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There are moments in our lives that live on in our memories forever. These are the moments when something special happens that changes the way we look at our world and how we respond to it” said Tessa Antoine, Youth Director. Here at Hartford Neighborhood Centers, Inc., we are a catalyst for change-changing lives, changing the way families think about their health, personal, social and changing public policy in ways that are essential to us all. These “moments” that the youth experience at HNC’s ‘Youth Development’ Program will live on in their lives forever.

The future of a healthy community is dependent on the positive development of its children and youth. This development is not possible without the interaction between the youth and the ‘Youth Development’ program. HNC strives to provide services to children that are at-risk, economically disadvantaged with emphasize on self-esteem, physical fitness, hygiene, leadership and education. In addition, we support the parents of those children through our Parent’s Club that focuses on supporting children.

Our Youth Development programs meets everyday during the academic school year and consists of:

After school Homework Tutorial Program
Youth Outdoors
Neighborhood Dance Program
Teen College/Career Planning
Self Discipline/Fitness and Hygiene Program
After school Computer Awareness
Girl Scouts Program and Parents Club
Young Sunflowers Program and Day Camp Program

Hartford Neighborhood Centers’ Youth Development Programs were created so that the youth will be informed by knowledge and that they will strive to be empowered by their relationship-building and individual strength of voice to self, others and their communities.

Homework Tutorial

Neighborhood based school supplement program for youth ages 6 to 13. Program runs from 3:00 p.m. through 6:00 p.m. at both inner cites. With use of parent, college and corporate volunteers' youth are assisted with daily homework assignments.

Agency staff maintains contact with school teachers for assignments, and monitors individual youth grade reports for improvement and measured progress. Parents are kept informed regarding child absences and lack of assignment completion.

Highlights - As part of Martin Luther King Day activities, youth participated for the second year in a field trip experience at the invitation of Warner Lambert Industries, New Jersey; agency Martial Arts program was initiated to address our continued efforts for increased multicultural activities; two new teen basketball teams were formed. 

Computer Awareness

Program provides basic awareness skills, games and other computer activities for youth and teens as part of scheduled evening programming.

Highlights - Awareness sessions were developed and offered based on six-week cycles, as part of after school and summer camp programming; and a pilot evening adult program, designed to enhance basic skills competency, began at the agency's Mitchell House Facility. 

Cultural Dance Program

Program developed for youth and teen in order to encourage self awareness, self confidence and allow for self expression through movement. Participants develop performance goals, create costumes, and develop ability to create dance patterns.

Highlights - The dance group performed for the University of Connecticut men's basketball team as part of half time activities and has performed for several community schools.

Camp Hi Hoti

A program structure to offer a combination of educational and recreational outdoor experience geared to enchance the overall development of each child.