Member of the Week

Waterbury Youth Service System, Inc. (WYSS)

Waterbury Youth Service System, Inc. (WYSS) is dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth in the Greater Waterbury Region. WYSS provides hope and opportunity through programs and services that support families and help children reach their potential and become productive citizens.

WYSS is a private nonprofit Youth Service Bureau with an extensive outreach into their community. The agency serves over 4,000 clients through a broad spectrum of programs that address issues impacting today's youth and their families utilizing an annual budget of over $2.5 million. Their programming takes place in the schools, the neighborhoods and the youth’s homes as well as at their downtown location. While many of their services target low income and at risk youth, they offer extensive programming that is non-targeted and open to any youth who desires to participate. Programs are offered with an emphasis on developing self-esteem and creating interpersonal relationships through learning and/or refining life skills. These groups focus on education, the arts and enrichment & leadership activities..

For more information, call 203-573-0264 or visit www.waterburyyouthservices.org.

What is your organization’s impact on CT communities?

Erica never dreamed her future could be so bright. In fact, she never gave the future much thought at all. Doing well in school was not a priority for her. Erica had resigned herself to getting a job after high school, perhaps at the mall, and finding her way somehow. That all changed two years ago, when 15 year old Erica was invited to participate in a youth employment program linked to the Entrepreneurial Program at Waterbury Youth Services. Erica worked with a number of other students to create a hands-on mini classroom at WYSS downtown location. A series of construction learning walls were developed to give the youth practical “life skills” and a focus on employment choices at the end of the program. As the E -Program developed, so in very significant ways did Erica. She discovered a love of working with her hands, graduated from H.S. & from an HVAC program in January, 2010, with a 3.7 GPA. Feeling powerless is now as unfamiliar to Erica as the person she was two years ago. “I have gone from a person who was lost – really lost – to one who is confident that I can do anything I set my mind to!"

How does membership in CT Nonprofits help your organization? 

"Membership in CT Nonprofits has helped our staff in so many areas! The staff has benefitted from professional development opportunities, advocacy in the legislature on nonprofit issues, informative articles and updates, and encouragement and belief in the noble nature of the work that we do to improve the lives of the less fortunate." - Dawn Fleming, Director of Community Relations

9th Annual Hotter Than Heck Fest

Friday, May 7th, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at the Crossroads Cantina, 210 Meadow Street in Waterbury

Things will definitely be "kicked up a notch" at Waterbury Youth Services’ 9th annual Hotter Than Heck Fest on Friday, May 7th, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at the Crossroads Cantina, 210 Meadow Street in Waterbury. The Hotter Than Heck Fest is a Food, Leisure & Entertainment Expo featuring a wide variety of over 30 fine food purveyors from throughout CT offering mouth watering samples to guests. With an emphasis on all things "hot" this event will feature fiery foods (as well as some milder offerings), hot bands, a steaming motorcycle show, sizzling auction items, & entertaining exhibitors that are trendy & hot. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Ample parking. FUN, FUN, FUN!

Tickets are $35 per person. Call WYSS at 203-573-0264 to purchase your tickets today! Tickets also available at Crossroads Cantina.

Are you a member of CT Nonprofits? If so, and you'd like to be highlighted as our member of the week, please contact Melissa Harris.