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Mission
New London Youth Affairs strives to promote community, family, and individual well being that will support healthy choices among youth in New London.
Staff
Cindy Alvarez, Assistant Program Coordinator
Joelle Garrett, Employment Coordinator
Blythe Henry, Youth Program Coordinator
Ellen Kleckner, Coordinator of Grants and Youth Services
Tony Mollica, Community Coordinator, New London Community & Campus Coalition
Monica Potts, Assistant Community Coordinator
Tina Salcedo, Early Education and Literacy Coordinator
Contact Information
Telephone: (860) 442-4994
Fax: (860) 443-1795
Email: nlya@ci.new-london.ct.us
New London Youth Affairs
120 Broad Street
New London, CT 06320
Goals
Positive youth development is targeted through skill/knowledge building, constructive peer/family relationships, local resource connections, access to new growth opportunities, and community coordination.
History
R.A.D. (Recreational Alternatives to Drugs) was established in 1989 when a concerned citizen approached the New London City Council, requesting their commitment to take action towards the prevention of youth substance abuse. The Palmer Fund awarded start-up money for the program's first year, supporting a part-time staff person and activity expenses. The following year, R.A.D. received a federal grant from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. These monies initiated the formation of the New London Focus Group on Youth, a coalition dedicated to positive youth development. After the conclusion of that grant, funding was received from the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management to oversee Teen, Parent, and Neighborhood Organizers. With a 1997 restructuring, New London Youth Affairs was created administering R.A.D., and other related programs. Concurrently, Youth Affairs received Connecticut Department of Education funds, allowing this Office to serve as New London's Youth Service Bureau.
Organizational Structure
From its 1989 inception, R.A.D., and now Youth Affairs, function through the Recreation Department. However, no program funds are received from City taxpayer dollars. Program support and almost all staff salaries are procured through foundations, government grants, corporations, civic groups, collaborations, donations, and other outside sources.
