Parent Education Program (PEP)

The State of Connecticut requires completion of this program as a prerequisite to granting a divorce.  Sessions of the course sequence are designed to help families cope with the effects of divorce on children. Call 426-8103 for more information.

Strengthening Families

Program (SFP)

Meets for 10 weeks of Wednesdays from 6 to 8 pm. SFP is  designed to support families as their children grow into teenagers. To promote family bonding, families will enjoy fun activities and games together. Young people will learn how to handle frustration, appreciate their parents, resist peer pressure and get along with others. Parents will learn parenting skills and tips. Registration required for this free program. A light meal and babysitting provided. For more information, call Amanda at 270-4335.

Youth Programs & Activities

YAB meets at the Newtown High School from 2 to 3 pm on Monday, January 28.

NYCAAP meets at the Newtown High School from 7 to 8 pm on Wednesday, January 30.

Job Bank is now taking applications from qualified 13 through 17 year olds seeking employment babysitting, pet-sitting or performing miscellaneous  household chores. Call between 2:30 and 4:30 pm, on weekdays, for an application.

Blizzard Brigade matches responsible seventh through twelfth grade students with residents who need help shoveling their walks and driveways. Residents should call the NYFS Job Bank at 270-4335 to discuss their needs with a coordinator; students should fill out an application at the Job Bank. Although the time commitment is minimal, students must be organized, punctual, and have the ability to work with little supervision. 

Start Something, for seventh and eighth graders, will meet on Mondays from 2:30 to 4 pm for ten weeks, beginning Monday, January 28. Start Something will help students define a specific personal goal, develop an action plan to achieve it, and explore careers within their interest areas. Students will have the opportunity to perform community service, and to qualify for scholarships. Start Something is funded by the  Newtown Prevention Council, Newtown Youth & Family Services & the Tiger Parental permission & preregistration required for this free program. Call Amanda Walsh at 270-4335.

Yoga Mania, from students in the seventh through twelfth grades, begins on Tuesday January 29, from 3 to 4 pm. Build strength, improve flexibility and decrease anxiety in this free program. Parental permission and preregistration required. Call Amanda Walsh at 270-4335.

Don’t Be Bored…Play Board Games A free program on  Thursday, January 31, from 2:15 to 4 pm.

Curious Critters is a hands-on educational program designed to introduce children to a variety of animals. Children will learn lots of fun facts about animals, and get to meet alligators, snakes, frogs, lizards, turtles, tarantulas, scorpions, hedgehogs, chinchillas and rabbits. Saturday, February 2, from 10 to 11:30 pm. This free program is currently full. Call Tracy De Fusco at 270-4335 to be put on the waiting list.

Moms’ Programs

Mommy and Me, for first time moms and mothers of infants will meet for 12 sessions beginning in late January. Please Call Elaine at 270-4335 to register.

Gym Time meets at the Edmond Town Hall from 9:30 to 11:30 am, for 12 Wednesdays, beginning Wednesday January 30. Call Elaine at 270-4335 to register.

Support Groups

Sib Shops, for children ages 10 to 14, whose siblings have special needs, meets Wednesday, January 30, from 5 to 6:30 pm

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