Community Life Skills

Community Life Skills (CLS) is a program funded on an annual basis by the State of Connecticut's Department of Children and Families (DCF). It provides the opportunity for DCF committed youth, ages 15-21, to learn valuable life skills as they transition towards independence. The 40 hour program is individualized to meet the needs of each youth. It includes educational and experiential opportunities in areas such as Vocational, Legal, Interpersonal, Education, Housing and Community Resources and is based on the Daniel Memorial Institute's curriculum content. Guest speakers from area agencies provide presentations on healthy relationships and dating violence, job seeking and maintenance, the importance of saving money, fire safety, HIV/AIDS, and gangs.

The group program is conducted with an interactive approach and utilizes board games, group activities and visits to community resources. There are also field trips and a graduation dinner at the conclusion of the program, where participants receive certificates of completion, as well as a monetary stipend. A monthly alumni group allows past participants the opportunity to reconnect and meet other graduates of the program for additional training and recreation.

For more information, contact the Community Life Skills Project Director at 748-2936