It has been a challenging year but because of your support, our amazing staff and their perseverance to overcome any challenge given them, Waterbury Youth Services continues to thrive with enthusiasm, impacting youth and families in a positive way. Everyone in the organization works tirelessly each day to create a safe and cheerful environment to those in need, offering various opportunities under the 22 programs we provide. Our After School Linking Academics to Life, Juvenile Justice Programs, helping with homelessness and child abuse, Work Force Innovations, support services for parents and various mentoring programs are just to name a few ways we create brighter futures for our youth and families.

The Board and the organization leadership continue to raise the bar for improving how we do business. We are completing a Strategic Plan effort designed to set realistic and achievable goals for the organization as we look forward. Our focus is to strengthen how we can make the most impact to those who we serve, while being good stewards fiscally with each dollar our donors and funders entrust us with to make the most impact.

Funding of our programs requires fiscal discipline, hard work to secure grants in a very competitive environment, and an increased focus on individual and corporate giving. We can proudly report the organization is sound financially due to the Board of Directors and Executive Team’s fiscal foresight to take control. Our 2018 annual audit again showed positive financial wellness.

Connecticut State budget issues still are real and deep and these uncertain times challenge us each day. So if you are an existing donor, or wish to give for the first time, please visit our website, follow us on Facebook or call to make a donation. There are so many ways your support will help the youth in the community.

The contributions made by donors and volunteers are essential to our mission and we thank you for your generosity. Giving to Waterbury Youth Services offers everyone we serve hope, a meal, a safe place to receive help, skills to secure a job, and a chance for a brighter future.

I enthusiastically thank the Board, all of our donors, volunteers and staff for their unconditional support. It’s only with your help that can we make a positive impact on the lives of many, one life at a time.

Mark E. Lancor
President
2018