New NYFS Exec Focusing On

Substance Abuse Outreach, Counseling

By John Voket

The newly appointed executive director for Newtown Youth & Family Services hopes the agency will become the “go-to” resource for anyone in town who may feel their safety, health, or happiness is compromised, especially if it involves substance abuse, depression, or other related clinical issues.

The Board of Directors of Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) announced on January 28 that Beth Agen is taking over as executive director effective February 4.

Corresponding with The Newtown Bee following the announcement, Ms Agen said while youth activities are ramping up as planned at the agency’s new location on Church Hill Road, she wants to begin aggressively addressing another NYFS initiatives involving its substance abuse prevention outreach and treatment offerings.

“Everyone at some point in their life needs support and direction,” Ms Agen said. “At NYFS we can offer that support and direction whether it’s through therapy with one of our clinicians, a support group, or a recreational activity that increases learning and self-esteem.”

To ensure her goals to that end are met, Ms Agen promised to be a presence at both agency offices — 121 Mt Pleasant, where NYFS provides therapy regardless of ability to pay for services, and at 17 Church Hill Road, the agency’s new headquarters where NYFS offer groups and positive asset development programming.

Chris Gardner, chairman of the NYFS Board of Directors, said Ms Agen was unanimously hired by the Board of Directors after a three-month search that attracted dozens of applicants from across the United States.

She is currently serving as the Newtown Prevention Council’s Drug Free Communities Grant Coordinator, a position she filled in March 2007.

“I cannot stress enough how pleased I am that Beth Agen has accepted this position,” Mr Gardner told The Bee following the board’s decision. “She has tremendous enthusiasm and compassion for youth and families. This agency, and certainly by extension the community, is very fortunate to have her here in Newtown.”

Ms Agen will manage the agency and nearly two dozen employees, and will oversee all administrative program activities at the agency’s offices.

In 2007 the agency held 3,748 counseling sessions and did more than 600 hours of positive asset development programs for children in Newtown. During recent budget deliberations, the Newtown Board of Selectmen recommended taxpayer funding for the agency in the amount of $275,000.

That funding is being earmarked to hire an on-site substance abuse professional.

Ms Agen said she plans to be fully hands-on helping NYFS in integrating more drug and alcohol use/abuse prevention and treatment.

“In the coming months we will be adding a substance abuse counselor at 121 Mt Pleasant in addition to adding other licensed clinicians who can see clients later in the afternoon and early evening,” she said.

Besides the upgraded substance abuse initiative, the agency appealed to local selectmen for added funding to underwrite a drop-in center coordinator.

Before beginning work with Newtown Prevention Council last March, Ms Agen was community relations manager and human resources director for Family & Children’s Aid, Inc, in Danbury.

Newtown Youth & Family Services was formed on July 1, 2007, following a cooperative merger between Newtown Youth Services and Family Counseling Center. NYS and FCC were both founded by Trinity Episcopal Church roughly 25 years ago.

Mr Gardner said by merging, the new entity immediately began expanding services in Newtown by pooling resources, creating an unprecedented level of outreach and support activities.

The agency is a licensed, nonprofit youth service bureau and mental health clinic with a mission of helping children and families achieve their highest potential.

Ms Agen reminds local residents that NYFS is ready and able to provide programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups, and education for individuals throughout the area regardless of their ability to pay.

“We’ve been serving Newtown for over 25 years,” she said, “and we’ll be here when we’re needed for the next 25.”