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Dear Friends,
The challenges today feel like an avalanche triggered by COVID-19. Since 2020, youth services have faced a heightened crisis: increased mental health struggles, substance abuse, isolation, and widening health disparities have put our young people at risk. While these divides deepen, our youth show resilience. Research highlights that a single positive relationship with a caring adult can greatly enhance a young person’s chance of thriving. This is the foundation of our community partners’ work.
During the 2025 budget process, funding for these critical programs was at risk, but our community rallied in a powerful grassroots campaign urging County Legislators to prioritize local youth services. I’m thrilled to announce that, pending the November vote, full funding was unanimously supported. In these divided times, Tompkins County came together to affirm that investing in youth is essential for a brighter future. On behalf of Tompkins County Youth Services Department, the Youth Services Board, and our partners, thank you for your support.
With gratitude, Kate Shanks-Booth
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Meet The Tompkins County
Youth Services Department Staff
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From left to right:
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Hosted by the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus
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NYSOCFS Commissioner Harris-Madden
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The Tompkins County Youth Services Department attended the 2024 Annual Youth Conference on October 23rd and 24th, 2024, at the Sonesta Hotel in White Plains, NY.
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The conference offered valuable training, networking opportunities, and new ideas for enriching youth programs. By participating, the Tompkins Youth Services Department will enhance its strategies and continue to strengthen the support it provides to young people in the community.
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 Will be Celebrating 30 Years!
In 1995, the TCYSD facilitated the unique collaboration between several municipalities, including Caroline, the City of Ithaca, Danby, Dryden, Enfield, Groton, Newfield, the Town of Ithaca, Trumansburg School District, and the Village of Lansing.
By collaborating and pooling resources, the Partnership offers a wider and more affordable array of recreational programs than any single local government could offer on its own. The RP contracts with service providers, like the Ithaca Youth Bureau, to operate programs.
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Current Members
City/Town/Village
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Name
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| Tompkins County |
Travis Brooks & Randy Brown |
| Town of Caroline |
Vacant |
| Town of Danby |
Marnie Kirchgessner |
| Town of Dryden |
Marty Conger |
| Town of Enfield |
Cassandra Hinkle |
| Town of Groton |
Crystal Young |
| City of Ithaca |
David Shapiro & Patrick Kuehl |
| Town of Ithaca |
Eric Levine & Pam Bleiwas |
| Village of Lansing |
Carolyn Greenwald |
| Town of Newfield |
Mike Jordan |
| Town of Ulysses |
Mary Bouchard |
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This past Summer 2024, the first-ever Rural Youth Services/Urban Outreach Summer Olympics took place at Myers Park in Lansing, New York, and it was a great success! Nearly 60 youth from 4th to 8th grade, coming from all corners of Tompkins County, participated in a week of exciting and friendly competitions.
The event featured a variety of activities, including scavenger hunts, kayaking, archery, crafting, relay races, and volleyball. It was an unforgettable week for all involved.
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This is what the participants had to say... |
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"I really liked all the activities and working with our teammates."
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"Kayaking was an amazing experience."
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Learn more about how youth can get involved with future Rural Youth Services, or Urban Outreach programs. |
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The Community-Level Youth Development Evaluation (CLYDE) surveyed 3,500 students in grades 7-12 across six school districts in Tompkins County in October 2023, focusing on behavior issues such as mental health, bullying, and the use of alcohol, drugs, marijuana, tobacco, and vaping. The survey was conducted by the Community Coalition for Healthy Youth, a group that includes agencies, schools, government, businesses, families, and concerned citizens in Tompkins County.
Detailed results are available on the Youth Development Dashboard, updated in January 2024 to include the findings from the 2023 CLYDE survey.
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Did you know that up to 95% of teens aged 13–17 report using social media? |
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TCYSD wants to raise awareness about the effects of social media on today’s youth. The U.S. Surgeon General has issued a call for urgent action by policymakers, tech companies, parents, and caregivers to better understand and reduce risks like cyberbullying, harmful content exposure, and excessive screen time. As the advisory states:
"Our children and adolescents don’t have the luxury of waiting years until we know the full extent of social media’s impact."
For more details, read the advisory here.
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Live in Caroline, Newfield, Ulysses or Trumansburg?
Here’s How You Can Support Local Youth!
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The Youth Services Board advises the Tompkins County Youth Services Department and Legislature, giving members the opportunity to shape programs that positively impact local youth. This is a valuable chance to help young people grow into confident and capable individuals.
Current vacancies are in Caroline, Newfield and Ulysses/Trumansburg. Potential members must be a current resident of one of the municipalities.
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To learn more information
Scan Here
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Anniversaries and Celebrations 🎉 |
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Thank you...
Khaki Wunderlich
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Starting 6th year in December
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Lisa Monroe
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Starting 5th year in January
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Leo Vargas
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Starting 3rd year in December
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Ruth Merle-Doyle
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Starting 2nd year in November
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Rural Youth Services
Event Name
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Date/Time
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More Information
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| Magic Club |
Tuesdays 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17, 3:30pm - 6:00pm |
Click Here |
| Youth Birding |
Sunday 12/15 9:00am-11:30am |
Click Here |
| Gift Making and Crafts |
Thursdays 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 3:30pm - 5:30pm |
Click Here |
| Dungeons and Dragons/Board Games/Magic the Gathering |
Wednesdays 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 3:30pm - 6:00pm |
Click Here |
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Cornell Cooperative Extension
Event Name
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Date/Time
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More Information
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Thursday, November 21 6:00pm - 8:00pm |
Click Here |
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Family Playgroup
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Monday, November 25 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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Click Here |
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Youth Game Club
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Saturday, December 7 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Click Here |
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Wreath Making Workshop
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Saturday, December 7 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Click Here |
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Tompkins County Public Library
Event Name
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Date/Time
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More Information
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| Early Readers Book Club |
Tuesday, November 26 3:00pm - 3:45pm |
Click Here
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| LEGO Build Night for Families |
Tuesday, November 26 5:30pm - 6:30pm |
Click Here
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| LGBTQIA+ Youth Group (teens) |
Wed Dec 4 & 11th 4:30pm - 6:00pm |
Click Here
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| Ages 8 to 108 Board Game Club |
Thursday, December 5 5:00pm - 7:00pm |
Click Here
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Each year, TCYS compiles a comprehensive Tompkins County School List, detailing the top administrators and key personnel for each area school. This resource is invaluable for schools, organizations, and agencies across the county, providing them with up-to-date contact information and fostering better communication and collaboration. The list has consistently proven to be a vital tool for those who rely on accurate and timely connections within the educational community.
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320 West State/MLK Jr. Street Ithaca NY 14850 607-274-5310
www.tompkinscountyny.gov/youth
The Tompkins County Youth Services Department invests time, resources, and funding in communities to enable all youth to thrive in school, work, and life
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