Our Mission
At Colchester Youth Services, our mission is to provide a variety of services
that will offer youth the opportunity to develop in a positive way
so that they may reach their full potential as healthy members of society.
Our services are based on the “Positive Youth Development” model which assumes that when young people develop a sense of attachment and commitment to their families, schools, peers and communities they will be less likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors. Positive Youth Development services are generally directed towards groups rather than individuals. They are aimed at prevention, meaning they are proactive - anticipatory and growth enhancing. The philosophy supporting a positive youth development model places value on young people regardless of their situations, and emphasizes their strengths and potential.
Some of the programs we offer include: support groups, community service programs, leadership training, social and life skill development, parenting classes, substance abuse education, youth employment programs and a Juvenile Review Board. Some of our programs occur during school, but most take place after-school and evenings. Throughout the year we also offer a variety of cultural and recreational activities that provide our young people with opportunities to express themselves artistically, try out new experiences, learn about different cultures, and have fun!
In addition to our structured groups, we also offer a program called “Open Youth Center” which provides a safe, drug and alcohol free drop-in center. This provides a great space where kids feel safe and comfortable and have the opportunity to “just be kids” for a while. We hope that they feel connected to one or more of our staff members and look to us as role models and sounding boards, should they need that.
Funding for the Youth Services Bureau is provided by the Town of Colchester and
the Connecticut State Department of Education as outlined in State Statute 10-19m.
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