Regional and Statewide Supports and Resources for Adolescents


Read time: 6 minutes

This list of resources is designed to help young adults build real-world skills for independence. It highlights resources listed by DCF region as well as statewide across CT that are easy to access and relevant to everyday life. Youth, young adults, community partners, and caregivers can find support for jobs, education, health/wellness, etc. and connect to programs that can make a meaningful impact. This page is a valuable tool for empowering young people and the professionals who support their success.

 

Resources by DCF Region

 

Region 1: Bridgeport/Norwalk

  • Bridgeport Youth Services Department: The Bridgeport Department of Youth Services offers Summer Youth Employment, Work Permits, and other resources. Serving children and youth up to age 21. Youth Services | City of Bridgeport
  • Boys and Girls Village, Inc. Behavioral health, therapeutic, educational and youth and young adult programs and supports. Programs | Boys and Girls Village
  • Family Reentry CRJ - Bridgeport: Offers behavioral health support, abuse and mental health treatment, family interventions, psycho-educational groups, intensive case management support, life skills training, mentoring and reentry housing. Programs & Services — Family Reentry
  • Full Circle Youth Empowerment: Provides programs and support for middle and high school students.Full Circle Youth Empowerment Inc.
  • Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program (GBAPP) Provides an array of services including youth and young adult programs and supports to build a healthier community through education, collaboration and intervention.  Youth Services | GBAPP Inc
  • The Hub: Behavioral Health Action Organization for Southwest Connecticut: Coordinates and supports mental health, suicide, substance misuse and problem gambling initiatives throughout Southwest CT. The Hub at Catalyst CT - Central Resource for Community Initiatives

REGION 2: New Haven/Milford

Region 3: Middletown/Norwich/Willimantic

 

Region 4: Hartford/Manchester

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford — Multiple club locations throughout Hartford offering after-school enrichment, leadership, STEM, arts, fitness, and more for ages 6–18.Explore BGC Hartford
  • Bridge Family Center: Counseling, mentoring, and support groups. Counseling, Mentoring, Support Groups for Youth & Teens
  • City of Hartford Youth Services: Offers development programs for youth ages 9–25 aimed at academic success and workforce readiness. Explore Hartford Youth Services
  • Connecticut Science Center – Teen Programs. Includes the Teen Innovation Program, Teen Advisory Council and Teen Science Café. Learn about Teen STEM at the Science Center
  • CREC – Capitol Region Education Council: Operates numerous interdistrict magnet schools in Hartford offering STEM, arts, language, and other specialized themes—all tuition-free. Home - CREC Magnet Schools
  • Hartford Police Athletic and Activities League: Youth and young adult programming ages 6-18.  The Police Activities League Of Hartford INC
  • Hartford Public Library – Features teen-friendly programming, resources, and media across multiple branches. See Teen Services at HPL
  • Hispanic Health Council: Youth and Young Adult Services Bridge to Success Program Youth Services | Hispanic Health Council
  • My Peoples Clinical Services: Community based social service organization which provides programs, services and support for youth, young adults, and families in the Hartford area. MPCS: Programs
  • Our Piece of the Pie: Community service organization dedicated to empowering youth with the key competencies needed to overcome barriers and succeed in education and employment. OPP Services
  • Root Center for Advanced Recovery: Teen outpatient services for ages 13–17: individual/group/family therapy, IOP, trauma and expressive therapies, medication management, and more. Access Root Center Teen Services
  • Speak Up Teens – Legal Clinic Free and confidential legal clinic for teens in Hartford offering help with homelessness, school issues, and more. Find legal help at Speak Up Teens   
  • Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth & Family Center — Offers teen-specific programming such as Youth & Government, Teen Tech Center, sports, arts, wellness, summer learning, and more. Visit Wilson-Gray YMCA
  • YOUmedia – A digital learning and maker space specially designed for teens (13–19) to explore, collaborate, and create. Visit YOUmedia Hartford 

Region 5: Danbury, Torrington, Waterbury

  • Apex Community Care Offers mental health, substance use, and supportive services tailored to teens and young adults. apexcc.org
  • Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield – Danbury Clubhouse. Offers safe spaces, enrichment programs, leadership opportunities, and recreational activities for teens. BGC Ridgefield
  • Catholic Charities of Fairfield County: Provides counseling, mentoring, and educational support programs for youth and young adults. How We Help - Catholic Charities
  • Community Health Center, Inc. Offers medical, behavioral health, and wellness programs for youth and young adults. CHC
  • Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) –Provides peer support, recovery programs, and counseling services for young adults in recovery. Youth and Family Programs - CCAR
  • Connecticut Institute for Communities (CIFC) Offers youth-focused counseling, educational support, and community engagement programs. CIFC.org
  • Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut Provides arts education, cultural programs, and creative skill-building opportunities for youth. Homepage - CAWCT
  • Danbury Grassroots Academy Offers tutoring, mentorship, and leadership development programs for teens.Programs – DGA
  • Danbury PAL Provides recreational, mentoring, and community engagement programs for youth and young adults. Youth Sports Programs | Danbury PAL
  • Danbury Youth Services, Inc. Offers counseling, mentoring, and after-school programs for teens and young adults. Danbury Youth Services
  • Family & Children’s Aid –Provides mental health counseling and youth development programs. Family & Children's Aid (FCA) | Behavioral Health Services for Children & Families
  • MCCA (Midwestern Connecticut Council of Alcoholism) Offers prevention, counseling, and recovery programs helping teens and young adults. MCCA
  • Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut – Danbury –Provides recreational, educational, and leadership programs for youth and teens and young adults. The YMCA Home
  • The Salvation Army – Danbury Provides after-school programs, summer camps, and mentorship opportunities for youth. Salvation Army Danbury Corps 
  • Charlotte Hungerford Hospital – Center for Youth and Families – Provides mental health counseling and family support services for adolescents. CHH- Programs for Youth and Families
  • Northwestern Connecticut YMCA – Torrington Branch – Offers youth sports, fitness classes, swim lessons, and leadership programs for teens. Programs – Northwestern Connecticut YMCA
  • Torrington Library – Teen Services – Provides a dedicated space and programs for social, educational, and recreational activities for teens. torringtonlibrary.org Teen Events
  • Torrington Police Activity League: Torrington Police Activities League
  • Torrington Youth Service Bureau (TYSB) – Offers life skills, counseling, and pre-employment programs for youth transitioning to independence. Torrington YSB
  • Torrington Young Adult Services (YAS) – Provides behavioral health, educational, and employment support for young adults aged 18–25. Torrington YAS
  • B.A.G.S. Foundation CT: Provides mentoring, counseling, and developmental services to empower youth and disadvantaged adults in the Waterbury community. BAGS Foundation CT
  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Waterbury: Offers a safe environment with educational and recreational programs for youth and teens in grades K–12. Boys & Girls Club of Greater Waterbury | Youth Development
  • Cheshire Human Services – Youth Services. Operates a comprehensive program of social and youth services, including after-school activities, leadership training, and community-wide prevention programs. Cheshire Youth Services
  • Cheshire Youth Services – The Yellow House A youth center offering recreational and educational programs, including clubs, leadership workshops, and themed weekend activities. Cheshire- Yellow House
  • Cheshire Youth Services – Youth Development Programs. Provides supervised after-school and weekend activities for middle and high school students, promoting positive youth development. Cheshire Youth Services- Youth Development Programs
  • Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR): Offers a range of services including education, behavioral health, and community-based programs for youth aged 12–19. CJR Programs
  • Connecticut Youth Employment Program (CYEP) – Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board: Provides job opportunities and work experience for youth aged 14–24 NWIB Youth Programs and Services
  • Family & Children’s Aid (FCA) – Waterbury Behavioral Health Center: Offers outpatient behavioral health and substance abuse services for children, teens, young adults, and families. FCA Behavioral Health
    Greater Waterbury YMCA: Offers youth sports, leadership programs, aquatics, and teen development initiatives.Youth & Teen Activities | Programs | Greater Waterbury YMCA
  • Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury: L.A.C.E Program: Promotes professional, academic and personal growth. Open to Waterbury students in grades 8 to 12.Leadership Program by The Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury
  • New Opportunities Inc. (The NOW) Provides youth development after-school and summer programs, employment and training services, and vocational skills training for teens and young adults. New Opportunities
  • North End Recreation Center: Offers after-school programs, summer camps, and recreational activities for youth, teens and families. North End Recreation Center Programs
  • Madre Latina Young Representative of Waterbury Youth Program: Emphasis is on leadership development, civic participation, social justice education, and mental health resources. Open to students in grades 8-12.  Youth Programs
  • River Baldwin Recreation Center: Provides after-school programs, youth sports, teen activities, and community events with access to gym, computer lab, mentorship. River Baldwin Recreation Center
  • Waterbury Parks and Recreation Provides various after-school and sports programs for youth and teens. Waterbury Parks and Recreation Programs
  • Waterbury Police Activity League (PAL): Building positive relationships between youth and law enforcement through educational, athletic, and recreational programs. Waterbury Police Activity League (PAL)
  • Waterbury Youth Services: Offers after-school programs focusing on senior preparation, entrepreneurship, journalism, and studio arts for high school students. Programs – Waterbury Youth Services
  • Wellmore Behavioral Health and Urgent Crisis Center: Provides walk-in, outpatient care for youth experiencing a variety of mental health or behavioral issues Programs | Wellmore Behavioral Health

 

REGION 6: New Britain/Meriden

  • Boys & Girls Club of New Britain Offers programs that empower youth, teens and young adults to excel in school, become good citizens, and lead healthy, productive lives. BGC New Britain
  • Community Mental Health Affiliates (CMHA)Provides comprehensive behavioral health services, including outpatient treatment for adolescents, and adults.CMHA Home
  • Human Resources Agency (HRA) of New Britain – Youth Programs Offers career training, certification, and employment opportunities for youth aged 14–24. Our Programs & Services | HRA of New Britain, CT
  • Klingberg Family Centers – Youth Empowerment Services (YES)Provides evidence-based education and support for teens and families. All programs: Programs & Services - Klingberg Family Centers Youth Development Services Programs
  • New Britain-Berlin YMCA Offers a variety of programs for youth, including arts, fitness, camps, and more. Youth Programs in CT | New Britain-Berlin YMCA
  • New Britain Police Department – Police Explorers A program for young adults aged 14–21 interested in law enforcement, teaching about police operations and community interaction. Police Explorers - New Britain Police Department
  • New Britain Public Library – Teen Programs Offers various activities for teens, including video game tournaments, arts and crafts, and more. Teens | New Britain Public Library
  • New Britain Youth Prevention Focuses on outreach, education, and information on initiatives and leadership. Youth Leadership
  • New Britain Youth Service Bureau Provides a range of services including prevention, intervention, education, counseling, and procedural guidance to New Britain’s youth and families. https://www.newbritainct.gov/services/community
  • Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of New Britain – Youth Programming Provides structured environments for youth aged 10–18 to increase academic proficiency, emotional and social development, and career readiness. Community Services - City of New Britain
  • Planned Parenthood of Southern New England: Provides comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, including workshops on relationships, consent, and empowerment for teens. Planned Parenthood Teen Education
  • Police Athletic League (PAL) of New Britain: Offers various programs for youth, including cheerleading, football, martial arts, and more. New Britain Police Athletic League
  • Wheeler Clinic – Youth Services: Provides a comprehensive continuum of health care services for infants, children, adolescents, teenagers, and young adults, available in your home or at school. Wheeler Clinic Programs for Youth
  • YWCA New Britain – House of Teens Provides fun teen-choice activities, access to fitness facilities, and more for girls in grades 9–12. 

    House of Teens - YWCA New Britain

  • Boys & Girls Club of Meriden: Offers a safe, positive place for kids to learn and grow, providing programs in education, arts, health, careers, and prevention. The Boys & Girls Club of Meriden CT
  • Bridges Healthcare – Young Adult Services Assists young adults aged 18–25 with mental health needs, including those transitioning from DCF or foster care, to achieve independent living skills. Bridges Healthcare
  • Community Health Center of Meriden: Provides comprehensive primary care services, including medical, dental, and behavioral health care, to residents of Meriden, Wallingford, Cheshire, and Southington. CHC Meriden
  • Girls, Inc Meriden: Year-round programming   Girls Inc. | Inspiring All Girls to be Strong, Smart & Bold
  • Hartford HealthCare Health Center in Wallingford: Offers primary care and urgent care services, including treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, physicals, and more. Hartford Healthcare Wallingford
  • Hispanic Health Council Ryan White Program Hispanic Health Council RWP
  • Meriden Department of Health & Human Services – Youth Services Division. Offers programs focusing on healthy adolescent development Meriden Youth Services
  • Meriden YMCA Dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected, and secure children, adults, families, and communities through various programs. Meriden YMCA | Youth Development & Healthy Living in CT
  • Project REACH – Women & Families Center. Provides support services to youth and young adults who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or are unstably housed. https://womenfamilies.org/project-reach/
  • Robyn’s House – Women & Families Center: An 18-month program offering housing, case management, and life skills workshops for homeless young adults in the Meriden, Wallingford, and Middlesex region. Transitional Living Program| Youth Empowerment Program| Women & Families Center
  • Rushford – Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition. A community coalition working collaboratively to reduce and prevent alcohol and substance use among youth. Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition | Rushford | CT
  • Spanish Community of Wallingford (SCOW) – Children & Youth Programs Provides after-school programs for Hispanic/Latino students in grades 7 and 8, focusing on leadership, mentorship, and community service. Children and Youth | Spanish Community of Wallingford | Wallingford CT
  • The Connection – Young Adult Services. Provides time-limited case management services and financial assistance to young adults ages 18–24 who were in Connecticut’s foster care system. The Connection
  • Wallingford Adult Education – Dental Assistant Program. Offers low-cost, hands-on training, including externships, to equip students with real-world dental care experience. Wallingford Adult Education
  • Wallingford Youth & Social Services Department: Provides counseling services to children and youth who need mental health services. Wallingford Youth and Social Services Department
  • Wellmore Behavioral Health – Young Adult Services. Assists young adults aged 18–25 with mental health needs, including those transitioning from DCF or foster care, to achieve independent living skills. Programs | Wellmore Behavioral Health

Statewide Supports and Resources

 

Obtaining Vital Records

Urgent Crisis Centers

Housing

If you do not have a place to stay today, call 2-1-1.

How can I find a place to stay or affordable housing?

Basic Needs

Where can I get clothes and household items at no or low cost?

Where can I get food items or a meal for free?

Education/Job Training

Where can I get help with my schoolwork or find a mentoring program?

How can I get help planning for college or with financial aid?

How can I find help with finding a job or job training program?

Health

Where can I go to see a doctor/dentist?

Where can I get help with birth control?

If I am having a crisis and need to talk to someone right away, who can I call? Dial 2-1-1.

How can I find someone to talk to if I'm having a tough time or in crisis?

Where can I find counseling services?

 

How can I find help for an addiction?

Parenting/Childcare

Where can I find help with childcare?

Are there any parenting services available to help me?

Paying My Bills

Is there any assistance to help me with my bills?

Recreation/Wellness

Where can I find recreational, arts and youth enrichment programs?

Transportation

What are my transportation options?

 

Other DCF Transitional Supports and Services Resources:

 

TSS and supports for adolescents

Browse Categories

Related Articles