DYS Newsletter - Fall 2024 | |
Message from the Director
Dear Friends of DYS,
DYS has had a busy summer with Youth Employment, our community-based programs, and providing mental health services. We strive to expand all our services in the new fiscal year to ensure we are serving our community. DYS is happy to announce that we will be hosting an event on October 29, 2024 at Charter Oak Brewing Company in Danbury. Please join us to meet DYS staff, Board of Directors, and find out more about the services we provide. Please look out for further information about this event in the coming weeks. We look forward to meeting you all.
I wish all the remarkable students, teachers, and staff an amazing school year! DYS's doors are always open for our community.
Sincerely,
Tammy
Tammy Mikadze
DYS Executive Director
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Community Collaboration Powers Youth Employment Program Success | |
This summer, DYS welcomed 62 eager participants for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). The six-week program, funded by the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board (NRWIB), offers first-time work experience and hands-on learning opportunities.
Through collaborations with a diverse range of businesses, city departments, and non-profits, participants engaged in various job roles, including childcare, clerical work, retail, and environmental activities. This broad spectrum of opportunities allowed them to explore different career paths and develop a wide array of skills.
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A key aspect of SYEP is its weekly life skills workshops. These sessions, which complement the practical work experience, cover vital topics such as personal development, prevention education, healthy relationships, resume building, interviewing skills, and financial literacy. Community presenters enhance these workshops with real-world insights, equipping participants with valuable tools for their future careers.
We are grateful for all of our worksites and workshop presenters for sharing their knowledge and guiding the teens!
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GALs Summer Session Empowers Young Women
The Girls As Leaders (GALs) program provided a transformative experience this summer, focusing on personal growth, self-confidence, and community building. Participants engaged in trust-building activities, explored the history of women, discussed gender differences in society and celebrated important female role models through art.
STEM activities, including a planet trivia game and an egg drop challenge, sparked curiosity, while lessons on self-esteem and nutrition promoted positive thinking and healthy habits. The young women also addressed the effects of bullying and societal pressures, sharing personal experiences and strategies for resilience.
As always, we are grateful to Elke Probst from Stand Together Make A Difference who enriched the program by leading discussions about social pressure, boundaries, and communication in relationships. The program concluded with stress management techniques, a relaxing spa day, and creative exploration of career aspirations. This summer’s GALs program was a journey of growth and self-discovery, leaving the participants equipped with stronger self-esteem and lasting connections.
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Join our Team!
DYS has several open positions that offer flexible schedules, competitive pay and the opportunity to make a difference in your community.
Senior Clinician - LPC oversees the Youth & Family Counseling Program ensuring quality client care through supervision of professional staff.
Bilingual Youth & Family Clinician- LPC, LPCA, LCSW, LMSW or LMFT with experience working with youth.
Apply on Indeed or send resume to tmikadze@danburyyouthservices.org
DYS Staff Updates
Kelly Guerrera has joined our team as the Earn-A-Bike program coordinator.
As the demand for mental health services drastically increases,
DYS welcomes new clinicians to help meet the needs in our community:
Elizabeth Cameron-Yanez, Bernice Fisher & Shantae Fyffe-Simpson
We are booking appointments for new clients!
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Earn-A-Bike Equips Youth with Skills and Community Impact
The summer session of the Earn-A-Bike program was a resounding success, equipping participants with valuable mechanical skills and fostering teamwork. The group kicked off the program by learning essential bicycle maintenance, focusing on inspecting, repairing, and replacing components like tires, stands, lights, and seats. The program emphasized collaboration, with participants working together to overcome challenges.
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As the session wound down, they shifted focus to developing public speaking and problem-solving skills. The highlight was refurbishing 20 bikes, which they donated to local youngsters. The program left participants with new skills, strengthened bonds, and a sense of pride in their community contributions. | |
Summer Fun for TARGET Kids
Youth participating in the Teaching And Reaching Gaining Excellence Together (TARGET) program had an incredible summer! They went on field trips exploring the Danbury Museum & Historical Society, reading at the Danbury Library, enjoying breakfast at Mothership on Main, expressing their artistic talents at The Giggling Pig, having a blast on the rides at Quassy Amusement Park and staying cool at the Rogers Park splash pads providing a great balance between learning and enjoyment. Their enthusiasm for both recreational and educational activities highlights the well-rounded approach of the TARGET program which fosters both personal growth and social-emotional development while also having fun. The memories they've created and the skills they've gained will have a lasting impact.
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Help Set the TARGET Kids up for Success
As we celebrate back-to-school season, DYS wants to ensure that our young clients are set up for success and ready to return to their teachers and friends with confidence.
DYS is seeking donations of school supplies for youth in the TARGET program.
Please click here to shop our Amazon Wishlist.
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Board News
DYS is excited to announce the appointment of officers to the Board of Directors.
Chairperson: Adrienne Barr, Block, Inc.
Vice-Chairperson: Robert Giampe, Wells Fargo Advisors
Treasurer: Mikolaj Wiciak, Union Savings Bank
Secretary: William McCarthy, Newtown Savings Bank
If you are interested in joining the
DYS Board of Directors, please email tmikadze@danburyyouthservices.org
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Reaping the Rewards of Giving Back
We are incredibly proud of our Earn-A-Bike and GALs participants for their outstanding demonstration of service to others. They dedicated their time and effort preparing delicious baked goods and hosted a bake sale, donating the proceeds to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. They made 50 sandwiches for the Dorothy Day Hospitality House in Danbury to distribute to those in need. They also mixed in some fun going to Quassy Amusement Park and Round1 Bowling & Arcade!
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Registration is Open for Fall Programs | |
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Our Mission: Empower youth and families to build positive and fulfilling lives.
Our Values: Excellence, Compassion, Leadership, Respect
DYS is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency designated as the Youth Services Bureau for the City of Danbury and a licensed psychiatric clinic through the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. Please consider supporting our Youth & Family Counseling, Youth Employment, Restorative Justice, and Youth Development programs.
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