Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services Monthly Newsletter
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As we welcome 2025, we’re excited to continue making an impact in our community. This year, we’re focused on expanding our programs, strengthening partnerships, and supporting our youth and families. Thanks to your support, we’re seeing record participation in our youth coalition and activities. Let’s keep the momentum going—stay tuned for exciting updates, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. Together, we’re building a brighter future for Haddam and Killingworth!
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Celebrating National Mentoring Month
January is #NationalMentoringMonth and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Mentoring Program in partnership with Regional School District 17.
We believe every student deserves to feel supported, heard, and connected! Research and experience teach us that an extra caring adult in a child’s life can make a huge difference for their confidence, self-esteem, social skills, and more.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a direct impact in a child’s life- this program might be for you! Reach out to our Mentoring Coordinator, Patty, at mentorprogram@hkyfs.org for more info
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Screenagers: Addressing Youth Mental Health in the Digital Age
HKYFS and Haddam Killingworth Middle and High School are partnering to offer parents and community members an opportunity to view this pivotal award-winning film between January 6 and January 20.
On January 30, we invite you to join in on a Community Conversation about the film, the book the Anxious Generation, and steps we can take to support our youth and families. This conversation will cover potential decisions regarding cell phones at the High School and ways to support our kids’ mental health in this Digital Age. Principals Hayward and Ventura, Assistant Principals Apicella and Persson, as well as HKYFS and local experts will facilitate this Community Conversation.
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Support and Strategies for Raising a Confident and Self-Reliant Child
A call to action with steps that parents with children of all ages, as well as professionals, can take to stop the epidemic of mental illness and restore a more resilient childhood. Parents have enormous influence in their child’s lives- even during these chaotic and uncertain times when it feels like we have all lost control. This series is for parents with children of any age and is meant to ground you in the practical and in what matters. You will walk away with tools, tips, and parenting philosophies that help you regain your sanity and that you can apply immediately.
When: January 15, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Virtual
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HK Community Coalition
The HK Community Coalition meets to share insights into everyday issues and challenges facing the community and to collaboratively develop plans, policies, and strategies to meet those challenges.
Issues addressed include alcohol and drug abuse, vaping and marijuana use, and mental health needs and concerns.
Join us this month for a discussion on priority substances, community survey and more!
When: January 27th
Time: 12:00 PM
Where: Virutal
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HKYFS Brings in the New Year with New Mental Health Services, Programs, and Resources
Counseling services are available in the late afternoon and evening at HKYFS- 91 Little City Road, Higganum. We are thrilled to have two skilled and compassionate contractual clinicians on our team to support our community.
Denise Grodzicki, LPC, has been serving HK youth for over a year and brings a wealth of knowledge with over 22 years of experience working in the middle school setting. Her journey has been marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering the academic, emotional, and social development of students. As a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2010, she has played a crucial role in supporting the mental health and well-being of children, teens, and young adults. Her work involves providing counseling services and implementing intervention strategies with both the client and family. Denise is passionate about empowering people to overcome obstacles, develop resilience, and reach their full potential.
Ashlyn Elliott is a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about empowering people to be the person that they want to be. Her philosophy is that people are not defined by their worst moments or biggest mistakes, and showing ourselves and others compassion is an important part of growth. Ashlyn is formally trained to work with youth and families in Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and is experienced in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing. She is also working towards becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). Ashlyn is passionate about community mental health and supporting the mission of Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services.
HKYFS currently has openings for counseling. Please call 860-345-7498 to learn more.
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HKHS Students Achieve Success at the 36th Annual Holiday Telethon
Haddam Killingworth High School students have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and commitment, raising over $10,711 during the 36th Annual HKTV Holiday Telethon. This entirely student-run initiative benefits Haddam Killingworth Youth and Family Services (HKYFS) and highlights the power of youth-driven community engagement.
The three-hour broadcast featured an impressive array of RSD17 students and faculty, personal testimonials, and special appearances by community leaders, captivating thousands of viewers across the region. The funds raised will directly support vital mental health resources, after-school programs, and family outreach initiatives provided by HKYFS.
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As we close out an incredible 2024, we want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this year such a success. To our community members, board members, dedicated volunteers, coalition members, generous sponsors, supportive partners, and the amazing youth and families we serve—thank you for your unwavering commitment, passion, and collaboration. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones and created meaningful impact. We look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2025, bringing new programs, events, activities, and opportunities to further strengthen and serve our community. Here’s to another year of growth, connection, and success!
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