HKYFS November Newsletter

 

Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services Monthly Newsletter

We’re Here To Help

In light of the recent government shutdown and its impact on vital social services such as SNAP, we remain committed to supporting our community—because we believe that access to food is a basic human right.

To help ensure that no family goes without this season, we’re hosting a Food Drive and Fundraiser to support local households in need. With just a $10 donation, you can help us build Thanksgiving baskets filled with care and nourishment for families in our community. Together, we can make sure everyone has a reason to give thanks this holiday season. Donations can be made in cash or check payable to HKYFS or via Venmo @HKYFS.

Local Resources

If you or someone you know has been affected by recent changes to benefits, please know you’re not alone. Many in our community are feeling the impact this season.

Below are local resources that can help.

If you’re able, please consider contributing. These organizations rely on the generosity of our community to continue serving others.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS



Center for Online Safety Series  

November 13th 7:00-8:00 PM

Virtual: Zoom

Slow Tech Parenting
– Learn how to build strong foundations before your child gets a phone. We will discuss digital guardrails to install early, learn about the popular apps kids use, explore safer options for first devices, and prepare your family for what’s ahead.

January 20th 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Virtual: Zoom

Parenting in the Smartphone Years
– Already said yes to a phone? No problem. Discover how to reset expectations with the Family Tech Agreement, spot red flags, and lead the 5 must-have safety

conversations, and partner with your child for healthier tech use.
LEARN MORE



ONPoint Parenting Virtual Power Hour – Stress & Anxiety – Oh My!

November 14th 12:00-1:00PM

Virtual: Zoom

ONPoint Parenting is a platform expertly and lovingly designed to offer real-time video/audio presentations on all things “parenting kids in 2025/2026”. Topics and Parent Power Hours are for caregivers raising babies through young adults and everything in between.

Dr. Farrell will highlight a lunchtime “Power Hour” for parents and caregivers- “Stress and Anxiety- Oh My”. We’ll cover how to recognize stress and anxiety in your children and what you can do as parents to help. This session will also provide details about the ONPoint Parenting Resource.
LEARN MORE



Family Paint Night

November 21, 2025

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Haddam Volunteer Firehouse

$30 per parent/child pair

($15 + extra child)

 

Join us for a fun night out with your family and community. This Thanksgiving themed family paint night will be taught by an instructor from CT Paint Parties and includes a pizza dinner and super fun project to enjoy together!
LEARN MORE



Stuff A Cruiser – Toy Drive

November 30, 2025

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

New Image Auto

Join us at New Image Auto on November 30th for some holiday fun! Stop by to say hello to Santa and the team, enjoy yummy treats, and meet some adorable animals. Don’t forget to bring a brand-new, unwrapped toy or gift card to help us support Haddam Killingworth families in need this holiday season.

LEARN MORE



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.
LEARN MORE

 

Holiday Giving Program

November – December

6:00 – 8:00 PM

As the holidays approach, we’re filled with gratitude for the generosity of our community—and we’re once again hoping to spread holiday joy to Haddam Killingworth youth and families in need. Each year, our Holiday Giving Program makes a meaningful difference by ensuring that every child and family can experience the warmth and magic of the season. But we can’t do it without you!

We’re looking for individuals, businesses, and organizations who would like to sponsor a child or family by providing gifts this holiday season. Your kindness can help bring smiles, create memories, and remind our families that they’re supported by a caring community.

If you’d like to get involved or learn more, please reach out to us at events@hkyfs.org



HK Craft Fair

December 6th

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

HKIMS

 

An incredible lineup of over 80 talented artists, makers, and crafters will be the highlight of this year’s show! Browse a wide variety of unique, handcrafted creations—from jewelry, photography, and handbags to knitted goods, soaps, candles, dog treats, pottery, and so much more.

Admission is free, so bring the whole family and enjoy a fun-filled day! In addition to shopping local, you can look forward to food trucks, a book fair for all ages, exciting raffles, and a scavenger hunt for kids.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!

Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media

HKYFS is proud to partner with HK Youth Unplugged, a dedicated grassroots group of parents committed to helping families navigate today’s digital world.

If you missed the recent screening of Can’t Look Away, we encourage you to watch it on your own
Linked Here 
— it’s an eye-opening look at the impact of technology and social media on youth.

We were thrilled to see over 140 community members in attendance at our screening on October 15th and to hear insights from a panel of local experts, including Mr. Larsen from HKIS. Together, we’re continuing this important work to raise awareness and empower families.

We invite you to stay connected, keep learning, and join the conversation by following HK Youth Unplugged on Facebook.

Thank You For An Amazing Pumpkin Run!

From all of us at Haddam Killingworth Youth & Family Services, thank you to our incredible HK community for making the 2025 Pumpkin Run such a success.

This event is our largest annual fundraiser, and its success would not be possible without the generous support of our volunteers, sponsors, partners, and participants. Your time, commitment, and enthusiasm help us continue our mission of supporting youth and families throughout our community.

We are deeply grateful for your ongoing partnership and for helping make this year’s Pumpkin Run an event to remember.

5 Community Members Get QPR Suicide Prevention & Naloxone Trained

In October, five more community members completed QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and Naloxone training—gaining essential, lifesaving skills that can make a real difference in preventing overdose and suicide. These trainings empower individuals to recognize warning signs, respond effectively, and save lives.

Interested in becoming trained or hosting a session for your organization? Contact Kyana at PreventionCoordinator@hkyfs.org

 to learn more.


Keep up with upcoming events and initiatives! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram!

 


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