DYS will celebrate 55th anniversary at annual Butterfly Breakfast

Danbury Youth Services (DYS) is celebrating 55 years of providing programs and services to thousands of youth in greater Danbury on Thursday, May 16 at its annual Butterfly Breakfast. The event, which highlights the impact DYS and its supporters have on youth and families, will be hosted at the Amber Room Colonnade at 7:30 a.m. DYS will honor two members of the community who are valued partners of the agency and have made significant contributions to DYS programs.

Officer Mitchell Heller of the Brookfield Police Department has served on the Juvenile Review Board for two years. He is fully committed to the program, taking time to hear each case, offering constructive advice to families and diligently follows up with each client. Officer Heller puts in extra time to meet with youth outside of DYS to help and support them in completing the requirements necessary to stay out of the juvenile court system.

Dotsy Torres, the Director of Education at Jericho Partnership, has hosted DYS Summer Youth Employment participants for ten years. She recognizes the value of mentoring teens who are seeking first-time work experience and opportunities for career exploration. Ms. Torres has employed nearly 70 young people, training, offering guidance in the workplace and remains committed to helping youth succeed in a professional environment.

“The Annual Butterfly Breakfast is an exciting way to express our gratitude for our network of friends, community members, elected officials, board members, and staff who continually support Danbury Youth Services,” says Tammy Mikadze, DYS Executive Director. “Our agency is proud to reach this milestone and honor these two individuals who have volunteered their time and talent for critical programs while forging lasting connections with young people.”

Tickets are $40.00 per person and can be purchased at www. danburyyouthservices.org. All proceeds benefit programs that directly impact youth and families in greater Danbury. The event is generously sponsored by Linde, Union Savings Bank, Newtown Savings Bank, Nuvance Health, Diversified Printing Solutions, Reynolds & Rowella, Kovacs Construction Group, Savings Bank of Danbury, Benay Enterprises and Nicholas/Tobin Insurance. Additional sponsorships are still available. For more information or to purchase sponsorships contact Ellen Meyst at 203-748-2936 or emeyst@danburyyouthservices.org.

Danbury Youth Services is a 501(c)(3) non-profit designated as the Youth Services Bureau for the City of Danbury. For 55 years, DYS has provided programs and services to thousands of youth and families in greater Danbury. Its mission is to empower youth and families to live positive and fulfilling lives. DYS accomplishes this mission by offering youth & family counseling, youth employment opportunities, restorative justice, and youth development programs. DYS offers many of these programs at no cost, serving Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield, Ridgefield, Newtown, New Fairfield and other surrounding towns.