Madison Youth & Family Services

10/30/2026

A Madison Tradition We Love: 15th Annual Trunk or Treat on the Green!

As parents, we want our children to grow up feeling like they belong, knowing their neighbors, building friendships, and creating happy memories. Sometimes, it’s the simplest moments that
make the biggest difference, seeing a familiar face, meeting another family, or watching your child light up in their Halloween costume.

That’s what makes Madison’s Trunk or Treat on the Green so special!

Join us Saturday, October 31, from 4:00–6:00 PM for Madison’s 15th Annual Trunk or Treat on the Green, hosted by the Madison Chamber of Commerce and the Madison Police Department. With more than 45 local businesses and organizations participating, it’s an afternoon filled with Halloween fun and opportunities to connect.

In a time when many of us feel increasingly divided, coming together as a community matters more than ever. Trunk or Treat brings families, local businesses, organizations, and volunteers
together around a common goal, creating a fun, welcoming experience for our children. We may all have busy lives and different experiences, but we share a desire to help our children feel happy, supported, and connected.

And while kids may remember their favorite candy or the trunk with the best decorations, the impact goes beyond Halloween. These events help children recognize familiar faces, give parents
a chance to meet neighbors, and create opportunities for friendships to grow. Small moments of connection can build a stronger sense of belonging that lasts long after the event ends.

That’s community asset building in action. It’s recognizing that one of our greatest strengths is the people around us and the relationships we build together. Every decorated trunk,
participating organization, and helping hand contributes to a community where families feel welcome and children know they are part of something bigger.

For 15 years, Trunk or Treat has helped Madison create those connections and lasting memories. So, bring the kids, invite your friends and neighbors, and join us for an afternoon of costumes,
treats, and community spirit. Whether it’s your family’s favorite annual tradition or your first time attending, everyone is welcome!

Because raising connected kids takes a community that shows up. In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, Trunk or Treat reminds us of what we can accomplish when we come together.

10/21/2026

10/09/2026

Today's spotlight comes from Scott Cochran, MYFS Director. Talking to Teens About Sexual Consent: A Discussion Framework for Parents & Adults
Having been a clinician with MYFS for nearly 23 years, and its Director for the last eleven, I have had many opportunities to talk to teens and parents about s*xual consent. My time leading “Guy Talk”—a staff-guided discussion in 11th-grade health classes—deeply informed my perspective. My experience taught me that teens, especially boys, genuinely want and need to talk about consent. It works best as an open dialogue that invites their experiences and questions.
Let’s acknowledge upfront that not all adults are comfortable discussing s*xual behavior with teens; some prefer a simple "no s*x until you’re an adult" approach. However, research indicates that about a quarter of teens have their first s*xual experience by age fifteen, and up to seventy percent do by the time they leave high school.
This framework is for adults who recognize the importance of discussing consent proactively. It does not condone teen s*xual behavior, but rather acknowledges reality: puberty prepares bodies physically before the brain’s frontal lobes—which handle impulse control and reasoning—are fully developed. Combined with pro-s*x media messaging, potential substance use, and peer pressure, guidance becomes essential.
First, parents should discuss s*xual "readiness." Beyond pointing to Connecticut's legal age of consent (16), it is often more helpful to frame readiness around emotional maturity, similar to how parents evaluate a teen's readiness to drive, work, or care for siblings. Adults can reflect on what readiness means to them, helping connect teens with an internal sense of autonomy and control over their choices. It may help to frame how readiness would “feel,” as it may be more of a situational question for teens.
Talking about consent requires shifting far beyond simple compliance or "just say no." True consent is grounded in mutual, active communication—a clear, deliberate "yes" rather than silence or the absence of a refusal. Consent is specific and fully reversible at any point, meaning agreement to one activity never implies consent for another.
To keep conversations approachable, leverage low-pressure moments in daily life. Scenes from movies or TV shows serve as natural conversation starters to ask open-ended questions about character communication. Discussing these topics during parallel activities, such as driving or cooking, reduces face-to-face pressure. Equip teens with clear, actionable language for establishing boundaries and asking permission, making sure this explicitly extends to digital spaces regarding private photos and messages. When high-profile incidents occur in the news, engage your teen on what they are hearing and how it applies to real life.
Adults must also explicitly address how alcohol and drugs compromise judgment, making legal and ethical consent impossible. Avoid skipping deeper conversations about substance use; teens often navigate nuanced situations where advice like "never" fails them if they have used and substance and feel un-impaired. Adults can explain that legal standards for impairment reflect high stakes, similar to driving after drinking. Crucially, discussions about sobriety should focus on both partners, not just the potential partner. It’s been notable for me that teen boys often hear of the importance of knowing their partner’s sobriety, which is true, but not as much for their own.
Knowing your partner also makes determining consent much easier. Greater familiarity increases open dialogue and awareness of subtle cues, whereas impromptu "hookups" carry far higher risks—especially when substances are involved.
Parents can reinforce these values at home by modeling respect for bodily autonomy, such as knocking before entering a room or asking before hugging. By serving as a non-judgmental "safe landing zone," adults build the trust needed to support teens through confusing situations. You don't need formal training or an advanced degree—just self-awareness of your values and a willingness to engage through ongoing, curious conversations over time.

09/30/2026

Save the Date!

Model Train Show Sunday, November 8th, from 11 am- 4 pm, rain or shine, at Camp Harkness. Open to the public. $5 per person; children under 5 are free. Come and see live-action displays of model trains, including HO-scale, G-scale, O-scale, and steam trains. There will be free train rides on the Camp Harkness “Sunshine Train,” food to purchase, train vendors, a white elephant table, and story hour with train stories read at 12 pm and 2 pm for young children. This event is sponsored by the Camp Harkness Foundation. All the proceeds will go to Camp Harkness to enhance the lives of children and adults with disabilities. For more information, please contact [email protected] or call Camp Harkness at 860-443-7818.

09/25/2026

This Weeks Spotlight is written by MYFS Assistant Director, in Charge of Community Support, Justin Zeigler.

I’m not a mental health provider, but the joy of working at an agency where I’m surrounded by them is that I get to check in with very skilled clinicians when I’m worried, asking, “Did I say the right thing?”

Nine times out of ten, their response is: “Did you show care and empathy? Were you genuinely present? If so, you did the right thing.” When supporting others, it’s rarely about saying the exact right thing—it’s about being present.

September marks National Su***de Prevention Month, a time to break the silence surrounding mental health, share vital resources, and support those who are struggling. The central theme for the month is “ ,” a call to action encouraging all of us to stay engaged, offer proactive support, and take the initiative in our relationships. Research consistently shows that having open, honest, and direct conversations about mental health significantly lowers the risk of an individual dying by su***de. You don't need to be a mental health professional to make a difference—simply being a reliable, compassionate presence can save a life.

At MYFS, we are recognizing National Su***de Prevention Month in a few different ways:

At Daniel Hand High School: We tabled at lunches to provide information on how to access support and resources. We also provided su***de prevention education through our QPR training (every DHHS student receives this life-saving training).

At Polson Middle School: We will be tabling during lunches to provide students with resources detailing exactly who they can go to at school when they or a friend need help.

In the Wider Community: We are spreading education through our 3-minute Su***de Awareness Prevention: Myth or Fact Quiz. Complete the quiz and enter a raffle to win a Stanley Mug and a Starbucks gift card! Link to the quiz is in the comments!

This month we are being reminded to stay engaged, offer proactive support, and take the initiative in our relationships. Research consistently shows that having open, honest, and direct conversations about mental health significantly lowers the risk of an individual dying by su***de. You don't need to be a mental health professional to make a difference—simply being a reliable, compassionate presence can save a life. Remember, you can always call or text 988 for support (for yourself or someone else). In an emergency, always call 911.

09/11/2026

Honoring a Legacy: Reflections on Community Prevention

This weeks spotlight is written by MYFS Director, Scott Cochran

This week, several MYFS staff members attended the Connecticut Prevention Summit in Hartford. A highlight of the event was the posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award presented to our former colleague and friend, Catherine Barden, which was accepted by her husband before an audience of over two hundred people. Catherine’s profound influence on prevention spanned her entire life, beginning in her teens with liquor store compliance checks and testimony at the State Capitol. Throughout her professional career, she launched countless education campaigns and inspired both youth and adults to actively contribute to community wellness. Her legacy is marked by the countless lives she improved through her tireless dedication.

The five of us in attendance spent the day absorbing insights from keynote speakers and training sessions. There was a unique energy in the room, grounded in the work so closely tied to Catherine, who dedicated 13 years of her career to MYFS. Each of us channeled her spirit—her passion, intellect, humility, humanity, and even her humor. We left feeling energized and renewed in our commitment to our mission.

Drug and alcohol prevention efforts in Connecticut are vital for fostering healthy youth development and addressing critical public health challenges, including rising substance use and its connection to adolescent anxiety, depression, and impulsive behavior. These initiatives serve as an essential protective shield, curbing physical harm from ni****ne and substance exposure while reducing dangerous behaviors like impaired driving. Madison possesses strong protective factors, including a healthy natural environment, excellent schools, robust extracurricular programs, engaged adults, civic organizations, strong faith communities, and an active municipal government. While one might hope these advantages are enough to keep our youth safe, the threat of substance abuse remains constant and targeted—acting like arrows designed to reach their mark regardless of background.

At MYFS, our ongoing challenge is operating with limited resources and capacity in the face of widespread risks. Regardless of personal views on the legalization of cannabis and proliferation of on-line gaming and gambling, one clear outcome has been an influx of messaging aimed at youth, accompanied by increased access. Over time, this constant exposure risks desensitizing adults as well. Now more than ever, Madison needs heightened awareness, education, and focused efforts to understand local trends. MYFS is doubling down on its commitment by raising awareness, engaging with youth and adults to define key challenges, and building partnerships with like-minded stakeholders to drive greater impact.

To our dear Catherine: know that we are carrying your work forward—remaining intentional, informed, targeted, and organized as we build connections and collaborate across the community.

08/28/2026

This week's spotlight is written by MYFS Assistant Director in charge of community support, Justin Zeigler.

Every year, around October, the phone would ring at our house. My mother would answer the phone and the conversation was usually brief. When it was done, my mom would pry me away from the TV and let me know that my grandmother had called and my annual trip to my grandparents’ house to rake leaves was happening that weekend.

It might sound strange, but I LOVED that weekend. I felt like I was needed. I felt like I was a valuable part of my family and my community. And yes…the trip to Dairy Queen when we were finished certainly helped!

Fall is just around the corner, and we’re looking for a few good neighbors to help local seniors get their yards ready for the season. Madison Youth and Family Services (MYFS) is hosting our Second Annual Fall Volunteer Event, and we’d love for your family to be part of it!

On October 24, families (with kids of all ages) will be paired with a Madison senior who could use a little extra help getting their yard ready for fall. Together, families will spend the morning doing simple yard work like raking, trimming, and bagging leaves. We’re looking for eight family groups, and each group should include at least one adult—a parent, caregiver, or other trusted adult—to lead the crew. Note: Family can be “friend family”...as long as an adult is present!

The goal is to spend no more than two hours volunteering, depending on the size of the yard. And if 9:00 a.m. doesn’t work for your family, that’s okay! We can adjust the timing as long as it works for the senior you’re paired with.

For me, this event is about more than raking leaves. It’s about giving kids the opportunity to experience what I felt as a middle school student—that feeling of being needed, contributing to your family, and knowing that your time and effort can make someone else’s day a little easier.

If your family is looking for a simple way to spend a fall morning together while making a difference for a neighbor, we’d love to have you join us. We’re looking for eight families, so don’t wait! To sign up, email Justin at [email protected].

08/04/2026

Madison Youth and Family Services would like to express our deepest gratitude for the Madison Senior Center Staff and Seniors and all that they have done to accommodate our summer programs. The Madison Senior Center staff went above and beyond to provide us with welcoming and flexible spaces for our Elementary Social Skills Summer Camp. Our MYFS staff appreciated the warm smiles and kind greetings from the Seniors who were also attending their activities. While MYFS always values this partnership, we particularly want to highlight the meaningful multi-generational connections built this summer. Thank you, Madison Senior Center, for your ongoing support and community spirit.