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Prevention

One of the largest pillars of programming for Naugatuck Youth Services is prevention. Prevention programming plays a vital role in adolescent development by helping young people avoid risky behaviors before they begin.

These programs focus on educating adolescents about topics such as substance use, mental health, healthy relationships, problem gambling, suicide awareness, and other behaviors, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed, healthy choices.

By promoting positive behaviors and fostering resilience, prevention programming enhances self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and decision-making abilities. It also strengthens protective factors such as family support, peer connections, and school engagement, which are critical for long-term success. Ultimately, prevention programs contribute to healthier development, reducing the likelihood of negative outcomes and helping adolescents thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Youth4Change

Youth4Change is an after-school group that follows youth-led, adult-supported programming principles. Youth are encouraged to bring issues they are concerned about or changes they would like to see in the community to the table. From there, they can engage in planning, assessing, and addressing change in their community.

Youth-led, adult-supported programming is a collaborative approach where young people take the lead in planning, decision-making, and executing initiatives or activities, while adults provide guidance, resources, and support.

In Youth4Change, students are empowered to have ownership over projects that affect their lives, allowing them to develop leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. NYS staff and volunteers act as mentors or facilitators, offering expertise and ensuring a safe, structured environment where young people can explore their ideas and make decisions.

Students meet after school at our office during the school year. For more information, reach out to sun@naugatuckyouthservices.org

Girls Circle

Girls Circle is an evidence-based, structured support group model designed to empower girls by fostering self-confidence, healthy relationships, and personal growth. The program is nationally recognized and produced by One Circle Foundation.

Through open discussions and creative activities, Girls Circle provides a safe space where participants can express themselves, explore their identities, and develop critical life skills. The program emphasizes the importance of building strong connections with peers while promoting positive decision-making and resilience. Girls Circle helps girls navigate development in a supportive, affirming environment.

Naugatuck Youth Services typically runs an 8-10 week model relating to certain themes that focus on the betterment of young girls and their development. Topics include healthy relationships, self esteem building, body image, paths to the future, empowerment, and much more. Themes of the groups vary by age. Girls circle is available for ages 9-17, and can be run either in school or at the youth services building. 

If you would like more information about this group, please contact info@naugatuckyouthservices.org

Boys Council

Boys Council is a strengths-based support group program that promotes the healthy development of boys and young men. The program is nationally recognized and produced by One Circle Foundation.

Through engaging activities and open discussions, Boys Council creates a safe space for participants to explore their identities, build emotional resilience, and develop positive relationships. The program encourages boys to challenge harmful stereotypes, express themselves authentically, and make responsible choices.

By addressing issues such as peer pressure, communication, self-esteem, and respect for others, Boys Council helps boys navigate the challenges of adolescence while fostering leadership, empathy, and personal growth.

Naugatuck Youth Services typically runs an 8-10 week model relating to certain themes that focus on the betterment of young men and their development. Themes of the groups vary by age. Boys Council is available for ages 9-17, and can be run either in school or at the youth services building. 

If you would like more information about this group, please contact info@naugatuckyouthservices.org

Summer Lounge

Over the course of ten summer weeks, youth entering 7th-12th grade can come and drop in for programming. Video games, board games, crafts, outdoor activities and sports, cooking, and workshops happen each week, with special visits throughout the summer. 

Adults and older youth support younger students through mentoring and activity support. The program runs Monday-Thursday from 1pm-5pm. Snacks are provided. Students are encouraged to bring their friends.

We are interested in having speakers and volunteers come work with young people in the summer! If you are interested in mentoring or running a on-time workshop, please reach out to joe@naugatuckyouthservices.org

Game Night

On ten Fridays throughout the year, we host a game night for middle & high school students and their siblings. Game nights may be themed for anything from retro video games to board game nights, but all games are welcome since there are multiple rooms!

Game nights typically run 5pm-8pm and include a family-style communal dinner. The dates for the rest of 2024 are October 25 (Haunted House) and December 6. This program requires no sign-up and anyone is welcome.

Naugatuck Youth Garden Club

The Youth Garden Club seeks to encourage and promote the knowledge of gardening among youth, while enhancing the ecological vitality of our community through the collaborative efforts of its members. The garden club aims to foster skills and development while promoting health and nutrition.

This program will begin again in February 2025!

For more information about the garden club, or if you would like to get involved, please contact garden@naugatuckyouthservices.org

We are always seeking additional committed volunteers.