Every kid deserves to have someone in their corner. They all need a place to go and a little encouragement along the way. Through its many different children and youth programs, EAC Network, a social services agency that provides service across Long Island and throughout New York City, provides a positive outlet to impressionable young people at a critical time in their lives.
5 Social Services Agency Programs that make a Big Difference
1) Chance to Advance
Chance to Advance focuses on helping local youth who currently reside or once lived in foster care. It works to reduce risk factors by building life skills in one-on-one mentoring and sponsored activities, including:
- Going out to eat
- Playing video games
- Attending museums
- Playing sports
In the process, mentors may impart wisdom or teach life, educational and vocational skills, such as:
- Identifying and setting goals
- Building positive, healthy relationships
Chance to Advance is beneficial not only to the mentees, but also to EAC Network volunteers who gain a new friend and the satisfaction of helping another person.
2) Court Appointed Special Advocates
The Family Court Advocate Program (FCAP) and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are foster care advocacy programs in which trained volunteers assist Family Court to secure Nassau and Suffolk County children a safe, permanent home.
Our volunteers represent the best interests of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. The youth in the program often have better outcomes than their peers, because they have a consistent, responsible adult presence in their lives.
Children who have a court appointed special advocate are:
- More likely to find safe, permanent homes
- Less likely to spend time in long-term foster care
- Less likely to reenter a foster home
3) Alternatives for Youth
Troubled youth who enter the justice system at an early age tend to face an uphill battle growing up. Alternatives for Youth (AFY) diverts youth from the juvenile justice system and improves family functioning by providing home-based crisis intervention and community resources.
Youth who have entered the Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) program are given access to services, such as:
- Substance abuse treatment
- Anger management
- Mentoring
- Individual and family counseling
- Mental health evaluations
To make our mission possible, Alternatives for Youth is always accepting school supplies as well as clothes for male and female teenagers.
4) Teen Driving Equation Program
Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers who are 14 to 18 years old?
The Teen Driving Equation program is an effective social services agency solution that cultivates and enforces positive driving skills and responsibilities among teens.
It helps teens develop safe driving habits by focusing on basic tips, like:
- The use of seat belts
- Reducing excessive speed
- Eliminating distractions
Teen Driving Equation helps to reduce accidents through a joint collaboration between parents, teens and community members.
5) Safe Harbour
Safe Harbour protects and cares for Suffolk Country children who have been, or are at risk of being, sexually exploited. Our program advocates, treats and supports these young victims of exploitation, while at the same time educating the community about this important issue. To support its mission, Safe Harbor accepts donations of packaged snacks, unused toiletries and art supplies.
EAC Network is a not-for-profit social services agency that empowers, assists, and cares for over 82,000 people in need through more than 70 programs across Long Island and New York City. Our mission is to respond to human needs with programs and services that protect children, promote healthy families and communities, help seniors, and empower individuals to take control of their lives.
