In the community
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Supporting Young People to Succeed
Youth Transition Services
The Youth Transition Services (YTS) Department’s goal is to provide quality services to ensure that all youth served will achieve the highest level of education and training to succeed in competitive employment. YTS has two programs, the Workforce Alliance, and TEAM programs.
The Workforce Alliance program provides educational instruction and life skills training with paid site-based vocational training in various fields. The Workforce Alliance program provides participants with the opportunity to earn vocational certificates. All Youth Transition Services staff will work with and help youth and young adults to realize their potential and positively impact their communities. All staff will recognize that all youth and young adults have talents and interests that motivate them to grow and develop. When engaged in activities that reflect these interests and talents, young people will strive to overcome academic and social barriers that obstruct or impede their growth.
For More Information,
Rebecca Mangs- Lead Case Manager, 203-786-6403
Perla Paniagua- Case Manager, 203-786-6403
T.E.A.M (Together Everyone Achieves More) is a transitional (Non-Behavioral) Special Education program that teaches, explores, and develops occupational and life skills for graduating high school seniors ages 18-22. Students who apply to the T.E.A.M program have sufficient academic credits and need training in transition services in preparation for graduating high school, post-secondary education, and the workforce. Students receive their high school diploma upon completion of the T.E.A.M Program. T.E.A.M Open Enrollment hosts a classroom size of a maximum of six students per class. This gives each student the attention they need to develop Intellectually, socially, and emotionally, discover character, and expand skill sets.
Chaila Gilliams, Coordinator, 203- 786-6403
Services
All participants will collaborate with program staff to create individual training plans that align with employment goals. The individual training plan will aim to achieve career and educational goals, such as gaining credentials recognized by the Connecticut Department of Labor, improving soft and hard skills, and overcoming social and academic barriers. Services serve youth ages 16 to 24 by providing occupational skills training, educational support, job development and readiness activities, case management, life skills development courses, and other support services in the home, school, or community. Services are tailored to the individual career goals of each young adult. Occupational skills training courses are combined with work-based learning placement, volunteer opportunities, life skills development, financial literacy education, job placement, and continued job development. The Workforce Alliance program at YTS collaborates with community providers and resources, local universities and colleges, tutors, employers, and other non-profit organizations to assist clients with goals.
Program Highlights
- Occupational skills training classes offer the opportunity for youth to earn certificates in Security, CNA, Phlebotomy, and more.
- Educational support and tutoring are provided by staff, interns, and other youth to improve comprehension, reading, and math skills.
- Job development and readiness activities will be offered based on the participant’s past work experience including resume writing, interviewing practice sessions, paid internships, unpaid work experience, and volunteer opportunities.
- Life skills development courses will provide education on healthy relationships, anger management, knowledge of community resources, computer literacy, stress management, coping skills, educational planning, emergency and safety skills, health and wellness, home management, housing, financial planning, parenting and childcare, hygiene, and transportation.
- Life skills and career development courses consist of 1-on-1 presentations, workshops with guest speakers, and other activities.
- Community partners include area employers, community members, guest presenters, and lecturers.