Highlights of the services the agency's programs provided during FY2008:

The Big Brothers Big Sisters Program served 175 youth during the past year: 68 of those served were community-based matches, 107 of them were school-based matches; 30 were on the waiting list. Results indicate 88% of youth increased their self-confidence, 74% increased their ability to express their feelings, 64% increased their ability to make decisions, and 70% increased their academic performance and class participation. A part-time Marketing & Recruitment Specialist and Training & Activities Coordinator have joined the team thanks to a special federal grant focusing on our expansion of matches in outlying areas of Windham County.

The Substance Abuse Counseling Program served 135 individuals. Alcohol Safety screenings or assessments were administered to an additional 125 young people; 75% were referred for a full assessment and/or treatment.

The Student Assistance Program’s six counselors provided services in every region in Windham County, assisting more than 452 Windham County area youth in one-on-one meetings. Many more students were served in ongoing group activities and at school presentations and/or parent nights.

The Intensive Family-Based Services (IFBS) Program provided family therapy and counseling to 24 families.

Youth Development Programs:

The Street Outreach and Peer Outreach provided assistance to young people on more than 1057 occasions. They also distributed 1894 "Windham in Your Wallet" resource guides and made 79 referrals to area organizations.

The Transitional Services Program helped 61 at-risk youth (ages 16-21) by providing independent living skills support and counseling to teach them the skills necessary to live on their own.

Through the Runaway Program (includes Youth and Family Counseling) 131 youth and their families accessed runaway program services that included therapeutic case management and individual, group and family therapy. Four families benefited from mediation services. There were 57 calls to the 24/7 Crisis Response line. Emergency Housing in our Host Homes provided eight nights of safe housing.

The Juvenile and Adult Court Diversion Program handled 281 new cases as well as 299 cases in the Alcohol Safety Program, and 1488 hours of community service time were completed and $4,192 was paid out in restitution to victims.

The The Balanced and Restorative Justice Project provided support to 37 youth on probation and in the custody of the Department of Children & Families to meet the requirements of their probation contracts. In addition they were provided guidance related to decision-making, school attendance and job searches.

The Community Detention Monitor worked intensively with 14 youth during the year.

Funding

Youth Services' FY 2008 budget of $1,427,308 is funded as follows: