Youth Services

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 case management

2011Pregnant and parenting teens matched with mentors

2012

Career development mentoring lends extra support to high school students through RAMP