Changing lives right in our own backyard...

...

EDUCATION

School Readiness-a multi-faceted, diversity rich preschool experience for 3 and 4 year old children residing in Waterbury.

Support for Self-Determination-a training program in Childcare and Early Childhood development for persons new to or re-entering the workforce and interested in a career in childcare.

Resource Center-a 16-work station computer lab available for tutoring and providing educational tools for all ages.

INTERVENTION

AACT-the Adolescent Assertive Community Treatment Program provides services to DCF youth to assist them with Life Skills, Parenting and Case Management.

Anger Management-teaches non-violent strategies to manage angry feelings. Separate classes for adults and youth. Fee.

Case Management-counseling for youth that have identified behavior problems that can be considered a risk to themselves or others.

Care Coordination-services for at risk families that have children with mental health issues.

Community Emergency Services-immediate access to crisis intervention services for youth and their families.

Safe Places-identifiable Public places (identified by a bright yellow logo) where youth in trouble or crisis can go and seek help. 24/hr on-call staff.

Parenting

Family Ties-provides parenting classes and support to parents/care givers to help them manage the challenges of parenting.

PREVENTION

Youth Teaching Youth-parent and youth program to combat underage drinking.

RESIDENTIAL

Rainbow House-a short term residential home for abused and neglected children placed by DCF.

Independent Living Program-for DCF involved youth ages 16-21 living on their own; offers supervised and safe apartment living. Programs encourage the development of life skills necessary for independent living.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Programs that focus on developing self-esteem, interpersonal and life skills and enrichment activities, particularly during the critical after school hours. Programs offer exposure and opportunity to explore the arts, sports and other enrichment activities in structured, supervised settings and may include tutoring, homework help, study preparation and adult mentors.

• Youth Leadership

• After-school Programs

• Mentoring

• Youth Entrepreneurial Project

• WYSS Community Center

COORDINATION/INTERMEDIARY ROLE

In addition to the grassroots, direct social service work that has long been a hallmark of WYSS, the agency has expanded its scope of service to embrace an added role, that of an Intermediary Organization. This role is not uncommon for a youth service bureau to embrace, and is in fact, one of the legislatively mandated functions that youth service bureaus should undertake, as outlined in the CT General Statutes.

Waterbury Youth Services continues to be a provider of quality direct services for children, youth and families. Through this role, we have a part in bringing together interested stakeholders for the purpose of research, planning and evaluation, funding and implementation of services for youth and families.

Currently under the purview of the Intermediary Role are the following committees, initiatives and entities:

Prevention Policy Board-a policy making board for the city of Waterbury comprised of various stakeholders addressing Juvenile Delinquency issues.

YDAC Youth Development Advisory Board-planning/evaluation group comprised of community stakeholders.

Hispanic Daycare Association-an established professional association supporting professional childcare providers.

Prospect Youth Services-managed by WYSS it provides a fun and safe social atmosphere for youth that reside in Prospect, CT.