Mission | Services Provided | Sources of Funding
About the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau
History
Youth Service Bureaus, acting as advocates for youth, began to spread throughout Connecticut in the 1960s and became part of the state’s statuary framework as a result of legislation in the 1970s. Currently, there are 99 agencies serving 128 Connecticut towns.
The Housatonic Youth Service Bureau was incorporated in 1991 as a private, community-based, non-profit organization, to assist, advocate, treat, and provide services for children, young adults and their families in the six towns of the Northwest Corner of Connecticut: Kent, Sharon, Cornwall, Falls Village, Salisbury and North Canaan.
Over our 16-year history we have provided support services to over 1,000 young people as well as to many parents. Our group programs for youth routinely touch over 100 youth a year, many of whom come to multiple sessions. We have provided the community with wonderful, nationally renowned parenting experts such as Jane Nelson, Anthony Wolf, Ron Taffel and Robert Brooks who offered practical and enlightening advice on parenting. HYSB has been active in offering substance abuse prevention programs, and has worked closely with area schools to help identify students at risk and to coordinate services that address their needs. A Certified Addictions Counselor is available for young people who are abusing substances.
As part of an ongoing effort to advocate for the needs of youth and families, the HYSB participates in various local, regional and state initiatives. A volunteer Board of Directors helps to identify local gaps in services and explores ways to address unmet needs. Membership in the Connecticut Youth Services Association also enables us to access pertinent information regarding youth and families.
Mission
The Housatonic Youth Service Bureau’s mission is to create a supportive environment and empowering experiences where youth can embrace their full potential as individuals, as students, as family members, and as community members.
Services Provided
Operating under the guidelines of Connecticut General Statute 17-442, HYSB provides essential support to youth and families in our service area, the six towns in the Region One school district. These towns (Cornwall, Falls Village, Kent, North Canaan, Salisbury and Sharon) have a total of 2100 students. We offer services that include crisis intervention, counseling and support for youth and parents, access to resources and advocacy to address the needs of youth and families. We also have a Certified Addictions Counselor available. In addition, our creative educational and social activities promote positive youth development, prevent delinquency and strengthen families.
As a community-based, non-profit organization, referrals for services are accepted from parents, other agencies, schools, law enforcement, medical providers, and youth. Available year round, day or evening (for the convenience of working families) we counsel young persons up to age 21 (regardless of school status) and families. Our services are free of charge except for nominal fees for some field trips. Our location is on the grounds of Housatonic Valley Regional High School in the Pupil Service Center in Falls Village, CT.
To learn more about the services of HYSB, please see Services and Programs or Events.
Sources of Funding
The Bureau is funded by the State Department of Education with matching funds from the six participating towns in Region One. Approximately one third of the organization's funds are derived from private contributions and fundraising support.
Other current or past major contributors include The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Foundation for Community Health, The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut , The Canaan Foundation, Children’s Trust Fund, and The 21st Century Fund.