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The definition of prevention as defined by DMHAS, (Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services), is a proactive process of helping individuals, families and communities to develop resources and capacities needed to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles. Prevention focuses upon the design and implementation of innovative programs and carefully planned interventions that occur before the onset of physical, psychological, emotional or social problems. We offer after school programming designed to teach youth
about drug and alcohol prevention. Middle school after school
programming is one of the most important components of our work, middle
schoolers fall into the range of "at-risk" due to the unsupervised hours and
lack of engaging after school programming. Therefore, we are instituting
art, drama, homework clubs and socio-educational programming to engage
otherwise disenfranchised youth. We know that providing youth with
activities in which they can create an authentic product, engages them and
enriches the community. We hold regular meetings with high school youth to participate in community service projects. These youth adopt needy families, raise funds for scholarships, mentor middle schoolers and they run many of our activities. They have won an award from the Governor for these activities as well as from the Commissioner of Education.
LYSB provides services to
our community in the form of
early childhood prevention; Moms and Babies support groups; new moms can get
information, meet other new moms, learn about available resources in the area,
hear speakers about nutrition, dental health, parent education and the support
of other new mothers. Some of these parents become lifelong friends from
this initial group. We also provide playgroups for tykes and toddlers.
These interactive groups teach parents how to teach reading skills, adaptive
measures, age appropriate play activities as well as crafts to make with their
children. We also have guest speakers on child developmental stages,
pediatric resources, and Internet resources. PARENT EDUCATION We teach parenting classes, such as Teen Age Driving, Puberty Classes for parent and child to take together, Drug & Alcohol identification. We helped to implement the Community Task Force for Underage Drinking. We have a curriculum for children called Change Happens, for the child going through divorce, separation, new blended family, etc. LYSB is an approved provider of the Connecticut Parent Education Program for divorcing parents.
Our Parents as Teachers program offers screenings and home visits for children
ages newborn to five. Please call for a private appointment. COUNSELING We also offer counseling for children and youth that would not otherwise have these necessary services. Our fees are based on a sliding scale. You may call our counselor and leave a confidential message 24 hrs. a day. We put on Town-wide activities such as the K-12 Art show and other collaborations with town agencies
such as Mid-Summer Festival and Family Day. We create opportunities for
the community to come together, such as our annual Halloween Party and
Gingerbread House Workshop. All of these activities are designed to create healthy children and families, encourage self-esteem, create community asset building, and prevent behavior disorders, stress and isolation that cause mental disorders. Prevention is our best defense in the line against crime and delinquency, violence, vandalism, mental health problems, family conflict, parenting problems, stress and burnout, alcohol and drug abuse, child abuse, learning problems, school failure, school dropouts, teenage pregnancy, and suicide. We see ourselves as a resource for children and families as well as a strong community member for the betterment of Lyme and Old Lyme.
Lymes' Youth Service Bureau P.O. Box 589 59 Lyme Street Old Lyme, CT 06371 860-434-7208
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