What is the YDA?
Youth Directions and Alternatives is a private, non-profit community
and youth agency serving youth and their families in the school district of Elwood,
Harborfields, and Northport/East Northport. The YDA is for all youth. We do not
limit our activities to the gifted or the disadvantaged.
The YDA staff works cooperatively with the schools, churches, libraries,
police, service organizations, and other community groups to determine the contemporary
needs of our youth and in developing programs and services to meet these needs.
Fully compliant with the goals of the A.D.A., the YDA is constantly striving to
ensure that
no one is denied accessibility and opportunity for full participation because of
disability.
YDA programs emphasize the positive development of youth. Our professional
staff acts as facilitators and enablers who believe that youth can do things for themselves
if given the opportunity and support. Youth are encouraged to plan, implement, and
evaluate their own projects under adult guidance. By incorporating this philosophy
of Youth Development into our programs, youth learn valuable life-planning skills and
healthy attitudes needed for a productive and happy adulthood.
Board of Directors
Jane Reich- President
Crystal Haramis- Vice President
Alfia Livaccari- Secretary
Joseph Dragone- Treasurer
Tom O’Donnell
Ann Haddad
Sue Ricciardelli
Tonya Jones
David Klein
Rose Ingraldi
Kym Griebal
Brittany Griebal |
How You Can Help
Donations
Community donations supplement our primary sources of support. Tax deductible
donations are welcomed.
Volunteering
Volunteers are a vital part of the agency. They share their time and
skills without pay and gain many personal rewards. Volunteer opportunities include
performing office duties, chaperoning and coaching recreational activities, joining
community committees, and the Board of Directors. Volunteers are recruited, trained,
and supervised
by the staff and efforts are made to acknowledge and recognize outstanding volunteer
work.
Joining The Board of Directors
The Board consists of youth and adult volunteers who
have the same rights and responsibilities. The Board's function is to determine
the needs of the community and the direction of
the YDA. In action, the Board members provide leadership and continuity, select
and appoint the Regional Director, govern YDA policies, select fellow board members,
fundraise
money, and promote agency relationships.
Guide Star
Please use this link to visit www.Guidestar.org and view our most recently posted IRS Form 990. |
Programs & Services
The YDA offers:
- Youth Development Programs
- Educational Programs
- Recreational Activities
- Individual & Family counseling
- Groupwork
- Youth Advocacy
- Information & Referral Service
- Crisis Intervention
Support Services
The YDA receives in-house support services through the Huntington Youth Bureau projects
which include:
Drug & Alcohol Project
Substance abuse counseling, crisis intervention, referrals
and education.
Sanctuary
Provides assessment and intervention for runaway/homeless youth and their families.
Emergency short-term housing is available when appropriate.
Excel
Career, academic, and enrichment oriented. Programs include GED tutoring, vocational
counseling, job development and placement, drop out prevention, and creative expressions
workshops.
F.A.C.I.L.E.
Family Advocacy Crisis Intervention and Life Education. A social worker develops programs
which enhance family living skills.
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