Representing the kids

Last Updated on Thursday, 19 January 2012 14:24 Written by Jenny Byxbee
Thursday, 19 January 2012 01:00

The post of Greenwich youth services coordinator came about as a direct result of the United Way’s 2002 Assessment of Human Service Needs for Greenwich. At the conclusion of that report, a task force representative of the greater community was formed to explore why the increasing human service needs of local youth and families seemed to present such a large challenge to our community.

We knew that we were devoting ever-increasing resources to some of the highest quality public and private services available anywhere. The task force did not come up with the complete answer, but it did conclude that the community and our local youth and families would all be far better served if there was an entity charged with the coordination of all youth services. In fact, the United Way played a role in establishing the Commission on Aging through a similar process many years ago.

The State of Connecticut has existing legislation that actually encourages communities to coordinate youth services. With the state legislation in place, with support of the town of Greenwich and of the Greenwich United Way, as the youth services coordinator for the Greenwich Youth Services Bureau I help evaluate, coordinate and implement a network of resources and opportunities for children, youth and their families. I am one part of a unique collaboration of youth service providers who support positive youth development and help kids function as responsible members of our community.

We are now in our seventh year of operation. My activities continue to increase as I oversee, coordinate and strengthen needed youth services. I strive every day to have a positive impact on the system. This also includes working to bring in significant funds from other sources to support the efforts of non-profit and municipal service providers as well as the initiatives created by youth themselves. Our hard earned funding has allowed for new initiatives too, including the Juvenile Review Board, Reading Champions and the JR United Way. I start with merely a commitment to explore the possibilities when a need is identified.

As many folks are thinking about skiing, snowboarding and sledding these winter months, I have already begun planning for wiffle ball and organizing this year’s town wide tournament. An issue close to many Greenwich young people’s hearts is the establishment of a wiffle ball field for the Greenwich community. We remain hard at work toward reaching that goal.

As I continue the job of connecting children to local services and expanding resources for youth-related projects, I know I could accomplish very little without the cooperation and support of the United Way, the town and the young people that we serve.

As we kick off the 2012 school year, I would love to hear from you about youth issues or youth community concerns that may be impacting you and your family. It has been truly a heart-felt pleasure serving Greenwich, getting to know so many of our young people. Please feel free to reach me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or directly at the United Way at 203-869-2221.

Jenny Byxbee is the Greenwich youth services coordinator for the United Way. The new “Greenwich Voices” column will feature a range of perspectives on the issues that matter to town residents. Ms. Byxbee is one of five columnists recruited to participate.