Waterbury Youth Services

08/28/2026

08/26/2026

Our 2026 Back to School Rally brought the community together to make sure Waterbury’s young people started the school year ready to learn and succeed. 📚🎒 With 1,000 backpacks and school supplies, dozens of community partners, volunteers, vendors, and families showing up together — this is what happens when a community rallies around its youth. ❤️

And now, we’re honored to be featured by WTNH News 8! 📺✨ This coverage reflects what 50 years of service really looks like: showing up, building community, and investing in young people, one life at a time.

Here’s to 50 years of Waterbury Youth Services — and to the next 50 years of empowering, supporting, and celebrating our youth! 🥂

Thank you to every volunteer, partner, sponsor, staff member, and family who made this celebration possible. WE DID IT TOGETHER! 💙💛

🎥 Catch the WTNH News 8 feature (check comments)

08/19/2026

🎒💜50 YEARS OF YOUTH. 50 YEARS OF IMPACT. 50 YEARS OF WATERBURY YOUTH SERVICES!

And we’re celebrating BIG! 🎉

Tomorrow is our ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL RALLY and we are SO excited to welcome Waterbury families and our amazing community partners!

✨ 1,000 BOOKBAGS
✨ 50 COMMUNITY VENDORS & PARTNERS
✨ FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES & RESOURCES
✨ FAMILY FUN + COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS+ MURAL REVEAL
✨ 50 YEARS OF SERVING WATERBURY’S YOUTH! 💜

📅 Thursday, August 20
⏰ 12:00–2:00 PM
📍 Fulton Park

This isn’t just a back-to-school event — it’s a CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY! 🎉

For 50 years, Waterbury Youth Services has been committed to guiding youth to discover their unique talents and potential for success — one life at a time. And we’re just getting started!

A HUGE thank you to our incredible sponsors, vendors, community partners, volunteers, staff, and everyone who continues to show up for Waterbury’s youth. It truly takes a village!

Waterbury, come celebrate with us! 🎒📚🎉

07/30/2026

What a day! The Waterbury Community Field Day & Concert was one for the books! 🎉🎶🧡

Waterbury Youth Services was proud to co-organize with WaterburyPAL , CMHA , and cityofwaterburyrecreation for an afternoon of fun, connection, and positive youth engagement.

Rooted in our commitment to gun violence prevention, the day gave youth and families a safe space to connect, access resources, and celebrate community. Field day competitions, great food, door prizes, an incredible concert—the energy was unmatched.

Because Community is Prevention. When we invest in our young people, we build a safer, healthier Waterbury.

Thank you to every sponsor, volunteer, partner, and family who joined us. 🧡

07/24/2026

Join us fo the Waterbury Community Field Day & Concert!

TODAY, July 24 - 3:00-8:00 PM
Waterbury PAL, 64 Division Street
Live Music by Christi Jones
• Games • Esports • Basketball • Inflatables •
→ Food & Community Resources

This FREE event is presented by the Gun Violence Prevention Partnership in collaboration with Waterbury
PAL, the City of Waterbury Bureau of Recreation, Waterbury Youth Services, and CMHA.

Community IS Prevention.

• Scan the QR code or click the RSVP link to let us know you're coming!

https://forms.gle/kJewSYy7YB6jYMjLA

06/23/2026

Congratulations to Olivia Dudley, Director of Program Operations at Waterbury Youth Services, a branch of the Greater Waterbury YMCA! 🎉

Olivia was honored with the 2026 Volunteer of the Year award by the Exchange Club of Waterbury. We are proud of Olivia's hard work, dedication, and continued commitment to the community.

🎉 CONGRATS! 🎉

06/22/2026

🎒✨ SAVE THE DATE! IT’S THAT TIME! ✨📚

We know school just got out but mark your calendars for Waterbury Youth Services' Annual Back to School Rally on Thursday, August 20 from 12–2 PM at Fulton Park!

Here's what to expect!
🎒 Free resources & school supplies (while supplies last)
🎨Unveiling of a Community Mural
🎶 Music, 🌭 food, games & more!

The Back to School is in partnership with the Greater Waterbury YMCA, City of Waterbury - Mayor's Office, Waterbury Public Schools, Connecticut Community Foundation, and Thomaston Savings Bank.

06/08/2026

🎉 Time to Celebrate! 🎉

Congratulations to Wonder's Oasis Family Daycare and Libélula Family Daycare on their grand opening through the Waterbury Childcare Incubator Program!

On June 5, the Greater Waterbury YMCA and Waterbury Youth Services celebrated this exciting achievement with a ribbon-cutting ceremony surrounded by family, friends, community members, and local leaders.

A special congratulations to Rosa and Maria, 2025 POWER graduates, whose hard work has led them to launch their own childcare businesses. Through POWER, a 26-week Spanish-language program, participants gain the training, licensing, and support needed to build successful home daycare programs that strengthen families and communities.

This is more than a grand opening—it’s an investment in local entrepreneurs, working families, and greater access to quality childcare throughout Waterbury.

Thank you to our incredible community partners and funders for making this vision possible: Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC),Connecticut Community Foundation, M&T Bank Charitable Foundation, United Way of Greater Waterbury,, and the Office of Early Childhood.

We also extend our gratitude to Governor Lamont ( Office of Governor Ned Lamont), State Representative Geraldo Reyes Jr., Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski (City of Waterbury - Mayor's Office), and the Board Members of Greater Waterbury YMCA and Waterbury Youth Services for joining us in celebrating this special day.

Here's to new beginnings, thriving businesses, and stronger communities!

06/03/2026

Inspiring Future Healthcare Leaders ⚕

Throughout May, Waterbury Youth Services' Linking Academics to Life (LAL) Youth Program had an incredible opportunity to explore healthcare careers through an immersive partnership with UConn Health Waterbury Hospital.

Youth participated in hands-on experiences twice each week, gaining valuable insight into the many professions that support both physical and mental well-being. From Behavioral Health and Physical Therapy to Nursing, Radiology, Pharmacy, Biomedical Engineering, the Emergency Department, and the Operating Room, participants were exposed to the wide range of services that help individuals and families thrive.

A special highlight of the program was learning about the importance of mental health care through interactive sessions with Behavioral Health professionals, helping youth better understand the connection between mental wellness, resilience, and overall health.

These experiences expanded career awareness and empowered our young people to see themselves as future leaders, advocates, and healthcare professionals in their communities.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Commissioner Yarixa Lopez for her exceptional leadership, organization, and unwavering support in making this opportunity possible.

Together, we are investing in the next generation while continuing to break the stigma surrounding mental health and promote wellness for all.

Greater Waterbury YMCA

05/27/2026

We are so proud! 🎉🎊