Community
Naugatuck Youth Services (NYS) has a profound impact on the community by fostering the growth, well-being, and success of its young people. Through its wide range of programs—spanning from mental health support and substance use prevention to leadership development and community service—NYS equips youth with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges and make positive decisions. By engaging young people in meaningful activities, mentoring relationships, and youth-led initiatives, NYS helps build confidence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility.
The organization not only supports individual development but also strengthens the community by encouraging youth involvement in local projects, fostering civic engagement, and promoting a healthier, safer environment. By addressing key issues that affect youth, such as mental health, substance use, and lack of safe spaces, NYS creates a ripple effect, contributing to the long-term well-being of Naugatuck’s families and future generations.
Events
NYS partners with the Borough of Naugatuck, local schools, Police and Fire Department, surrounding colleges, and other community serving organizations to host informational tables to provide resources to families. These events include, school open houses, Fall/Spring/Summer festivals, National Night Out, Drug Take Back Day, and much more. If there is an upcoming event you would like us to host a table at, please contact info@naugatuckyouthservices.org
Cleanup Days. What better way to give back to your community than by helping keep Naugatuck beautiful! NYS hosts Community Clean up days, in partnership with the Naugatuck High School’s Sunrise Hub club to help target areas with high volumes of trash such as local parks, downtown areas, and the train station. Donations of cleaning supplies including gloves, garbage bags, hand sanitizer are always welcome.
Haunted House. Naugatuck Youth Services hosts an annual Haunted House at our office on 13 Scott Street. This youth-led event gives our young people the opportunity to use their creativity skills while engaging with their peers to create an epic Haunted House for the community. Our youth participants create designs and themes for each room, and use their creativity to make their visions come to life! The Haunted House is free to the community, but we do accept donations at the door. Community Service hours are given to students for participating in this event.
Back-to-School Supply Drive
With the gracious help of community partners, NYS distributes school supplies for kids of all ages. Any family in need of supplies for their children returning to school should contact the office to let us know their needs. We collect names on a list and distribute supplies based on needs and availability.
Naugatuck residents can call the office at 203-720-5673 to get on the list. Please provide your child’s grade and school.
Christmas Gift Drive
In close partnership with the Naugatuck Fire Department, Naugatuck Police Department, and other local organizations, NYS collects toys, gifts, and clothes for children up to 18. Any family is eligible to put their name on our gift distrubtion list as long as the children live and/or attend school in Naugatuck. Once put on our list, we will call within the first week of December to make an appointment with families. The parent or guardian will set up an appointment to come to the office and choose gifts for their child(ren). For teenagers, we typically ask for a specific gift or interest and allow donors to "sponsor" our teens to ensure they get something that is important to them. If you would like to be added to the list, please call the week after Thanksgiving, at 203-720-5673. All parent/guardians should call to add themselves to the list to prevent duplication. Families will be allowed to add their name to our list up until December 22nd.