Youth Services Looking For Directors

By Tanjua Damon

Are you enthusiastic, creative, energetic, or just looking for something to do to give back to your community? Newtown Youth Services is looking for members to fill openings on its Board of Directors.

An Open House/Orientation is being held on Monday, March 19, from 7 to 8 pm for anyone interested in serving on the board or for anyone who would just like to volunteer when they have time. The NYS offices are located at 41A Main Street.

Why become a board member or friend of the board? It is a great way to give time to benefit the youth and families of Newtown, meet new people, become involved with the community, participate in fun activities, work with a fun and hard working staff and other board members, and explore new and creative activities for youth and families, according to director Debbie Richardson.

“Newtown is growing. Adding new people can help Youth Services have an impact on the needs of the growing community,” Mrs Richardson said. “They bring to the table all the different things that they know and the ideas that interest them.”

The board of directors meets once a month on the last Monday at 7 pm. Board members are also asked to participate on one committee at the organization. The board meets every month except December and July.

“It’s a great way to become involved with the community and the youth of the community,” assistant director Jane Todorski said. “We’ve gotten great ideas from people who move into Newtown. They give us fresh ideas of things that have worked in other places.”

There are currently 15 members on the board of directors, but the bylaws allow for 25 members. The organization serves 14,000 people in the community and had been in Newtown for 20 years.

“We can’t do it all. We serve a lot of people,” Mrs Todorski said. “Some of our events are very large.”

Newtown Youth Services offers counseling, after school programs, parenting programs, job bank, super sitters, community service hours, and 4-H club, among other programs.

The staff at Youth Services is holding the open house/orientation in hopes of encouraging community members from all walks of life – doctors, attorneys, teachers, moms, dads, and businesses, marketing – who want to be a part of the Youth Services family working to offer programs for youths and families.

The Open House/Orientation at Newtown Youth Services will be on Monday, March 19, from 7 to 8 pm. For more information call 270-4335.