The Mission of the Office of Youth Services (O.Y.S.)

The Office on Youth Services promotes youth development, improve the conditions for children, and identify resources within the community. The O.Y.S. also encourages support strategies to allow children/youth to recognize their highest potential, promote continuous collaboration with community groups and agencies. The Office n Youth assist in establishing and expanding programs and services for the youth and encourage them to be contributing members within their communities. The Office of Youth Services serves as a central point of information in Elizabeth for youth- related issues.
           
The success of these programs has been measured in the achievement of academic excellence, increased volunteerism, participation in community-oriented events, choosing of healthy and positive alternatives, and an overall improved quality of life.
           
The Office of Youth Services operates youth-oriented programs, which include, but are not limited to S.O.A.R., Safe Haven, and the Building Future Leaders Program. These initiatives are unique and innovative because they address quality of life issues impacting the youth of the City of Elizabeth holistically. The programs assist younger children within the city through mentoring and project interaction with members of the community. These youth-oriented programs focus upon honing skills, wellness and healthy living, as well as positive alternatives to achieving success. These valuable services include the coordination of daily activities and the implementation of forums that address youth development, health, violence prevention, problem solving, self-esteem building, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, adolescent/teenage pregnancy prevention and after-school activities.

Additional City-wide youth initiatives include:
• The Run for Children                       
• Youth Job/Career Fair
• City-Wide Spelling Bee                       
• Lights on Afterschool Program
• Family Health Fair                                   
• City Wide Youth/ Senior Olympics
• Family Strengthening Programs           
• Dare Day Jamboree
• Red Carpet Prom Showcase                       
• Read-a-Thon Program
• The Office on Youth Summer Sleep Away Camp Program