It was an afternoon of joyous celebrations and undeniable pride as 22 participants of the POWER program at Waterbury Youth Services completed their journey and graduated. A remarkable feat indeed as five among the 22 graduates have already opened their own licensed daycares, marking the commencement of their entrepreneurial journey in childcare. The festive graduation…

To further bolster the wellbeing of the community’s youth, several Waterbury Youth Services staff completed an insightful Youth Mental Health training and First Aid session on Tuesday, May 9th. Provided by EdAdvance, the session was spearheaded by Diane Cassidy and Julia Puzone, in recognition of Mental Health Month. EdAdvance, leading the charge in Mental Health…

When National HIV and AIDS Awareness Day rolled around, Staywell Health Center’s prevention unit sprang into action with a presentation that was as informative as it was engaging. Leading the charge, Jackie, Kasim, and Tatiana delivered a presentation that provided valuable information to the youth in attendance. They handed out engaging educational brochures packed with…

Get ready to make a splash! We’re thrilled to announce that tickets for the 18th Annual Duck Day Race Raffle are now on sale. Sponsored by Naugatuck Chamber, this fun-filled event promises a day packed with excitement, entertainment, and of course, a quack-tastic duck race. Secure your chance to win a PRIZE! What’s even better…

What happens when you combine dedicated Juvenile Review Board (JRB) Case Managers, Administrators, and Facilitators with an innovative training program? The answer: a powerful shift in the world of juvenile justice. Thanks to the Greater Danbury LIST, a two-day Advanced Restorative Justice Training at Waterbury Youth Services recently made waves in the field. Led by…

Recently, community representatives joined forces for a lively Racial & Ethnic Disparities (RED) community-wide meeting, facilitated by Waterbury Youth Services (WYS). The goal was to analyze data on youth demographics in the juvenile justice system and school disciplinary practices and find ways to reduce the disproportionate effects on youth of color. The meeting featured a…

Spring break is usually a time to kick back and relax, but for the students in Waterbury’s STIR program, it was an opportunity to connect, learn, and ignite change. These high school juniors and seniors, along with their facilitator Jurea, embarked on an unforgettable trip to Washington DC to deepen their understanding of systemic racism…

On April 26th, 2023, Waterbury Youth Services (WYS) team members Dominiqua, Rasheeda, and Olivia attended the Connecticut Youth Services Association (CYSA) YSB Day at the Capitol in Hartford, CT. They met with legislators to emphasize the crucial role that Youth Service Bureaus (YSBs) play in our communities. Thanks to CYSA’s leadership and support, WYS is…