Each year Youth and Family Counseling Service (YFCS) based in Westfield, NJ serves more than 1,200 youth and adults who are impacted by life challenges, crises and mental illness.  In response to growing needs of youth confronting bullying, drug abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, suicide and other issues, YFCS strives to expand its services to youth in the Union County community.

 

Children and adolescents face many unique challenges today.  Pressure at school, problems at home, and dealing with peers can be overwhelming.  Sometimes they feel misunderstood, alone, or confused.  They may feel angry or sad.  It is not always easy for children and teens to express what is bothering them.  They may not know or understand why they are feeling the way they do.  Oftentimes they act out with behavioral problems or symptoms.

 

The Youth Empowerment Service Program (YES Program) is the most recent achievement of YFCS.  YFCS has a new direction and a new team of therapists with backgrounds in children and adolescent counseling (and substance abuse), and is launching a youth outreach initiative – the YES Program to address these issues.  We offer individual, family, groups and workshops.

 

YFCS believes that mental health needs of children, adolescents and adults are best served within the context of a “system of care” in which multiple service providers work together in an organized, collaborative way.  YES will allow us to partner with schools, churches, and other organizations in the community to provide thorough, comprehensive treatment in an effort to meet our ongoing goal of healthy, happier, more productive youths in our community.  YES we can make a difference!

 

For more information on the YES program please contact Carol M. Pedro, Executive Director at (908) 233-2042 or cpedro@yfcsnj.org