Fall 2024

A Message From Our Director

Kate Shanks-Booth

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

Meet The Tompkins County

Youth Services Department Staff

From left to right:

The 52nd Annual Youth Development Leadership Conference

Hosted by the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus

NYSOCFS Commissioner Harris-Madden

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. 

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.

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.

For General Information, contact Kate Shanks-Booth

RYS Olympic Week 2024

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.

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."

Learn more about how youth can get involved with future Rural Youth Services, or Urban Outreach programs.

     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.

Youth at Risk: Surgeon General Calls for Immediate Action on Social Media Dangers

Did you know that up to 95% of teens aged 13–17 report using social media?

     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.

Live in Caroline, Newfield, Ulysses or Trumansburg?

Here’s How You Can Support Local Youth!

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.

To learn more information

Scan Here

Anniversaries and Celebrations 🎉

Thank you...

Check out these events happening soon in Tompkins County!

Rural Youth Services

Cornell Cooperative Extension

Tompkins County Public Library

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View 24' - 25' School Listing

2024 - 2025 Tompkins County School Listing

  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. 

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