East Haddam Youth and Family Services is dedicated to inspiring the potential of and promoting the positive and healthy development of youth and families, striving to create and enhance opportunities which advance the quality of life for all youth and families within the community by providing a spectrum of prevention, intervention, and advocacy services.

A Note from the Director, Toni McCabe

We hear a lot about the importance of peers in the lives of our children and youth and the impact that peer pressure can have on the choices they make. Being good parents, we recognize the importance of getting to know our children's friends, networking with other parents, knowing where our children are and whether or not a responsible adult is present when they are in someone else's home. We probably know the right questions to ask, the important conversations to have, the necessary warnings to give and the absolute rules to establish - about drugs, alcohol, sex, driving under the influence, and so on.

But I often wonder about the other influences in our children's lives - the ones that can fall under the "parental radar." Technology has given our children incredible access -- there's a lot of information out there about the dangers of the internet and the impact of the lyrics in the music so we're probably at least aware of those. But how often do we take a critical look at the television. Should we be paying more attention to the hype around the use of alcohol or the number of times alcohol shows up on the screen either through commercials or regular programs? Should we be more worried about how the use of alcohol is tied in with sexuality, popularity, social success and fun?

Should we question the impact of the constant message that there are drugs that can take care of almost anything, almost immediately? Should we be concerned that our children are growing up in a society that expects immediate relief?

And finally, what should we think about the "reality" shows our children watch -- the ones that glorify physical beauty, self-indulgent behavior and shallow relationships among groups of young adult men and women? Do we want our children to think of that as reality? I often wonder . . .

Welcome!

We are pleased to welcome Ms. Julie Yale to the staff of EHYFS. Julie has been hired to coordinate the Developmental Assets Mini-Grant program described below:

Through funding provided by the Midddlesex United Way, East Haddam Youth and Family Services has $500.00 mini-grants available for local faith, civic and other organizations that are interested in developing adult-youth partnerships.

For information please contact Julie Yale at (860) 691-2466.

We are also pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Darin D'Amaddio, LCSW. Darin will be providing counseling services for youth and families beginning in January.