Programs

Strengthening Families Program-The Orange County Office on Youth has received a three year grant from the Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation to run the Strengthening Families Program.  The program consists of counseling groups for children between the ages of 10-14 and their parents.  This evidenced based program seeks to foster a positive relationship between parent and child by increasing effective communication skills and appreciation for one another.  The program is free of charge and includes lots of incentives.

*Dinner is provided for the entire family each week, free of charge!             

**Childcare for children under age 10 is also included, free of charge!!             

***Each of the 10 families selected to participate in the program will receive a $15 gas card to help cover transportation to and from the meetings!!! 

When:   

October 14th- November 25th                           

January 6th- February 17th                           

March 17th- May 5th 

What time:    

Wednesday from 5:30-8:30                                             

Registration Deadlines: 10/7/09, 12/30/09, 3/10/10 

Location: Taylor Education Administration Building (the old Prospect Heights)

For more information or to register, Contact: Nora Coleman, M.Ed. SFP, Office on Youth 146 N. Madison Rd. Suite 258(Second floor of The Sedwick Building) Orange, VA 22960 Phone- 661-5457 Fax- 672-2311

Project EXCEL – is a school based tutor/mentor program, created and implemented in Orange County schools in 1988. Volunteers are trained to work with teachers and with students who need help with reading. Volunteers commit to working an hour a week with a student.

In 2001 and 2002 Project EXCEL was selected as the winner of the National Association of Counties, Acts of Caring Award. Each year it was selected as one of the top three programs in the nation using volunteers to provide services.

Project EXCEL was also recognized by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 and again in 2002. For further information, contact Janice LaPrade or fill out the volunteer sheet and return it to the OOY.

Breakfast Buddies – Breakfast Buddies is a school-based mentoring program established in 1999 to provide an adult “buddy” to a young child who needs an adult friend. It is provided at Orange Elementary and Gordon-Barbour Elementary. Volunteers commit to meet with their buddy 8:00 to 8:30 one morning a week.

Breakfast Buddies received, in 2004, the National Association of Counties, Acts of Caring Award. It was selected as being one of the three top volunteer programs in the nation to serve children. For further information, contact Janice LaPrade or fill out the volunteer sheet and return it to the OOY.

Child Care – The Orange County Office on Youth coordinates childcare provider training and assistance for the Parks and Recreation before/after school care programs and the day care program. Two all-day sessions are held every year to meet the state licensing requirements regarding training. Other shorter sessions are held during the year.

The Office on Youth also produces the Child Care Directory to enable parents looking for child care to review those programs that are licensed and those homes approved by DSS.

After Prom Celebration – The After Prom Committee with the support of the OOY provides Orange County High School juniors and seniors and their dates, a safe, drug/alcohol free environment following the prom. It is funded with community donations and small grants. It offers an incredible, fun-filled evening (midnight - 5:00 a.m.) for our students. It offers an exciting alternative to engaging in the high risk, and dangerous behavior frequently associated with the evening.

Students can attend the After Prom Celebration whether or not they attend the prom. If anyone is interested in being a part of this group, please call the Office on Youth or fill out the volunteer sheet and return it to the OOY.

Backpack Trail to Kindergarten – This program is sponsored through a grant from Skyline Community Action Program and provides school supplies, enrichment activities, and education to parents of children entering kindergarten. This is designed to promote a smooth transition from preschool by providing information to parents along with books, puzzles, and supplies to enhance academic skills. This is for children who will be receiving free lunches. For further information, contact Janice LaPrade.

Michael’s Gift – Michael’s Gift is a charity developed to honor Michael Ridgeway, who died at age 6. It was established as a memorial fund to be used to help Orange County youth reach their potential. Funds are to be used for enrichment and are not used to duplicate existing resources. There is a maximum of $150 a year for services to be provided. For a child to be eligible he/she must be receiving free lunches or be referred by DSS. For further information and an application form, contact Janice LaPrade