Click on any of the program names for more information.
Youth and Family Counseling
The Youth and Family Counseling program offers short and long term counseling for young people (children under 21) and their families. These services are preformed by certified and licensed counselors on an out-patient basis, are available on a sliding scale, and are accessible to anyone regardless of ability to pay. Program staff offers 24 hour crisis intervention, extensive assessment services, substance abuse counseling, parenting skills assistance, anger management groups, and community referrals.
Contact: Joe Arconti, LPC, Clinical Director
(203) 748 – 2936 ex. 18
jarconti.dys@snet.net
Mentoring provides an opportunity for youth to build the life skills needed to make positive choices and function in a healthy way. It also offers an opportunity for adults to make a difference in the lives of young people.
Contact: Dubravka Vidmar, MS, Project Director
(203) 748 – 2936 ex.
The Community Based Life Skills (CBLS) Program is conducted for young people, ages 15 – 21. The focus is on Department of Family and Children (DCF) youth, followed by those in protective services.
The program is designed to:
- Provide the youth with educational and experiential opportunities that have a positive impact on their growing independence and transition to adulthood
- Assist them in establishing a workable knowledge of community resources and supports available to them
- Instill in them the positive values of confidence, competence, and self-sufficiency.
Contact : Tom Thomassen, Project Director
(203) 748 – 2936 ex 23
The Girls As Leaders program provides to its participants the benefits of an after school program – keeping youth safe during the after school hours of 2:30 – 4:30 P.M. – as well as providing a healthy lifestyle curriculum based on evidence based best practices. The program meets two days a week, Tuesday or Thursday
Contact: Meredith Hettler, BA, MFT Candidate, Project Director
(203) 748 – 2936 ex. 15
TARGET is an afterschool substance abuse prevention program for 24 youth participants (ages 5 – 10) residing in the Laurel Gardens Housing Community in the City of Danbury and a limited number of other children in need of after school programs. In cooperation with the Pembroke Elementary School, the TARGET program is operated on-site during the after school hours of 2:30 – 5:30 P.M Tuesday – Friday. It is also operated during day time hours in summer when school is not in session.
Contact: Sarah Haynes, BA, MSEd, Project Director
(203) 748 – 2936 ex. 15
The Earn-A-Bike Program offers youth ages 11 – 14 an opportunity to participate in a program that operates during evening hours for youth interested in refurbishing used bikes for their own use. The program has been in operation for over six (6) years offering three (3) to four (4) sessions per year to middle school students. The sessions operate for three (3) weeks, meeting two times a week for two (2) hours. The program is provided to participants at no cost that includes all materials used to refurbish the bicycles.
Wheels for Kids Program: During the holiday season, through the Wheels for Kids Program, DYS distributes over 200 refurbished bikes to the Danbury Community. These bikes are donated by community members and volunteers help refurbish the bicycles. The program also distributes helmets and information about bicycle safety.
Contact: Tom Thomassen, Project Director
(203) 748 – 2936 ex.23
Youth Employment Services (Y.E.S.)
Youth Employment Services (Y.E.S.) is a Danbury Youth Services program that provides job readiness training and summer and school year employment opportunities.
Contact: Tom Thomassen, Project Director
(203) 748 – 2936 ex.23
Boys Leadership Society
Boys Leadership Society (BPS) is a program for young men, ages 10 – 13, to take an active role in improving their self-confidence, equipping them with the skills to succeed into high school and progressing to achieve into their adult life.
Contact: Chris Saunderson BS, MSEd, Project Director
(203) 748-2936 ex 13