Manchester YSB programs are designed for youth age 0 - 21 and their families who reside in, or attend school in Manchester. Our programs are fun and assist our youth to grow intellectually, personally, and emotionally from supportive environments and positive re-enforcement, allowing them to mature in self-confidence, self-awareness, become better planners, organizers and problem-solvers, with improved behaviors, attitudes, and relationships.
Youth programs are vital to the development of our youth; they create positive impacts in the lives of young people, encouraging them to build connections to the community, develop meaningful relationships with caring adults, supports academic achievement, and helps prevent juvenile delinquency.
Our programs and services fall into 6 major core areas:
- Early Childhood Services
- Teen Center/Outreach
- Life Skills
- Employment/Vocational
- Diversion
- Community Service
Please take a look at the classes, activities, and various other programs that we have to offer.
Boys Council offers elementary school boys (5-6 grade) a solid pathway towards healthy development and helps them navigate the unique challenges of adolescence. This group offers a safe place for boys to discuss their experiences, express their ideas, and share their true selves. Space is limited. To register please call Shakir Leacock at (860) 647-5223, or email sleacock@manchesterct.gov.
Boys Council offers middle school boys (7-8 grade) a solid pathway towards building healthy connections, helps them to further develop their self-image and improve effective communication. This group offers a safe place for boys to discuss their experiences, express their ideas, and share their true selves. Space is limited. To register please call Shakir Leacock at (860) 647-5223, or email sleacock@manchesterct.gov.
Boys Council offers High school boys (9-12 grade) a solid pathway towards building healthy coping mechanisms and helps them to further develop their critical thinking. This group offers a safe place for boys to discuss their experiences, express their ideas, and share their true selves. Space is limited. To register please call Shakir Leacock at (860) 647-5223, or email sleacock@manchesterct.gov.
A week long enrichment program that addresses issues young men face through fun and challenging activities, discussion, and guest
speakers. Nonstop action and fun!
This program is designed for young men age 14-18 who can benefit from the guidance, friendship, and life experiences of adult male role models in a group setting. This enrichment program will expose the youth to a variety of positive activities such as college tours, community events, and other cultural and recreational happenings in addition to providing support to the youth. To register, or for more information, please contact Shakir Leacock at (860) 647-5223 or email sleacock@manchesterct.gov.
Cradle to Crayons is a preschool playgroup for children age 2-5 that supports the development of skills that will promote success in and out of preschool and kindergarten. Activities include circle time, art, fine motor, gross motor, pre-math and pre-writing skill building. Children will have the opportunity to both engage in socialization and free play with other children as well as structured activities at their own pace.
Creative Families provides an opportunity to connect through art to release stress and take a break from demanding routines. These workshops will fill your cup and leave you feeling inspired! Participants will leave each session with their own piece of art and a meaningful experience attached. Facilitator: Kellie Gauvin. Ages: 8+ and parent(s)/guardian(s). Meets: Monthly, dates and times vary. To Register: Call (860) 647-5262 or email ksheridan@manchesterct.gov.
The creative writing program for grades 7-8, is one that will encourage and challenge the unique expressive writing ability that many of our Manchester youth exhibit. It will focus on storytelling, poetry, song lyrics, script writing, and public speaking. Participants write and critique each other’s work in order to emphasize teamwork, cooperation and communication skills. Please call Shakir Leacock at (860) 647-5223, or email leacock@manchesterct.gov with questions.
The employment program is designed to engage and help youth age 16-21 in Manchester with career exploration and job readiness skills. After successfully completing the session, youth will have a completed a cover letter and resume which will allow them to properly apply for future jobs and have a better understanding of employment competency skills. If youth successfully complete the program, a stipend will be awarded. Please contact Sheridan Douglass at (860) 647-5216, or sdouglass@manchesterct.gov for more information.
Sometimes we forget that most youth DON’T drink alcohol or use other drugs. FACTS is a substance use prevention program for young people that gives you the tools to stay sober, helps you learn healthy stress-management strategies, allows you to grow as a leader, all while exploring your community and hanging out with friends. This program is designed for 14-18 year olds. For more information contact Samantha Bell at sbell@manchesterct.gov or (860) 647-5260.
The purpose of the circle is to promote a healthy and sustaining bond between parents/ guardians and daughters ages 11-14 during the transitional years from girlhood to young womanhood. This is an opportunity for ONE daughter & ONE parent /guardian so they can have the essential one-on-one time to connect. Formerly called Mother–Daughter Circle, Family circle provides a safe, consistent, and strengths-based approach to supporting parents and or caretakers and their daughters on their relationship journey. All are welcome including dads, grandfathers, mothers, grandmothers, foster parents etc. There will be alternating weeks of talk sessions & creative sessions. Dinner will be provided. Please call Tasha at (860) 647-5215, or email tweston@manchesterct.gov for more information or to register.
This program is designed for young women age 10-16. Girls Circle is an evidence-based program for girls (separated into age specific groups), that explores what it means to be a girl and navigate growing up as a young woman in today’s society. The program allows for the exchange of ideas and discussion about their experiences and hopes for the future through creative, fun, and interactive activities. By design this program fosters confidence, self-esteem, and assists girls in creating authentic connections with peers and adult women in their community.
A program where girls are invited to make friends, talk about important issues, and gain confidence through creative activities and inspiring trips. A great time to be expressive and be inspired!
Home Alone Safety for Kids is a unique class for youth ages 8 to 13 years old who may be left home alone. This interactive workshop will cover safety concerns parents and guardians have when their children are by themselves.
Youth age 10+ will create their very own ceramic pottery and learn about the process of pottery making. Topics and projects will include pottery making techniques for sculptural and functional pottery and a bit of pottery history. Students will create both decorative and functional pottery such as mugs, bowls, birdhouses and planters. Students will have paint brushes, sponges and clay, as well as their own space to store their equipment.
Journey is a service learning program with an emphasis on environmental education, leadership, and woodworking training. Projects focus on giving back to the community, while building relationships and learning important life skills.
Increase nature awareness and knowledge and provide community service, social interaction, and skill development in art, wood working and research. Participants will write & illustrate story elements created during the group.
Referrals for this program come directly from the Police Department. The purpose of the Manchester Restorative Diversion Collaborative (MRDC) is to divert Manchester youth between the ages of 10-18 from the juvenile justice system and assist with the implementation of restorative practices that promote healing for the youth involved and the Manchester community.
MRDC is dedicated to helping youth take accountability for their actions through a community-based approach that focuses on building relationships, repairing harm, and reducing recidivism. Referrals
Diversion Program Coordinator: Kellie Gauvin
Diversion Case Manager: Tasha Weston
This program was created to engage youth ages 10-13 in exciting and active activities around fitness, mental, emotional and social well-being. We don’t get enough sleep, neglect our relationships, eat junk food, stress out, sit too much, and exercise too little – yet can’t figure out why we feel tired most of the time! Join Mind over Matter to help you get the right amount of physical activity, sleep, and overall well-being back into shape! Please contact Sheridan Douglass at (860) 647-5216, or email sdouglass@manchesterct.gov for more information, or to register.
This program is for moms and their infants to early walking age (approximately newborn to age 2). The group is for parents of young babies and toddlers to socialize in an unstructured playgroup atmosphere. This is a laid-back social group with no judgment, come when you can! A private changing and feeding room is available. Registration is not required to attend, please just show up. Contact Caitlin for questions or to be put on the list for group updates and cancellations at CMcnamara@manchesterct.gov
My Baby & Me
This program is for new caretakers and their children (approximately newborn to 18 months). This group is to establish a community of parents of young children and provide early socialization opportunities for their infants.
You don’t need to travel far to have fun! Join us for monthly family activities, including: Pottery Painting, Family Trivia, Gingerbread House Competition, Family Bingo, Cupcake Decorating, Drum Circle, Paint Party, and more! All families will receive a “Passport,” which will be stamped at each event. Families who attend 5 or more events throughout the year will be entered into a drawing for a Grand Prize! Meets: Monthly, dates and times vary Ages: 8+ and parent(s)/guardian(s) To Register for more information Please contact Kellie Sheridan at (860) 647-5262 or ksheridan@manchesterct.gov.
PFLAG is committed to advancing equality and full societal affirmation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQIA+) people through its threefold mission of support, education, and advocacy. By supporting this mission, PFLAG aims to make our community a healthier, more well-informed, safer, fairer, and happier place for LGBTQIA+ people, their families, and their loved ones. Meetings are open* and designed to support families with LGBTQIA+ youth. Meetings will be structured to include an LGBTQIA+ youth group (ages 12-18) and a parent/ally support group. Facilitator: Kellie Gauvin. Meets: Monthly, first Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8:00pm. *No Registration required
A parent-child class for toddlers age 24-35 months, where we learn about our emotions together with free play, read alouds, circle time, themed activities, some crafts and vocabulary rich conversations. We will be learning through simple and engaging activities that are interactive and developmentally appropriate. Caregivers should be prepared to participate with their little learner!
A parent-child class for toddlers age 3-4, where we explore our five senses together with free play, read alouds, circle time, themed activities, some crafts and vocabulary rich conversations. We will be learning through simple and engaging activities that are interactive and developmentally appropriate. Caregivers should be prepared to participate with their little learners!
In this class, participants ages 12-18 will learn the skills necessary to safely and responsibly care for children and infants. Participants will develop leadership skills; learn how to develop a babysitting business; keep themselves and others safe; and learn basic first aid & CPR. To Register please call (860) 647-5262 or email ksheridan@manchesterct.gov
This program is designed for Manchester students completing grades 5-7. Each day will include fun active games and challenges. Participants may climb anywhere from 2 - 40 feet in the air, depending on their choice of challenge level. Games and activities promote teamwork, cooperation, problem-solving skills, and building trust among team mates. All instructors are certified Ropes Course Facilitators.
A parent-child class for babies age 12-23 months, where we explore sensory play together with free play, read alouds, circle time, themed activities, some crafts and vocabulary rich conversations. We will be learning through simple and engaging activities that are interactive and developmentally appropriate. Caregivers should be prepared to participate with their little learner! Themes: water play, music & movement, textures and more!
This program is designed for youth age 7-15. Every Sibshop meeting starts with dinner, and always includes a lot of fun, goofy games, and opportunities for heartfelt conversations between kids who share the pleasures and special challenges of having a sibling with special needs. Sibshop meets monthly at the Youth Service Bureau on the first Friday of the month. Please call Tasha Weston (860) 647-5215 or email tweston@manchesterct.gov for more information or to register.
SYELP is a partnership between Capital Workforce Partners, Capital Region Education Council, and the Town of Manchester. This summer program for youth ages 15-18 years old develops employability and entrepreneurial skills necessary to enter the workforce. Students participate in workforce training followed by paid summer internship (Program is dependent on State funding).
This group (ages 14-18) will meet monthly to discuss a variety of topics that include healthy relationships, future goals, money management, self-love and much more! Please call Sheridan Douglass at (860) 647-5216, or email sdouglass@manchesterct.gov for more information or to register.
The Teen Center is designed for Manchester students age 12-18, and will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays starting 9/21/22. The Teen Center offers a place for youth to come together and socialize with their peers in a structured and supervised environment. Students can play video games, pool, foos ball, board games, surf the internet, or participate in a variety of other creative, fun, and interactive activities. At 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays we offer a group discussion on a variety of topics. Food will be available after group discussion. Please call Shakir Leacock at (860) 647-5223, or email sleacock@manchesterct.gov with questions.
Youth ages 11-15 will spend a week learning about who THEY are. They’ll be doing lots of fun activities and fieldtrips where they’ll learn more about themselves, how to handle the stress life throws at them, and how they can make a positive impact on the world around them.
This program is designed for Manchester youth age 11-14. Enjoy a week of exploring Manchester and other local sights. Youth will be exposed to a range of positive activities, community events, and other cultural and recreational happenings in a group setting.
Voices is an evidence-based program that was created to address the unique needs of adolescent girls and young women ages 14-18. Please call Sheridan Douglass at (860) 647-5216, or email sdouglass@manchesterct.gov for more information, or to register.
Manchester Police and high school youth will meet monthly to build relationships with officers by participating in a variety of team building and leadership opportunities. This program is a great way to make positive connections and become active in the community! These events are open to youth ages 15-18. Meets: Monthly, dates and times vary. Registration is required and space is limited. For more information, please contact Kellie Sheridan (860) 647-5262 or ksheridan@manchesterct.gov.
Commission members must reside in Manchester; and be enrolled in, or entering grades 9 through 12. This diverse group of youth collaborates with local government in an effort to create open communication in the decision making process, making it possible to strengthen the community through the voice of youth. Applications are collected year round and selections are made each spring.
**Up to 4 members under the age of 19 enrolled in Manchester Community College (MCC) are eligible to serve on the Commission if they are able to serve a minimum of 2 years, unless joining as a senior or MCC student. For more information please call (860) 647-5214, or email heatherw@manchesterct.gov.