| (Please note! You can access registration forms
for the following programs online. You will
need Adobe Reader to access them. Click to download Adobe
Reader)
-Life Skills
-A|S program
-Playscape Fund Raiser
-Parent workshop
Director: Mary Pont (860) 342-6758
Family Therapist: Chris Napolitano (860) 342-6716 (call for
appointment)
Youth Services addresses the needs of the entire family
with the many programs that are offered. All Youth Services programs are
designed to foster a connection with home, school and community. Our
target population include all children from 0 to 18, and their families
,who are residents of Portland.
The following programs are made possible under the guidance
of quality leaders and staff. Funding for our programs comes from grants
as well as a financial commitment from the Town of Portland. Local
businesses and private citizens also play an important role with their
donations. Youth services is now located at 265 Main St. next to police station
For our Local Youth:
Playground Plus-After School Program
Held after school, five days a week, Sept-June, this program is
offered for Portland
Youth Grades K through 5. Activities, games, homework time, field trips
and crafts are offered at a small "per day" charge.
Teenage Youth Commission
For teens grades 9-12. Meets Monday evenings. A self-empowered
volunteer action group that provides community services, especially
supervises dances and movie nights for 6th to 8th graders.
Community Life Skills Program
Summer Programes: Eligable ages are 12-14 year olds or at least in 7th grade. An instructional work program for youngsters. Participants receive lessons on check balancing, banking
and investing information, maintaining time cards, application and job
interviewing, and more. Along with completing jobs for PYS, they also do
projects for organizations in town. This program's goal is to empower the
participants to take control of their futures while building good work
ethics and self esteem.
Top
Programs Offered through the Portland
School system
"Home Alone" Program
A program offered to 4th grade students at our local elementary
school. Youth Services Director, with the assistance of our local Police
Department, reviews safety procedures to allow children who are "Home
Alone" an opportunity to plan ahead in the case of an emergency.
Includes booklet and Parent-Child "Home Alone" contract.
Violence: Our Community, Our Lives
A program offered to Grades 3, 4 and 5 at our local elementary school.
Youth Services Director, coordinated with the school social worker and
staff at the school, addresses anti-violence information and personnel
safety message.
Juvenile Diversion Board
Provides a panel of trusted adult volunteers to hear confidential
cases and make recommendations for local youth referred to PYS by the
Police. As allowed by the State of Connecticut, such hearings usually take
the place of the parents and youth appearing in court.
Parenting & Skill Building Workshops
Several workshops are held throughout the year. Topics are chosen to
enhance our local families and caregivers parenting and connected skills.
This past year, a 6 week series "Active Parenting" was very well
attended, as were other programs that were offered.
"Time for Tots"
Programs held twice weekly for Caregivers and children 0-5.
Interactive program with crafts, songs, games, stories, field trips and
other activities. Offers an opportunity for pre-school age children to
interact and caregivers to share concerns and experiences. Speakers scheduled through
out the year to discuss parenting issues and healthy child development. Presently fund raising to building a preschool playscape.
Family Counseling & Resource Center
The Counseling and Resource Center provides both family and individual
counseling for a variety of issues, such as acting out youth, depression,
anger problems, substance abuse, family relational problems, couple's
issues and school problems. In today's complex world, consider whether the
problems you or your family are facing could benefit from professional
intervention. Sessions are private and strictly confidential, and are held
during convenient evening hours. Portland provides this service by
offering rates on a sliding scale fee basis. All residents are accepted,
regardless of ability to pay. Please contact Chris Napolitano at 342-6716
for a phone consultation.
Top
Other Youth Services Activities
Adult Advisory Board
The Advisory Board to Youth Services, consists of parents, leaders of
youth groups, police, school officials, and interested citizens. Meets on
the last Monday of the announced months.
"The future is ahead of us, and with it plans for new
programs to continually address our goal to serve the families of
Portland."
Mary Pont, Director of Youth Services
Top
|
