Who We Are
Waterbury Youth Services (WYS), the authorized Youth Service Bureau in the Greater Waterbury area, helps youth learn the skills they need to be more successful at home, in school and throughout the community. As a community-based agency, WYS responds to the needs of children, youth and their families, through a variety of programs which enhance their quality of life. WYS provides programming in the areas of: mentoring, after school programming, youth employment and leadership, truancy and juvenile justice prevention and intervention, services to youth experiencing homelessness, community outreach and summer camp. WYS abides by CYSA's statement on racism.
The mission of WYS is: Guiding youth to discover their unique talents and potential for success- One Life at a Time.
Who We Serve
Waterbury Youth Services has a diverse client base representative of the demographic makeup of the Greater Waterbury area. While many of our services target at risk youth, we offer extensive programming that is non-targeted and open to any youth who desires to participate. Through our 16 programs and services, we serve children and youth ages 3 through 24.
How We Started
The Waterbury Youth Service Bureau originated in 1976 when Governor Ella Grasso allocated one million dollars to Connecticut towns to begin community based youth service initiatives. Over the ensuing years, through the acquisition of supplemental grants awarded by local, state and federal government, the Waterbury Youth Service Bureau grew to include a wide range of programming and services for children, youth and families. In 1987, we incorporated and changed our name to Waterbury Youth Service System, Inc. Originally located at the Greater Waterbury YMCA; the organization subsequently moved to 95 North Main Street and was located there until 2010 when a building was purchased at 83 Prospect Street. In March of 2017 Waterbury Youth Service System, Inc. shortened its name to Waterbury Youth Services.