YFCS, Executive Director, Carol Pedro facilitated a group for Westfield Girl Scouts on Sunday, March 10, 2024. The event was to help educate the girls about coping skills, journaling, and appropriate expression of feelings.

The scouts participated in group discussions and activities focused on mental health and emotional wellbeing.

There were some laughs and lots of snacks too as the girls made “Birthday Boxes” to donate. Giving to others is a great way to improve your mood!

Thank you to Erica Swanson, one of YFCS’ board members, for inviting us to participate in a positive and informative event.

The board and administrative staff enjoyed a special luncheon to honor and thank Alex Williams as a long-time board member and a past president. We look forward to his continued support and service to the agency as 2023 begins!

YFCS accepted an additional donation from the WUF, presented by Dierdre Gelinne, Executive Director and Paul Fitzhenry, President. We are grateful for their consistent support of our mission to help the mentally ill in our community.

On Sunday May 22, YFCS Executive Director Carol Pedro attended a Health and Wellness Expo in connection with the GWACC at the Presbyterian Church in Westfield. It was a great event where she was able to interact with community members and share educational information and agency-related materials! How nice to be able to take part in this event after its 2-year absence due to Covid!

View the Spring 2022 Newsletter

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CAROL PEDRO ATTENDS
LIFELONG WESTFIELD SENIOR EVENT FAIR

At the Lifelong Westfield Senior Event Fair on October 28th 2021, Carol Pedro, Executive Director of YFCS, discussed the opportunity for free counseling services for first responders through the agency’s BRAVEST FIRST program.

Pets can be a great source of comfort

Todd Loffredo, Assistant Director of YFCS, welcomed Duke, to his family earlier this year!

Being home with our pets has had an interesting impact on us!  Perhaps the only positive result of being quarantined. For many of us, a source of comfort during lockdowns.  The companionship that a pet offers is a great way to help us cope.

Often our pets provide a sense of security and help us feel less alone, someone to share the routine of the day with. Pets can be especially valuable company for those in later life and living alone.  Pets can also have calming effects on their owner. Just by stroking, sitting next to or playing with a pet gives owners a chance to relax and calm their minds. Caring for a pet also gives your day purpose and reward, and a sense of achievement and helps you feel valuable and needed.

Pets can help us reduce anxiety and stress and improve mood, they can be a great source of comfort. Pets can help us to live mentally healthier lives.  Get outside and take a walk! Walking a dog is not only good exercise it can often lead to conversations with other dog owners and this helps owners to stay socially connected and less withdrawn.  

So think about getting a pet if you don’t already have one and if you do, love and enjoy them! 

Teletherapy now available!

Getting to our office may not be possible or convenient for you for a number of reasons—we understand and we want to provide options that make sense for you. Remote sessions are now available so that you can enjoy our counseling services from your home, office or anywhere! Nothing changes with regards to insurance coverage or session fees with these Telehealth Services. Call to set up a virtual appointment!

celebrating 100 Years

Carol Pedro, Executive Director, along with Board President, Alex Williams, of Youth & Family Counseling Service received a proclamation from Mayor Shelley Brindle from The Town of Westfield for celebrating 100 YEARS OF SERVICE to our community!