The Village of Haverstraw Department of Youth and Family Services was established in the fall of 2006, combining the Departments of Recreation and Municipal Counseling Services (Reachout). The Village’s Recreation Department has operated a summer camp since the 1950’s, and opened a community center for sports-related activities in the early 1990’s. Reachout has been serving the Village of Haverstr
aw and the North Rockland area for 40 years, providing counseling, community information and education, and positive alternative activities for youth and families, especially those at risk. This building was renovated in 2006-7 and expanded to include both departments and to change the concept of service delivery to youth and families to be more collaborative and inclusive. The Haverstraw Center was officially opened in the winter of 2006-7, with a common vision, common leadership, and with a new identity, where any member of the community who is in need can find a “home away from home” at the Center. A variety of programs are offered, both by the Department itself, and by other community agencies and individuals wishing to serve the Village. If services are not available onsite, referrals are made to appropriate resources within and outside of the community. The Center’s physical setting is literally in the “center” of the community, within easy walking distance for those living in the downtown, and readily accessible by public transportation for those who do not. The physical plant houses a full gymnasium, two kitchens, a computer lab with 12 computers, an art room, game room, large multi-purpose rooms as well as a suite of counseling offices suitable for individual, group and family sessions, and a conference room. Through combining youth and family services in a way that maximizes the resources already in place, Haverstraw Center delivers a centralized one stop resource center, where residents and visitors may access information and participate in ongoing programs and events in the Village.
