Woodbridge Youth Services for February 2023

Winter Paint Party

West Haven local company, Picasso Parties, came to Amity Middle School – Bethany teaching several 7th and 8^th graders how to paint a colorful image. Students put their own creative twists on their paintings and enjoyed socializing and eating snacks with their friends for the short after-school activity hosted by Youth Services. 

Senior Crafters Help the Homeless

The Woodbridge Center seniors generously donated two large bags of hand-crocheted hats, dolls, scarves, and gloves for the homeless. Youth Services transported those and any remaining toy donations to the Wallingford Emergency Shelter which is affiliated with Columbus House in New Haven. These items which were lovingly created will be much appreciated by people of all ages.

Generous Donations Bring Joy

Many thanks to:  Arti Dixson, local musician, and Bob Smith for their huge collection of toys for children in need, the Woodbridge Fire Department, Santa and Mrs. Claus for their visits to wide-eyed kids, and to students and residents for their offering of We Care bags and household items for the homeless at New Reach in New Haven. Youth Services is enormously grateful.

Parent Primer-Vaping, Edibles, and Fentanyl Abuse Prevention

Orange Youth Services Director and BOWDAAC Prevention Coordinator Jessica Simone, Woodbridge Youth Services Director Nancy Pfund, and Amity Superintendent Jennifer Byars hosted a virtual prevention program for parents. Speakers Lorrie Mc Farland from BHCare’s Alliance for Prevention and Wellness and Tricia Dahl from Yale presented valuable information about Edibles, Fentanyl, and Vaping through the Amity School District on the evening of January 25^th. Over one hundred parents attended the session. Parents may access the link to the webinar here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bJ3AMXC5lk

Bethwood 6^th Grade Meet and Greet

Youth Services will be hosting an evening program for Bethany and Woodbridge6^th grade residents on Friday, March 17^th, 2023. It is an excellent opportunity for the students to get to know one another before they transition to middle school. There will be refreshments, raffle, a DJ and an Obstacle Course. The fee is $7 To pre-register for the event, call 203-389-3449.

Woodbridge First Selectman’s Youth Award

If you know a Woodbridge youth (18 or under) who has worked to improve the Town of Woodbridge or has assisted its residents, please nominate that deserving youth for the First Selectman’s Youth Award. School counselors, peers, school principals, and group leaders are encouraged to make nominations. Parents and family members may not nominate relatives. Nominations are due by April 3. Find the nomination form at the Town’s website.

Woodbridge Job Bank Seeks Teens Who Want Work

The Job Bank in Woodbridge offers occasional jobs to teen residents (ages 13 – 18) who would like to work in Woodbridge to earn money. Youth Services provides an opportunity to learn about the interview process, safety on the job, and how to negotiate pay. Do snow shoveling, yard work, babysitting, dog walking, etc. Call for an interview at 203-389-3464 or e-mail npfund@woodbridgect.org. Masks and social distancing may be required.

Teens Need Jobs

Woodbridge residents who wish to hire someone for odd jobs like snow shoveling, babysitting, yard work, moving boxes, etc. Save your energy and keep teens working to gain experience. Call 203-389-3464 for more information.

Volunteers Needed

The Woodbridge Youth Advisory Board makes recommendations for Youth Services programming and seeks to include a diverse membership to support our diverse population. A few positions remain open for adults and high school students. Community Service hours will be approved. Interested residents may contact Youth Services for information.

‍BOWDAAC-Let’s Talk Prevention

BOWDAAC (Bethany, Orange, Woodbridge Drug/Alcohol Action Committee) is a grant-funded Local Prevention Council serving the communities of Bethany, Orange, and Woodbridge. Its mission is to reduce underage drinking and substance use by promoting awareness through educational programs and community collaborations. New members are welcome. For more information or to join our committee, email info.bowdaac@gmail.com or check out our website www.bowdaac.org 

<span class="fineprint">Call 203-389-3429 or email npfund@woodbridgect.org or youthone@woodbridgect.org for information or to sign up for programs. Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/WoodbridgeYouthServices.CT</span>