New This Week
New This Week
*Sibshop: Meetings for this group for ages 5 to 9 are Wednesday nights from 5 to 6 pm. This program acknowledges that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so-good thing, and for many, somewhere in-between.
A new six-week series began on April 8, but there are still openings for the six-week cycle. Call Jessi for information or to sign up.
*A Children of Divorce group is now forming.
This is a special group to help your child heal from the pain caused by a separation or divorce. Meetings are Thursday nights from 5 to 6 pm.
This group also began a new six-week cycle this week, but we have space for a few more newcomers. Call Adrienne to sign up.
NYFS Talent Show
Auditions
Auditions for the 22nd Annual Newtown Youth & Family Services Talent Show will be held Friday, April 24, from 3 to 4:30 pm, at NYFS, 17 Church Hill Road.
Auditions are open to all students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
All talents are welcome, including singing, dancing, gymnastics, bands and stand-up comedy.
The talent show will be on Friday, May 22. Call Amanda or Jessi at NYFS.
Independent Living Day
Looking to volunteer? Newtown Youth & Family Services is looking for volunteers for Saturday, April 25, from 8 am until 3:30 pm, when Independent Living Day returns.
There are numerous shifts available if you cannot devote the entire day. Families are encouraged to volunteer!
An anonymous donor has offered to pay the registration fees for the 2009 Newtown Road Race for the first 100 people who register to volunteer for Independent Living Day.
Call Jessi at NYFS for more information and to register to volunteer.
Family Programs & Events
*Parent Education Program (PEP): âPutting Children Firstâis a State of Connecticut program required as a prerequisite to granting a divorce. Sessions are designed to help families cope with the effects of divorce on children.
The next available classes are Saturday, April 25, from 9 am to 3 pm; Mondays, May 4 and 11, 6 to 9 pm; and Saturday, May 30, 9 am to 3 pm.
Youth Programs &
Activities
 *Job Bank is accepting applications from qualified 13- to 17-year-olds who want employment babysitting, pet sitting, or performing other household chores. Call between 2:30 and 4:30 pm weekdays for an application.
*Middle School Homework Club is running after school Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
*Reed School Homework Club meets after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
*Rock âN Roll Middle School meets on Wednesdays from 2:30 until 5 pm.
Support Groups
*Alateen meetings are Tuesdays from 7 to 9 pm. This program is for youth affected by somebody elseâs alcoholism.
At meetings members share their personal experiences, and learn to find personal happiness, whether or not the alcoholic in their lives is still drinking.
*The NYFS Autism Group, for parents of children with special needs, meets at 7 pm the first Thursday of each month.
The next meeting, therefore, will be May 7. Call Wendy Suckow for details; 364-1163.
*CHAOS, or Choosing Healthy Alternative Over Substances, an adolescent substance abuse group, focuses on prevention and healthy alternatives to drugs. Sessions, which are Wednesdays at 6 pm, deal with issues such as coping techniques, emotions, addictions, peer pressure, choices, and consequences.
Contact Dorothy at 426-8103 for additional information.
*The Me After We, an ongoing divorce support group for adults, meets Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 pm.
This coed group focuses on support, healing, and moving forward after a divorce.
Contact Laura at NYFS for more information.
*Mommy & Me, a support group for first-time mothers with children less than a year old, meets on Tuesdays from 10:30 am until noon. Call Elaine for more information.
*NAMI is Americaâs largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons with serious mental illness. Meetings are the third Monday of each month, 9 am to noon; next meeting will be April 20.
*Women Empowering Women, an ongoing support group for women to empower and encourage each other to reach their fullest potential, meets Thursdays from 6:45 to 7:45 pm.
Contact Thea at NYFS for additional details or to register.
All programs take place at NYFS, 17 Church Hill Road, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register call 270-4335.