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The Town of Smithtown Youth and Community Alliance, Horizons Counseling and Education Center, and Smithtown Youth Bureau invite you to: |
"What are the Odds" - Emerging Trends in Youth Gambling |
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March is Problem Gambling Month
Parents and MS & HS students are welcome to join us as we explore new trends in gambling which students may be exposed to.
Parents will hear important information on:
- Gambling vs. gaming
- E-sports
- Social casinos
- Mobile sports betting
- Informational resources
Teens will take part in hands-on activities:
- Learn important information regarding new trends in gambling they may be exposed to, through a series of games.
- Create social media posts and images related to underage gambling prevention. These posts will be used on our social media platforms.
*All students will receive 1 hour of community service credit for attending this important prevention program.
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Date: Monday, March 20, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM- 7:30 PM
Location: Smithtown Library, Smithtown Building - Community Rooms
One N. Country Rd, Smithtown, NY 11787
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Create Cards for Nursing Homes in Town of Smithtown Communities! |
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We are still looking for students to help us in creating cards to be sent to residents of local nursing home facilities for St. Patrick's Day, and general "cozy" winter wishes.
Students who submit 8 cards can earn a maximum of 1.5 hours of Community Service Credit. Cards can be mailed in or dropped off in person at our Youth Bureau office at the Town of Smithtown Horizons Center, 161 East Main Street Smithtown, NY 11787.
*Be sure to include a personal email address (not a blocked school district email) and your name as you would like it to appear on your Town Certificate.
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Must be received by:
March 16th by 4:00 PM
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Must be received by:
March 24th by 4:00 PM
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Thank you to everyone who sent in Valentine's Day Cards last month!
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We collected and distributed over 300 cards!!!
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SAVE THE DATE! One Day Only!!!
Global Youth Service Day is coming up this APRIL!
We will be hosting a volunteer fair and collection drive on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the Smithtown Library - Smithtown Building to celebrate as a community.
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023
Time: 12:30 PM- 3:30 PM
Location: Smithtown Library, Smithtown Building
One N. Country Rd, Smithtown, NY 11787
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Come grab a snack at the volunteer fair and meet some local agencies and town departments to find out about volunteer opportunities that they offer!
We will also be doing a community collection drive of toiletries, personal items, and baby items which student volunteers will sort and assembling donation bags. These items will be distributed to homeless shelters and temporary housing throughout the township.
Community service credit available for Student Donors AND for Event Volunteers who will be accepting donations; handling sign-in; giving service certificates; information tabling; sorting donations; and assembling donation bags.
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STAY TUNED!
The link to register as an Event Volunteer AND the full Event Donor list will be highlighted in our next newsletter issue!!!
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What is Global Youth Service Day? Every young person has their own interests, talents, skills, and passions. Global Youth Service Day is a great chance for students to use those abilities to help solve a problem that affects them or motivates them to action.
GYSD is an opportunity for parents, schools, community leaders, and the media to provide a vehicle for youth to implement their ideas about how to create positive and meaningful change.
This special day celebrates youth voice and the powerful contributions that young people make every day to their communities.
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Keep Scrolling to See Our Community Partner Agency Volunteer Opportunities! |
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March is Women's History Month !
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"What are the Odds" - Emerging Trends in Youth Gambling
March 20th at 6:30pm to 7:30pm
See above for more details and registration.
Submission Deadlines :
Cards for Local Nursing Homes
All St. Patrick's Day Cards are due March 16th by 4:00 PM
See above for more details.
All Cozy Winter Wishes Cards are due March 24th by 4:00 PM
See above for more details.
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There is a Child Care Subsidy Program on Long Island that could cover 99% of child care costs for eligible and approved families???
The Workforce Development Institute has provided us with their Child Care Subsidy information & flyer to share with anyone who may be interested.
All parents need to do is fill out a pre-screening application to see if they qualify.
For more information check out their flyer and website!
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This information will also be included in future newsletters under our resource section. |
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We provide programming at all our of our township school districts and local organizations . Programs are usually offered in person, but all can be provided virtually in some form. These programs are generally offered during after-school hours, but all can be scheduled during classroom time if desired.
There are many scheduling options, and all are flexible by design to best meet the needs of each school. All programs are fully funded and can be provided to schools by trained, professional Youth Bureau personnel at no cost.
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Programs are designed to be provided in a multi-session series to be most effective. Various sessions & topics can be broken down for a shorter series or one-time/one topic workshop.
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Babysitting/Child Care Skills:
Middle school students gain valuable experience by practicing skills on ‘RealCare’ lifelike baby dolls, such as holding, diaper/clothing changing & bottle feeding. Students also learn about the different developmental behaviors of children at various ages. A tool box of age-appropriate activities is introduced, as well as basic interview skills as it pertains speaking with parents.
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Study Skills:
This useful program provides advice and specific strategies for middle school students to improve their time management & organizational skills as it pertains to their study habits. This helps to improve their overall school performance by being better organized in completing tasks and preparing for exams and projects.
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Game Time:
Fun, four-week social afterschool program. Students will have an opportunity to mingle in groups and play a variety of board games. They can socially interact with other students in a relaxed setting, have friendly competition and possibly learn to play new games and meet new friends.
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Leadership Skills Bootcamp:
This jam-packed, highly interactive program introduces students to specific leadership skills and allows them opportunity to put them into practice immediately. Focus is on preparing them for taking leadership roles in their schools and communities. Students will learn and practice important skills such as: empathy & social skills; effective communication techniques; group decision making & the planning process; and conflict resolution strategies.
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The Many Faces of Bullying & Cyber Bullying:
An introspective and relevant program dealing with the roots of bullying & cyberbullying behavior. Students learn what they can intentionally do to take on the Upstander role rather than role of Bully or Bystander. Some of the thought-provoking topics include: bullying versus other forms of conflict; immediately recognizing bullying & cyberbullying; By-standing vs Up-standing; considerate online etiquette; and the great importance of EMPATHY.
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Be Your Best Self:
*Based on the SAMHSA "Eight Dimensions of Wellness" framework
This program gives students opportunity to recognize the meaning & importance of overall wellness. Program content and activities focus on each of the eight dimensions of wellness, incorporating coping skills such as deep breathing, mindfulness AND finding ‘balance in life’ by providing students with information and activities which focus on each of the 'eight dimensions of wellness'.
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*The 8 Dimensions of Wellness: Social, Environmental, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Occupational, Intellectual, & Financial.
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Have another relevant program topic in mind? Reach out and let us know what topics your class might be interested in! |
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further information and discuss scheduling one or several of these
FREE student enrichment programs for your school or youth group!
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“Thank you all so much for coming out on literally the COLDEST day of the year to donate to the Blankets and Baskets Drive. The participation blew away any expectations we had and we are so grateful.” -Jake Speed
“Thank you everyone so much for all of your important donations!!! These blankets and baskets are going to help so many people in need and we really appreciate all of your kindness and generosity!”
- Ryan Speed
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Community Partner Agency Opportunities: |
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Smithtown Children's Foundation
The Smithtown Children’s Foundation is a NY State not-for-profit, 501c3, public charity, 170b, providing financial and emotional support to families residing within the Smithtown School District, with branches covering other Town of Smithtown districts.
This Foundation is independent of the Smithtown School District or any other organization having similar objectives.
Please view their upcoming events , as well as details regarding everything they do for our community's students and families.
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Become a Suffolk County Youth Council Leader of Tomorrow!
Seeking new members (ages 14-21) , jr. mentors (ages 21-25) , and mentors ( adult professionals) who reside in Suffolk County.
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Students meet every other Wednesday from 6:00 PM 7:00 PM via zoom .
Some in- person meetings will be held in Hauppauge at the H. Lee Dennison Building, and students will be given more than 2 weeks notice of when these will be scheduled.
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Looking for any student who:
- resides in Suffolk County
- is between the ages of 14-21
- is passionate about issues in their community
- posses leadership qualities
- has adequate free time to be a committed member of the council
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Looking for any student who:
- resides in Suffolk county
- is between the ages of 21- 25
- is passionate about mentoring youth
- posses leadership qualities
- able to commit time to youth council
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Look for any adult professional who:
- is passionate about serving, leading and mentoring youth
- Has the adequate free time to devote to youth council students.
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Smithtown Library Teen Volunteer Opportunities: |
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Can't fit their volunteer opportunities into your schedule? The library offers one-hour volunteer sessions by appointment! Teens can spend time at the Library working on a variety of projects to help make a difference in our community. Teens may schedule up to two time slots per month. For more information or to schedule a session, contact any Reference Desk.
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EXPLORE Your Neighborhood Library!
Beyond the volunteer opportunities, check out some of the great programs the Smithtown Library has to offer:
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Registration requirements for all programs are listed in the description of each program.
Library teen volunteer opportunities are open to those in grades 6-12 (up to age 18), unless otherwise noted.
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"The Do's & Don'ts of
Internet Safety"
A great quick & easy way middle and high school students can earn community service credit!
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Step 3: At the end of each level, choose the option to Create a certificate and save it to your computer.
Step 4: Send ALL four certificates to: youthbureau@smithtownny.gov with the participants Full Name as you would like it to appear on the certificate.
Participants will earn 1 hour of community service credit.
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Community Service Starts Here! |
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Join the hundreds of Other Local
Youth and Families as registered...
Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau
Volunteer Corps Members
Registered volunteers will receive notification of all volunteer opportunities with the Youth Bureau, other Town Departments, as well as for all of our local community partners.
Registered Volunteer Corps members will get priority in registering for community service.
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Does your group/agency
Need Volunteers?
The Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau promotes volunteerism and fosters positive social and leadership opportunities for
youth and families throughout the township.
The Youth Bureau is interested in partnering with local
groups and organizations to promote volunteer
opportunities for youth and families in the community.
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For More Information About the Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau and our Programs & Services... |
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Have a Minute to Take our Survey?
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Please complete the survey below to assist the Youth Bureau in determining the programming needs of your community.
Your feedback will allow the bureau to effectively schedule programs for 2023!
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Youth Bureau Community Needs Assessment Survey- 2023
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The survey only takes a few minutes to complete |
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Please contact us if you would like to
arrange a free workshop for your troop
to help scouts earn their badges!
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Our "Babysitting Skills" Course satisfies the Babysitting Badge requirements by covering topics such as: Interviewing for your first babysitting job; First Aid/Emergencies; and Developmental stages of children. We also offer “College Knowledge” , another great way to earn ANOTHER badge .
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Other training topics we offer can be tailored to meet scouting badge requirements, include:
- Leadership Skills;
- Public Speaking;
- Time Management & Organizational Skills;
- Communication Skills & Empathy;
- College & Career Exploration;
- Life Skills;
- Exploring Art;
- Healthy Living; etc.
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Boy Scout Troop Leaders can email Roseann Conforti. Youth Educator/Community Relations Assistant.
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Girl Scout Leaders can email Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Manager of Programs, Hanorah Gholam.
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Town of Smithtown Horizons Counseling & Education Center |
Horizons Counseling and Education Center is an OASAS-licensed not-for-profit agency funded to provide adolescent & adult treatment, prevention and education services for drug and alcohol related problems.
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Full Assessment Services:
Appointments Are Available
If there is any concern that you, your child, or another family member may be experiencing a substance abuse issue, PLEASE reach out for information and support.
This has been an extremely challenging time for individuals and families. There is absolutely no shame in seeking assistance in helping yourself and/or loved ones to deal with this situation together.
You don't have to go through this alone...
There is HELP available.
Details can be requested, as well as an appointment for an assuring, professional assessment of the situation you are experiencing.
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The full Assessment & Intake Procedure consists of:
· Phone screening
· In-Person or Virtual Appointment with a Clinical Staff Member to Discuss Potential Need for Treatment
· Consultation with a Member of Our Nursing Staff
· Evaluation with Our Psychiatric Practitioner (provided if needed)
· Drug/Alcohol Testing
· Sessions and with Family and any Person Involved in Your Life
Medication-assisted treatment can be provided
Telehealth Services Available
631-360-7578
To get further information and/or to schedule an assessment:
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Research-Based Prevention Programming:
Horizons Counseling and Education Center's Prevention Program works with local schools and community groups to develop and offer drug and alcohol presentations virtually and/or in-person.
If you are interested in a presentation or in having your students take part in an evidence-based preventive, resiliency building program please contact Kelly Devito for more information:
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Visit both of these EXCELLENT sources for local, quality family activities: |
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For information on the Workforce Development Institute -
Child Care Subsidy Program:
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Mental Health Resources:
NYS Office of Mental Health Emotional Support Line:
1-844-863-9314, Additional information:
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Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
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161 E. Main Street
Smithtown, NY 11787
Phone: (631) 360-7595
Fax: (631) 360-7687
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