Waterbury Youth Services’ Back to School Rally a Resounding Success!
Waterbury Youth Services free 25th Annual Back to School Rally on August 17 at Fulton Park was an incredibly successful day thanks to the hard work, initiative, and teamwork of Waterbury Youth Services staff, City of Waterbury, Department of Education, our volunteers, over 40 community agencies and businesses who gave away a fun supply of various school supplies and information on the numerous resources available to Waterbury’s youth, and our very generous sponsors.
There was profound excitement and enthusiasm as over 2000 people attended the Rally. A total of 1369 book bags were given away as well as numerous school supplies including notebooks, pens, markers, pencils, erasers - everything a student would need to start off the school year on a positive and exciting note. Gift cards to various stores were given away as door prizes and delicious cupcakes were given out in honor of the Rally’s 25th anniversary.
A former Waterbury Youth Services youth, Jeniya Gonzalez, beautifully and with heart and soul, sang the National Anthem. Dr. Verna, Ruffin, Superintendent of Schools, Paul Pernerewski, Jr, President, Waterbury Board of Aldermen, and Justin Golden, member of Waterbury Youth Services’ Board of Directors, were present and briefly spoke positively and sincerely about Waterbury and the importance of school.
Luis Aguilar of DJ Double L provided fun and festive music and the legendary Frankie’s Hot Dogs provided their renowned hot dogs.
For more information, contact Olivia Dudley at Waterbury Youth Services (203)573-0264.
Waterbury Youth Services is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization serving 1,000 youth and their families each year through 22 programs including: Juvenile Justice, Mentoring, Truancy Prevention, Homeless Youth Resource Center, Youth & Family Emergency Services, After-School Programs, and Child Advocacy Center.
Waterbury Youth Services (WYS) is a place where youth feel welcomed and accepted. WYS provides youth with the opportunity to learn valuable skills, to explore and be themselves, and to be everything they can be. If youth need support for any reason, Waterbury Youth Services is the place to come to. Our highly trained staff can guide and direct you to the right resources.
ENJOY THE PHOTO FESTIVITIES BELOW OF VOLUNTEERS, STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES, VENDORS, SPEAKERS
A tremendous Thank-You to our generous sponsors: In alphabetical order, City of Waterbury's Mayor’s Office, Comcast, Connecticut Community Foundation, CT Department of Corrections, First Congregational Church of Cheshire, Frankie’s, Savings Bank of Danbury, TD Bank, Thomaston Savings Bank, Waterbury Dept. of Education, Waterbury Hospital.
Our sponsors joined our efforts in bringing the community together in celebrating and supporting our youth as the new school year approaches. As a collective, we made an impact in one day that touched the lives of over 1,000 Waterbury residents. Once again, WYS extends a heartfelt Thank You to YOU, our sponsors, who helped make our 25th Anniversary uplifting and a great way to start the school year.
A community outreach event that provided free backpacks, school supplies, food, entertainment, and much more.
Questions?
Contact Olivia Dudley at ODudley@WaterburyYouthServices.org