Each birthday gives us new reasons to celebrate, new journeys to begin…
History of Youth Services
Six years before Youth Services was founded in 1972, citizen groups in Windham County were already discussing their concerns surrounding the growing problems of area youth. A number of initiatives were undertaken to improve the relationship between young people and law enforcement; however, youth-related problems continued to grow. Following a number of efforts toward intervention, the Youth Services Commission (now Youth Services, Inc.) was incorporated as a nonprofit organization, dependent in part on local fundraising.
Everyone benefits when children reach their potential. At Youth Services we provide stepping stones for local youth as they grow and catch those who stumble. We assist families to help their young men and women choose healthy behaviors while discovering their own path to adulthood.
This is the premise upon which Youth Services began in our community nearly 40 years ago. This is the premise that lies behind its eight comprehensive programs serving 1,628 children, teens, and families last year.
Significant Dates
- 1972
- Youth Services Commission incorporated.
- 1975
- Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s premiere mentoring program, joins the agency.
- 1977
- Family and youth counseling services added to the agency with an emphasis on prevention.
- 1979
- Court Diversion Program formally established under Vermont’s Attorney General.
- 1982
- Youth Services joins the Vermont Coalition of Runaway Youth Programs.
- 1986
- With expansion of programs, Youth Services relocates to a larger office at 32 Walnut Street.
- 1987
- Counselors visit families in crisis to provide guidance where children risk foster placement.
- 1990
- Created a ninth Diversion Board to serve offenders in the Wilmington and Dover areas.
- 1992
- Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition formed to help prevent substance abuse among teens.
- 1994
- Student Assistance Professionals stress prevention work in area high and middle schools.
- 1998
- Provided mediation to families and youth in crisis, and outreach to teens experiencing difficulties.
- 2000
- Satellite office opened at Parks Place Community Center in Bellows Falls.
- 2003
- Big Brothers Big Sisters expands to Deerfield and West River Valleys, Bellows Falls.
- 2006
- H.E.Y.! Help Empower Youth promotes teen assets development and adult attitude shift.
- 2007
- Bellows Falls families with at-risk teens “wrapped” in services through weekly home visits.
- 2008
- Summer employment project piloted for six-weeks in Bellows Falls with agricultural focus.
- 2009
- Conducted The Listening Project: Giving Voice to Adolescent Youth Living in Difficult Circumstances.
- 2010
- Approach shifts to therapeutic
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Big Brothers Big Sisters
My name is Justin. I am in third grade and I want a Big Brother who is a human being, but can fly. I like making stuff out of cardboard.
Make a Difference!
Be a Big!
Janice came to me as a Street Checker Client. She was in the State’s custody as a child in need of supervision, but not on probation. She identified and spent time with youths older than her, engaging in risky and defiant behavior. With a couple other girl clients she participated in a two day photography workshop last fall.
The intent was to introduce her to the youth serving InSight Photography program and channel her energy toward something she had expressed an interest in. One of her photos was chosen to illustrate the cover of their spring newsletter.