group-with-wheel-chairSomers Human Services engages and connects residents to information, support, assistance, opportunities, and services that promote family stability, youth enrichment, and supported, active seniorhood.

YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU

The Somers Youth Service Bureau works to support the holistic development and well-being of Somers youth through targeted programs and support services that collectively foster positive youth development and create lasting positive impact. By developing an environment where young people can thrive, our programs promote confidence, teamwork, mindfulness, character development, and empowering experiences that help youth become well-rounded, creative, resilient individuals capable of achieving their full potential.

  • Somers Youth for Change (SYC), out Youth Leadership Council
  • Teen Center at the Somers Public Library
  • Positive Youth Development Programs
  • Case Management
  • Truancy Support
  • Youth Diversion Team (JRB)
  • Back-to-School Success Program
  • Holiday Toy Shop

For information or to make an appointment, please call Jen Griger, MS, Youth Services Coordinator at 860-265-7551 x 2 OR via email at jgriger@somersct.gov

SHINE: OUR LOCAL PREVENTION COUNCIL

What is a Local Prevention Council? Local Prevention Councils (LPCs) are made up of volunteers from diverse sectors in the community including the municipal sector, youth, parents, grandparents, business leaders, educators, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, healthcare professionals, concerned citizens and other organizations. LPCs work to raise awareness about substance use and its impact on the community by planning and implementing educational opportunities, local media campaigns, and other events around the topic of substance abuse prevention. In addition, they look to address policies at a local level that may have an impact on substance abuse. Participation in an LPC is an opportunity to make positive changes in your community, meet other committed community members and participate in engaging activities ranging from program planning to positive youth development activities.

SHINE, formerly known as Somers Comes Together, recently drafted Mission, Vision, and Values Statements to bring clarity to our work through words, and to demonstrate our commitment to the community.

MISSION: Our coalition empowers youth and young adults to make informed choices by raising awareness, providing educational resources, and supporting our community through collaborative substance use prevention initiatives and efforts.

VISION: We work together to ensure that every young person feels accepted, informed, and confident in their ability to make healthy choices, free from substance use.

VALUES:

Positivity: We are optimistic, resilient, and encouraging in hopes of inspiring our whole community to participate in our prevention initiatives, transforming negativity into opportunity.

Informative: We prioritize accurate, relevant, and accessible information about substance use prevention, allowing youth and families to make decisions based on facts.

Inclusive: We are empathetic, understanding, and respectful of all voices. We embrace diversity and avoid judgement in our efforts to create a safer and healthier community for all.

Integrity: The impact of our actions and collaborations relies on honesty, transparency, trust, and ethical behavior. We are all responsible for protecting our coalition’s integrity.

Impact-driven: We prioritize initiatives and actions that generate meaningful and measurable prevention outcomes for our town’s youth, families, and community.

Current Projects of SHINE and Somers’ Prevention Programming include:

  • Youth Leadership Council
  • Peer Mentoring
  • Teen Center
  • National Drug Take Back Day Events
  • National Night Out