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Danbury's Youth Volunteer Corps Merges With Leadership Program

DANBURY, Conn. — The Youth Leadership Program of New Milford will merge with the Youth Volunteer Corps of Western Connecticut effective this fall, the United Way of Western Connecticut in Danbury announced. 

Youth Leadership Program members gather with Morgan Greening, AmeriCorps team leader for the Youth Volunteer Corps of Western Connecticut.

Youth Leadership Program members gather with Morgan Greening, AmeriCorps team leader for the Youth Volunteer Corps of Western Connecticut.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The Youth Leadership Program began over 20 years ago and has engaged over 465 New Milford high school juniors and seniors in community service and leadership development. 

Giles Vaughan, a longtime New Milford resident, business owner and high school coach, facilitated the program since 1998 and has been instrumental in the program’s success. 

The Youth Volunteer Corps of Western Connecticut is a service-learning volunteer program for youths ages 11-18 in greater Danbury. Over the last six years, over 575 youths have participated in YVC. 

YVC engages youths in projects that are challenging, rewarding and educational, and promotes a lifetime ethic of service. YVC youths work on projects year-round, including after-school activities, weekend projects and a Summer of Service camp. The youths participate in a variety of team-building activities and learn how to be effective leaders in their everyday lives. 

The newly merged program will incorporate key aspects of the two programs: community service and the development of leadership skills. Both programs have operated under the umbrella of United Way of Western Connecticut, and the merger will increase the geographic footprint of the current Youth Volunteer Corps. 

“We are pleased that the Youth Volunteer Corps of Western CT and the Youth Leadership Program of New Milford will now be a merged program,” said Kim Morgan, CEO of United Way of Western Connecticut. “This shift will increase the number of youth we serve across the region and provide additional opportunities for community service projects and service learning. Engaging youth in learning about the needs in their communities and the roles they can play in advocating for change is a key tenet of our work at United Way.” 

For more information, contact United Way of Western Connecticut at 203-792-5330 or http://uwwesternct.galaxydigital.com/yvc/ 

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