*Independent Living Day will return on Saturday, April 26, from 9:30 am to 3 pm.

Are you struggling to maintain your property? Could you use a little help with your spring cleaning? NYFS and its volunteers can help. Call the agency to schedule an appointment for Independent Living Day.

More volunteers are needed to help with this important program, too. Call NYFS to volunteer.

*Strengthening Families Program (SFP) meets for ten Wednesdays from 6 to 8 pm. SFP is designed to support families as their children grow into teenagers. To promote family bonding, families enjoy fun activities and games together. Young people learn how to handle frustration, appreciate their parents, resist peer pressure and get along with others. Parents learn parenting skills and tips. Registration is required for this free program. A light meal and babysitting provided. Call for more information.

*Parent Education Program (PEP): The State of Connecticut requires completion of this program as a prerequisite to granting a divorce. Sessions are designed to help families cope with the effects of divorce on children. Call for more information.

Youth Programs and Activities

Alateen meetings are Tuesdays from 7 to 9 pm and is for anyone affected by somebody else’s alcoholism. Parents, children, spouses, partners, brothers and sisters, and other family members of alcoholics are welcome to attend, as are friends and those who work with alcoholics. At meetings members share their personal experiences and learn to find personal happiness, whether or not the alcoholic in their lives is still drinking.

Job Bank is accepting applications from qualified 13 to 17-year olds who want employment babysitting, pet sitting or performing other household chores. Call weekdays between 2:30 and 4:30 for an application.

Movies: A rotating series of G- and PG-rated moves are screened at the after school drop-in center at NYFS every Monday through Friday from 2:15 to 4 pm. All are welcome.

Peer Mentoring is available each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1 to 1:30 pm, at Newtown High School.

Rock ‘n Roll Middle School is for seventh and eighth graders who want to learn to play musical instruments and participate in a rock band. The class is Wednesdays from 2:30 to 5 pm at NYFS. Registration required.

SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) meets Wednesdays from 2 to 3 pm at Newtown High School.

Yoga Mania is for students in grades 7–12. It meets Tuesdays from 3 to 4 pm. Yoga builds strength, improves flexibility, and decrease anxiety in this free program. Parental permission and registration required.

Moms’ Programs

A new session of Mommy and Me, for first-time moms and mothers of infants, has started. The program meets Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 am until April 29. Newcomers are welcome.

Gym Time meets at Edmond Town Hall on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 am Call to register.

Support Groups

Autism Group, for parents of children with special needs, mets at 7 pm the first Thursday of each month. Call Wendy Suckow, 364-1133, for more information.

NAMI is America’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons with serious mental illness. The next chapter meeting is planned for Monday, March 17, from 9:30 am until noon.

All programs take place at NYFS, 17 Church Hill Road, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register call 270-4335.