Connecticut Youth Services Association

12/23/2025

We are thrilled to announce that our new website is now live!

Connecticut Youth Services Association (CYSA) is the voice for CT Youth Service Bureaus, supporting policies & programs that support youth.

12/02/2025

Please join us in congratulating CYSA's 2025 Annual Award winners!

⭐️Program of the Year: Glastonbury Youth and Family Services Teen Action & Adventure Group
⭐️Employee of the Year: Christopher Murell, New Haven Youth & Recreation & Bob Marsh, Farmington Community & Supportive Services
⭐️Laura T. Brown Career Achievement: John Saccu, Derby Bureau of Youth Services
⭐️Long Standing Dedication to Youth: Viola Waldo, West Haven Youth and Family Services
⭐️Youth Leadership: Weston CT Human Services Senior Connections Club

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from CYSA!
We are grateful for the Youth Service Bureaus and Youth Diversion Teams across Connecticut who work every day to strengthen young people, families, and communities.
As we approach Giving Tuesday, we encourage you to support your local YSB. Your generosity helps sustain critical programs, prevention efforts, and youth leadership opportunities statewide.
Wishing you a warm and safe holiday!

11/07/2025

Happy to have you at the conference!

10/22/2025

👥 Youth leadership isn’t the future, it’s happening now!
At the 2025 CYSA Conference: Empowerment in Action, you’ll hear directly from the people who are driving real change in their communities. Be inspired, learn, and connect!

📅 Nov 7 | Be part of it, register here: https://www.ctyouthservices.org/Forms/Form.asp?FormID=148

10/09/2025

We’re thrilled to announce that Jim O’Rourke, President & CEO of the Greater Hartford YMCA, will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 CYSA Conference! With decades of leadership and a deep commitment to youth, families, and communities across Connecticut, Jim brings invaluable experience and insight.

His keynote will inspire us to think bigger, lead with purpose, and strengthen the ways we empower young people every day. This is the perfect way to kick off a day of learning, connection, and action.

📅 Nov 7 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🔗 Register here: https://www.ctyouthservices.org/Forms/Form.asp?FormID=148

10/07/2025

⏰ Last chance! Early Bird ends TODAY for our CYSA Conference 2025 held on November 7!

This is your final change to save $25 on Empowerment in Action. Register now before prices go up!

📅 Nov 7 | 8 AM – 4 PM

🔗 Register here: https://www.ctyouthservices.org/Forms/Form.asp?FormID=148

09/16/2025

⭐️REGISTER NOW⭐️ CHANGEMAKER SUMMIT⭐️
The CYSA Board of Directors invites you to join us for the 2025 Annual Conference! This year's conference will explore real-world strategies, community-driven successes, and innovative practices that put empowerment into action by elevating youth voice and leadership across Connecticut. https://tinyurl.com/yrnr6zub
*Liz Langevin, Jason O'Connor, and Olivia Dudley not photographed.

09/04/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Month, and 9-8-8 is the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline. On 9/8, AHM will be offering a FREE QPR & Narcan lifesaving training course here from 6-7:15 pm. All participants will receive a free QPR training booklet and a 2-dose supply of Narcan. Pizza will be served! Register at: https://ow.ly/fuTX50T8VcM

09/04/2025

✨ Waterbury Youth Services is ready to kick off Fall Programming! ✨

We’re bringing back some of your favorites—Linking Academics To Life (LAL) returns, now with an exciting twist: youth can explore 3D Music Academy alongside our Entrepreneurship, Journalism, and Studio Arts programs! 🎶📝🎨

Our friends at CMHA are back with Project Joy, helping youth build resilience and positivity. And of course, the dance team is back and better than ever! 💃🏽🕺🏾 Open to all levels, the team builds confidence, discipline, and teamwork while giving youth a chance to showcase their talent and passion for dance at community events throughout the year.

We’re also thrilled to launch our newest initiative in partnership with PAL and NRWIB—The Chair Project! This innovative program blends barbering, cosmetology, and event planning, all with a “learn to earn” focus, preparing youth with real skills for real opportunities. 💈💇🏾‍♀️✨

🍂 Fall Events
🎃 Halloween Event in partnership with A Girls Thing and North End Recreation Center�🦃 Annual Turkey Distribution�
💡 As always, WYS continues to provide resources and support for families through Youth & Family Emergency Services and Youth Diversionary Programs.

We’re ready for an incredible season of growth, creativity, and community—are you? 🙌

08/14/2025

International Youth Day may have been August 12 — but celebrating youth is an everyday commitment! 🎉

We honor the energy, creativity, and leadership of young people across Connecticut and around the world. At CYSA, we know youth are not just the future, they're the present. Thank you to the Youth Service Bureaus working every day to uplift, empower, and walk alongside the next generation of changemakers. 💙

08/06/2025

Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis so be sure to sign up soon! Donations are always welcome and help us keep this amazing program going by covering supplies. Thank you for your support.