For Clinton Youth and Family Services, a Celebration is in Order
The Clinton Youth and Family Services department is celebrating three decades of existence by continuing its outreach to the community and developing new programs to help a wider array of people.
Human services director David Melillo said that earlier in the year an administrator in the department was going through papers in the office and found one that noted the department was originally formed in 1989, making 2019 the 30th anniversary of the department.
“We decided against doing a special event in the summer since so many people are going away around this time,” Melillo said.
Instead, to honor the birthday of the department, Melillo spoke with the Harbor News to raise awareness about the kinds of work the department does and hopes to do in the future.
Melillo said that there are three main parts to the bureau: drug and alcohol abuse education, social services (i.e. helping residents in need of assistance with applications for assistance programs), and counseling youth programs.
“We want people to know we have these services that your family can be involved in,” said Melillo, who estimated that the department sees about 400 people a year through its various programs. A list of the programs available can be found at www.clintonyouthandfamily.org.
Melillo has been in his current role in Clinton since June 2018, and he said that the types of issues he encounters has changed since he first entered the field. As an example, Melillo said the department deals with a lot more cases of people that have anxiety or depression issues. New substances that can be abused is another.
“I don’t think 10 years ago people saw the epidemic of e-cigarettes, vaping, and juuling. Or that opioids would a huger life-threatening problem in suburban areas,” said Melillo.
As for new areas for the department to focus on, Melillo pointed to two particular age groups: young adults and senior citizens. Melillo said that Clinton is forecasted to double its senior population by time the next census.
“It’s an area of population that is growing; it is an area the town has some services, but it doesn’t have enough of them. There are unmet needs that we will be called upon to address.” said Melillo.
As examples of those potential needs that need to be met, Melillo pointed to the lack of a senior center in town and transportation.
“Imagine trying to be a citizen without a driver’s license and living in Clinton,” said Melillo.
When it comes to dealing with young adults, Melillo said that many department services are available to people up to the age of 21, not just 18 as is commonly thought. Noting the lack of structure that people that age face once they leave a school system, Melillo said that the lack of structure can compound any issues that a person is facing.
“We try to see what the needs are and where we can meet them. If you have only the same programs as 10 years ago that means you’re doing something wrong,” Melillo said.