The Youth Services Committee is looking for volunteers

Did you know that North Reading has had a Youth Services Committee since 2007? Have you wondered what that is and what they do? The North Reading Youth Services Committee is a Select Board appointed public committee which works to support the North Reading Youth Services Program. North Reading Youth Services’ mission is to allow for the voice of our youth to be heard in the community. NR Youth Services achieves this by providing opportunities for youth to become active members of North Reading and by establishing youth-driven social and experiential activities. It is the hope of NR Youth Services that these programs will foster a healthy self-image and encourage positive decision-making among NR youth and young adults.

Back in 2005 a group of citizens and parents concerned about the increasing number of drug and alcohol arrests appearing in the Transcript every week formed the North Reading Youth Services Support Association (NRYSSA) and worked with the School Superintendent and Police Department to come up with solutions. The Police Department offered a 6-week Citizen’s Academy to educate citizens about the drug and alcohol problems occurring in North Reading. NRYSSA fundraised to provide the salary for the first Youth Services Director. In addition, NRYSSA also researched programs for young people and determined that the focus had to be on changing attitudes and developing self-esteem in our young people to give them the tools they needed to make tough decisions. That focus continues to be a guiding force for today’s Youth Services Committee.

We are excited about working with Eleanor Richard, the Director of Youth Services, to bring youth programming to North Reading. Some of the programs include youth mentoring, homework help, The Reality Fair, Intergenerational Candy Bingo, and a Teen Job Fair. You can learn more about the Youth Services Department by visiting www.northreadingma.gov/youth-services or following North Reading Youth Services on Facebook. The Youth Services Committee (YSC) is looking for ideas for programming and new members to join the Committee or volunteer at youth programs. If you are interested, meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm, come join us for the next one on May 6, 2025 to be held at the Flint Memorial Library.

Please contact YSC Chair Peter Majane at peter.majane@gmail.com OR

Vice Chair Beatriz Vautin at pazosb@hotmail.com