Making a difference in our community...
Waterbury Youth Service System, Inc. is a non-profit agency dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth in the Greater Waterbury Region. WYSS provides hope and opportunity through programs and services that support families and help children reach their potential and become productive citizens.
Our method is simple. Give our youth the tools they need to succeed; safety, belief in themselves, hope, encouragement, caring and opportunities. They can-and do-become productive citizens.
"All the experiences working for WYSS has changed my life, in a way I never thought was possible. I have become a stronger, more educated person. I feel more confident and presentable. I have learned to be a great role model for other youths, and to help encourage other kids my age to become a better person."~David
Donations Brighten Christmas For 567 Individuals
"They were THRILLED! Mom was in tears as we left, she could not thank us enough. She and the girls were so excited. It truly made me and the social worker from our school cry...I thank WYSS, as well as people who are willing to sponsor families who they do not know or ever even get to meet, it is truly at the heart of what true giving (of Christmas) is about!"
Read more about Christmastime at WYSS...
Erica's Story...Looking To The Future
Erica never dreamed she would be planning for her future. In fact, she never gave the future much thought at all. School was not a priority and getting grades that were sufficient enough to get by was just fine with her. Today Erica is attending The Industrial and Maintenance Training Institute’s 15 month HVAC program. She will graduate this January with a 3.7 GPA and will begin a 4 year paid internship in her new career path. Read more of Eric's Story...
Interview With Larry Rifkin on "Talk of the Town"
WYSS Executive Director Kelly Cronin & School Readiness/POWER Program Director Linda Janowitz will be discussing the challenges of early childhood education in CT on WATR "Talk of the Town" (1320 AM on your radio dial). The interview will be held on January 29, 2010 at 11:10 AM.Don't miss this lively and informative discussion!!
Saving Lives by Empowering Youth to be Drug Free
Courageous Parenting 101
WYSS will be facilitating The Courage To Speak Foundation's new program, Courageous Parenting 101. This program is a FREE 5-session drug abuse prevention and education program for parents. The course will begin on Monday, January 25th, 2010 at 6:30 pm at Kennedy High School in Waterbury. The first session will be presented by Ginger Katz, CEO and founder of The Courage To Speak Foundation. Course continues Monday, February 1st, 8th, 22nd, & March 1st. If you would like more information about this course call Caryn Olcik at WYSS,
203-573-0264 or visit www.couragetospeak.org
Need Help With Your Taxes?
WYSS is one of several VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) sites in the Waterbury Area. The VITA Program offers free tax help to low-to- moderate income families (generally, $49,000 and below) who need assistance to prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers receive training to help prepare basic tax returns. For more information or to set up an appointment call Sue Houlihan at WYSS, 203-573-0264.