Description of Services [Back to Top] 

 Norwich Youth and Family Services provides programs in these seven core programming areas:

• Youth Development -Teen Leadership training, the Summer Youth Employment Program, C.O.O.L. Directions (a school year employment training program), A.S.P.I.R.E Career Exploration( for middle school youth),Kelly Middle School Diversion Program, Hire-a-Teen Program, National Youth Service Day.
• Juvenile Justice-Juvenile Review Board, Families with Service Needs Board, Court Advocacy, Kelly Middle School Diversion Progam
• Family Involvement-Community-based parenting workshops, Parents' Retreat, Young Parent's Program Support Groups, Young Parent's Program Case Management, Relative Caregivers Support Group, Voices for Families Training Program, Information and referral, Children First Norwich
• Mental Health Services -Crisis intervention, Case management, Child and Adolescent Counseling, Family Counseling, School Advocacy, Assessment services
• Child Welfare-Social Service Assesments, Information and Referral, Adopt-a-Family, Backpacks Back to School Collaborative.
• Teen Pregnancy Prevention-Young Parents Program, Postitive Youth Development Activities, In-school Prevention Group, Family Counseling, Youth Wellness Activities.
• Community Outreach-Norwich Youth Service Advisory Board, Family Day, Touch a Truck Day, Community Forums,

 News Tidbits

• 1/21/10 We are happy to announce that our parent leadership training "Voices for Families" currently has 20 parents signed up to participate. Our youth leadership training is running concurrently and 18 are now slated to participate.  Both groups start with a day long retreat on Saturday January 30th. In a new twist, this is a collaboration with Three Rivers Community College and all graduates will receive Continuing Education Units.
• 1/11/2010 Pat Dixie will begin her work with ASPIRE  Career Explorations at Kelly Middle School on Wednesday January 13th.  She will continue working with them on their school store.
• 1/8/2010 Nine of our COOL Direction youth were able to attend the field trip to the Crystal Mall to practice their budgeting and shopping skills. Everyone was successful.
• 1/5/2010 We are pleased to announce that the State of Connecticut has come through with additional money for "Summer" Youth Employment to be used by June 30, 2010.  This will allow us to employ 25 previously certified youth in part-time work experiences through the school year. 
• 12/30/09 We are correcting dates for our Parent's Retreat  series. The previously advertised group on January 18th, will be held on January 25th and the previously advertised group on February 15th, will be held on February 22nd. Sorry for the inconvenience!  Please call 823-3782 to register.
• 12/21/09  Remember, we are currently recruiting for our leadership programs for adults and teens!  Please see the info under upcoming events.
• 12/18/09  We are happy to report that,currently, 350 Norwich children and youth who have been adopted for Christmas by generous community Holiday "Santas" . This collaborative effort with Norwich Human Services brings joy to Norwich's most vulnerable population-its' children.  Thank you to everyone for your generosity and good spirits!  A special thanks to The Young Marines-you always come through for us!!!
• 12/18/09 We just finished our work with the mother's at Thames River Family Program.  This active group participated in a problem solving and communications skills building training which will help them move their families foward and be the best that they can be for their children and their community! 
• 12/16/09 Our CFN Coordinator, Sherry Filiatreault, was able to sponsor a TANF forum for parents receiving or having received State assistance.  Members of CABHN facilitated the forum with the goal of obtaining feedback to carry back to legislators at the State and Federal level. We were happy to assist!
• 12/9/09 Pat Dixe held her final meeting with her Aspire Career Exploration youth at Kelly Middle School. She was working with them on starting a in-school store.
• 12/7/09 Angelo Callis and Lisa Maclure were interviewed by Deb Kievits for her public access show.  To be aired.  Don't miss it!!!
• 12/3/09 Staff participated in the CFN/School Readiness Regional Legislative Breakfast.  We had a large turnout and were pleased to be able to interact with local legislators.  The impact of anticipated budget cuts on young children is a concern for us all!