Youth Services
Al-a-teen:
For youth affected by somebody else's alcoholism. At meetings members share their personal experiences and learn to find personal happiness whether or not the alcoholic in their life is still drinking.
Children of Divorce:
This is a special group to help your child heal from the pain caused by separation or divorce. It provides your children with a safe and neutral place to recognize and learn how to share their feelings. It offers a chance for your child to meet other children in the same situation and create a peer support system. Groups are divided into 5 - 9 year-olds and 10 - 14 year olds. Please call for dates and times.
CHAOS: Choosing Healthy Alternatives Over Substances:
(Adolescent Substance Abuse Group)
This group focuses on prevention, and healthy alternatives to drugs. Will deal with issues such as coping techniques, emotions, addictions, peer pressure, choices, and consequences. Call to register.
FUSION (Peer Mentoring):
NYFS partners with Newtown High School for FUSION. FUSION matches freshman and junior students in a mentoring relationship. The pairs are encouraged to meet outside of school for social, academic and volunteer activities. Students meet in school daily in homeroom.
Job Bank:
Program available to students, aged thirteen to eighteen, who are looking for employment. Patrons contact the Job Bank to find students to fill various jobs, i.e. babysitting, yard work, clerical jobs, pet care, tutoring, etc. The students who fill these jobs are paid for their time by the patron.
Newtown Middle School Homework Club:
Meets three days per week, facilitated by a teacher with the assistance of high school students as teachers. Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays after school.
NYCAAP:
Newtown Youth Creating AIDS Awareness for Peers – Dedicated group of high school students work with the District Health Coordinator and Middle School Health teacher to teach AIDS education and awareness to Middle School students. They also participate in various trainings and AIDS related fundraising.
Partnership for Success Grant:
NYFS has been awarded a Partnership for Success Grant from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. NYFS will be funded $320,000 over the next 4 ½ years to reduce the percentage of youth who report that they drank alcohol one or more days during the past 30 days and reduce the number of youth who report that they drank five or more drinks on the same occasion on at least one day in the past 30 days (binge drinking).
Reed Intermediate School Homework Club:
Meets two days per week, facilitated by a teacher with the assistance of high school students as teachers. Tuesdays, and Thursdays after school.
Sibshops:
Group for children who have a sibling with special needs. This program acknowledges that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing and others a not so good thing and for many somewhere in between. This group reflects a belief that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another if they are given a chance. Groups are divided into 5 - 9 year-olds and 10 - 14 year olds.
YAB (Youth Advisory Board):
This group is open to any Newtown high school student. Community service based and the driving force behind many NYFS activities and events, and community functions. High School students often assist in running after-school programs on various grade levels, and lend their knowledge via focus groups.