed autographs and answered questions. Ryan, a local young man who succeeded through hard work and determination is a true asset to our youth and to our Agency.
INTERVIEW WITH LARRY RIFKIN on "Talk of the Town"
WYSS Executive Director Kelly Cronin & School Readiness/POWER Program Director Linda Janowitz will be discussing the challenges of early childhood education in CT on WATR "Talk of the Town" (1320 AM on your radio dial). The interview will be held on January 29, 2010 at 11:10 AM.Don't miss this lively and informative discussion!!
TIMEX GROUP USA, INC. SUPPORTS YOUTH
Timex Group USA, Inc. located in Middlebury, CT, made a donation to our Linking Academics to Life Entrepreneurial Program. This highly successful after school program builds vocational, business, and leadership skills while developing a strong sense of charachter in youth.