Anyone unfamiliar with Newtown Youth & Family Services may have found themselves wondering what NYFS is. What does NYFS do for Newtown and area residents?

Answering these questions is easier than you think. Newtown Youth & Family Services, Inc. (NYFS) is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau, that has been dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential for almost 30 years.

NYFS is based at 15 Berkshire Road in Sandy Hook. It is governed by a board of directors made up of people who live within the community. Most importantly NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education to community members throughout the greater Newtown area.

“NYFS strives to meet the needs of the community on an ongoing basis” said NYFS Executive Director Candice Bohr. “We are working with the Town of Newtown, the school district, the interfaith community and private providers to assess the types of supports and programming that is desired.”

Within the last year NYFS has expanded, hiring five full-time and seven part-time employees. In addition, starting mid-September, NYFS will be opening for limited Saturday hours.

“Due to the amount of clients we are seeing on an intake basis, we are excited to be opening the agency for limited hours on Saturdays” said NYFS Intake Coordinator Marissa Rheiner., who also mentioned the agency’s walk-in support services. “They are being offered for both individuals and families in the community who have been impacted by the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.”

NYFS Walk-In Support Services are for both individuals and families to express their personal concerns and feelings related to the tragedy, meet with a staff therapist who can address these concerns, answer questions and provide referrals for ongoing services if needed. While no appointment is necessary, with walk-ins welcome during set times, Ms Rheiner encourages community members to call ahead if they wish to be seen at a specific time.

For the next two weeks, Walk-In Support Services will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays (August 27 and 29, September 3 and 5) from 4 to 7 pm, and Wednesdays (August 28 and September 4) from 10 am until 1 pm.

For full a complete listing of Walk-In Support hours, additional support groups, programs and classes, agency hours and more information, call 203-270-4335 or visit www.newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org. NYFS also has a column that appears regularly on the Schools pages of The Newtown Bee.