Programs

All of the Manchester Youth Service Bureau Activities/Programs are free to Manchester Youth.

Take a look at our Monthly Activity/Program Calendar

Early Childhood Resources

The Early Childhood Specialist is responsible for collaborations with public and non-public early care and education agencies, and maintains a strong, supportive relationship with parents of young children.  Activities include training for providers, parenting programs and workshops, and events for children from preschool through age 8.  Expertise and support for other relevant early childhood issues in Manchester is also provided.

Strengthening Families

Strengthening Families is a parent, youth, and family skills-building curriculum designed to help parents/caregivers learn nurturing skills that support their children, teach parents/caregivers how to effectively discipline their youth, give youth a healthy future orientation and an increased appreciation for their parents/caregivers, and teach youth skills for dealing with stress and peer pressure.

Peer Advocate Team

“Peer Advocates are informed support people for their friends, peer and the community.”  The goal of the program is to provide information, resources, and social techniques for teens.  Manchester High School provides ½ school credit to each member who completes 60 hours of service/activities (or a whole credit for 120 hours).

Girl Circle

Girls Circle a program for girls ages 9-18, is an opportunity to explore what it means to be a girl.  Enhance ideas, explore your future by doing creative, fun and interactive activities.  It is designed to foster self-esteem, and help girls maintain authentic connections with peers and adult women in their community.

Boys Council

Boys Council is a “rite of passage” program for boys ranging in ages 9-18 (separated into age specific groups).  It provides a place where boys can come together and engage in “guy talk”.  It offers a safe place where boys can be creative, express their ideas, and share their true selves.

Boyz To Men

Mentoring Program

Boyz to Men is a site based enrichment program designed to provide support to young men between the ages of 14 and 18 who can benefit from the guidance, friendship, and life experience of an adult male mentor.  Youth will be exposed to positive activities such as college tours and cultural events, as well as other fun activities and trips.

JOBS (Work Readiness) Program

The JOBS Program is a support program designed to prepare youth for the world of work.  The topics include:  employer expectation, work ethics, resume writing, application completion, interviewing skills, and tips to landing and ultimately keeping a job.

Journey

The Journey program provides pathways to leadership.  It is a service learning program with an emphasis on environmental education, leadership and facilitator training.  Projects focus on giving back to the Manchester community while building relationships and learning important life skills. 

Transition to Adulthood

This program is designed to help bridge the gap of graduation from high school and life in the “real world.”  During this program, youth will participate in an intensive career/education exploration and work readiness program.  We will cover topics including but not limited to:  resume writing, application completion, interviewing skills, tips to finding a job, working with a team, and effective communication.

CREC Year Round Work Group Program

Learn and Earn Year Round Employment Program, a program of Capital Region Education Council, Capital Workforce Partners and the Town of Manchester, is an after school program for youth ages 14-15 years old that focuses on academic success while developing employability and entrepreneurial skills necessary to earn money.

LINCS (Tutoring Program)

The LINCS program is designed to provide youth with education assistance in a supportive environment.  The students meet with tutors during scheduled after school sessions in our office with qualified volunteers that are high school, college students, retirees and other dedicated adults.

Community Service Program

The purpose of the community service program is to provide youth with opportunities to be exposed to an environment in which they can contribute positively.  Youth will experience rewards that will foster a sense of heightened self-esteem and accomplishments.  Community service can be completed for school requirements, faith based organizations, court, or for any other reason.

Diversion Program

Diversion is a means to prevent youth who commit minor, first-time criminal offenses from being referred to Juvenile Court.  A youth service coordinator meets with the youth and the youth’s family, and they implement a plan designed to improve the youth’s social and life skills, make restitution to the community, and address other needs the family may have.

Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program

The Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program is a program that offers screening, education and referrals for children engaging in fire setting behavior.  This program is for all ages!  The team is a collaborative effort between the Manchester Youth Service Bureau, the Manchester Police Department, Manchester Fire Rescue EMS and the Community Guidance Clinic of Manchester, Inc.

Special Events

The special events and trips offered uphold our Positive Youth Development philosophy providing team building and leaderships events and trips as well as social and cultural trips.  All of the events and trips are FREE to the public. 

Urban Expedition

Urban expedition is a week long summer program opened to 15 youth in Manchester.  Each day the group explores the town they live in.  The intention is to give participants a Positive Youth Development experience. 

Girls Circle Summer Program

During the Girls Circle Summer Program, middle school aged girls are invited to a week of empowering activities, thoughtful conversations and self-evaluation.

CREC Summer Work Group Program

Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program is a six week program where youth participate in intensive Career/Education Exploration and Work Readiness.  During this time together we review concepts that would enable the youth to have insight into the “real world.”

(MYST) Theater Program

The Manchester Youth and Senior Theatre Program serves a variety of youth as well as seniors in the community.  Youth of different ages and theatrical experience come together to perform a variety of shows.  Youth also participate in “Issues Theater”, a platform to perform vignettes about topics relevant to youth and children.

Volunteers

The Manchester Youth Service Bureau provides opportunities for young people and adults in the community to volunteer their time for special programs, projects, and events.

Internships

The Youth Service Bureau strongly supports individuals who wish to develop a clearer picture of possible career paths.  Interns get to explore this career path through hands-on projects our interns gain confidence, valuable career-related experience, and professional contacts for the future.

Teen Center

The teen center is open to any youth between the ages of 12 and 18 who reside or attend school in Manchester.  This teen safe haven is a great place to play games, be engaged in discussion groups, participate in various programs, and socialize with friends. Pool, Latest Game Systems, Internet/Computer Access, Teen Center Hours:  2:30-6:30PM