Over 50 Madison Students involved in Community Service Programs

Madison Youth and Family Services stays busy during the Summer with a few different programs, all of which aim at giving back to residents of all ages! Our summer-long community service program has over 50 students (7th-12th grade) signed up this summer and has put in over 200 service hours through July. From assisting with lunch and the coloring group at the Madison Senior Center to collecting over 300lbs of food at our July Food Drive, the community service program has been beating the heat by giving back! The program will continue to serve the community through a variety of events in August, some of which you should know about! First, we will be holding our second food drive of the summer on August 19th at the Madison Stop & Shop. If you would like to give non-perishable food items or make a cash donation look for us at the exits! Everything collected that day will be going to the Madison Food Pantry! Finally to cap off MY&FS’ summer of service we will be holding the 2nd Annual Big Event of Madison! This community service event is a day where youth can give back to their fellow Madison residents. This project will provide a rare opportunity for intergenerational collaboration. Seniors (65+) will be able to apply for a job request and the youth volunteers (along with adult volunteers), will show up on the day of the Big Event and work on the requested job. These jobs can include but are not limited to; mulching, trimming bushes, washing windows, organizing a garage or storage unit, misc. yardwork, etc. Jobs CANNOT require power tools or ladders for liability reasons. Job request forms will available at the Madison Senior Center and can be mailed out as well. It is our hope (weather permitting) that after the jobs are completed, there will be a celebratory cook out at the senior center where everyone involved with the project will be invited!

MY&FS also runs a program for incoming Madison Public Schools students in 9th-12th grade called Reach Out. Reach Out is in its 24th year and is completely run by Peer Advocate students. This “for students, by students” approach is a great way for new students to really get to know DHHS and some of its current students. Any student new to the Madison Public School system entering grades 9-12th, is invited to join MY&FS and the Peer Advocates on Sept 2nd 10am -1pm at the high school! Hope to see you there! Please Contact Melissa Balletto at ballettom@madisonct.org to register.