Programs

Boys

Decatur Youth Services
Programs

 
  • Mentoring Program
    Program is designed to provide boys age 5-16 years of age with a qualified, trained mentor, to develop our boys and encourage them to become positive young men.
  • Boys-2-Men Mentoring Program
    This program is designed to help put the pieces back together again by pointing the way for today’s young men. Purpose: to give young men role models and positive influences. To affirm the man and build character and create an environment that fosters self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence.
    For Boys age 11-17 years of age.
    Tuesdays 7pm-8pm

Girls

  • Girls-2-Women Mentoring Program
    The Girls-2-Women Mentoring Program is a multi-faceted program for young ladies ages 11-17. The program components include: One-on-One Mentoring, Book Club, Fitness/Nutrition and Support Group. Fieldtrips and other group activities are also included. 
    Mission Statement: Consistently Create Extraordinary Experiences that Encourage and Enrich Lives One Girl at a Time!
    Tuesdays 7pm-8pm

Education

  • Decatur Youth Services Back to School Jam
    August 6, 2010 at Delano Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., sponsored by Decatur Youth Services, Decatur Housing Authority & Pepsi Cola. The Back to School Jam provides a fun way to get kids excited and prepared with games, activities, a talent show, and live entertainment. Over 500 items are going to be given away including: school supplies, bookbags, prizes, lunch and cold drinks. For more information about attending or donating school supplies, contact:
    Decatur Youth Services
    1202-B 5th Ave. SW
    Decatur, AL 35601
    Phone: (256) 341-4690
  • GED Classes
    Decatur Youth Services is offering GED classes every Tuesday and Thursday in June from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Ages 16 years and older. New students must call Calhoun College to register at (256) 306-2830. For questions, call DYS at (256) 341-4690.
  • Tutorial Program
    Provide homework assistance and educational enhancement to middle and high school students. Monday thru Thursday 3:00 – 6:00 PM.

Employment

  • Youth Employment Program
  • To aid and assist teens age 14 and up in finding employment year round, with a special summer program.
    • Monthly teen jobs and careers workshop provides informative presentations from businesses in the surrounding areas.
    • Weekly teen job listings available each week.
    • Summer youth employment application for ages 14 and 15 years of age are available in the month of March.
  • Pick up applications at the Decatur Youth Services Office, 1202 B 5th Avenue, S.W., Decatur, Alabama, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call (256) 341-4690.

Sports

  • Boxing & Training Facility
    This program is a part of our Police Activity League (PAL). Youth are able to learn boxing skills for competitive and recreational purposes. Monday - Friday, 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Contact DYS at (256) 341-4690 or (256) 351-1052.
    *need medical statement*
  • Judo Classes
    This program is also part of the boxing and training facility. Young people age 10 and up can learn the art of judo by a trained instructor. Classes are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Contact (256) 351-1052.
  • Martial Arts Program
    This program is also part of the boxing and training facility. Classes are held for kids from 6:00 p.m to 6:30 p.m. Classes for teens and adults are from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. All classes are Wednesday and Friday. Contact (256) 345-3496.
  • Summer Basketball Program
    Sponsored by Decatur Youth Services, Decatur Parks and Recreation, and Decatur Police Department
    Aquadome and Carrie Matthews recreation centers
    Ages 13-15 and 16-18.
    Participants can register as individuals or as a team. Applications can be picked up at Decatur Youth Services, the Aquadome, or Carrie Matthews. For more information, contact Decatur Youth Services at (256) 341-4690.

Summer

  • Camp Safe Haven
    Carrie Matthews Recreation Center
    Ages 6-12
    June 1-July 23, 2010
    8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
    Cost: $25.00 per 2-week session or $15.00 per week – includes lunch
    Enjoy eight weeks of swimming lessons and other fun activities. For more information, contact Decatur Youth Services at (256) 341-4690 or Carrie Matthews Recreation Center at (256) 341-4820.
  • FREE Summer Lunch Program
    This is to ensure that children age 18 and under get a healthy meal everyday throughout the summer months. Lunches are provided throughout the City of Decatur at 22 sites. Beginning June 1, lunches are provided on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each week.
    For a list of available sites or for more information, call (256) 341-4690.

Parents

  • Father as S.T.A.R.
    This program is an attempt to bring absentee fathers into the lives of their children. Young children need a “STAR” in their lives. There are two group meeting options each week at the DYS Teen Resource center: Mondays from 6:00 – 7:00 PM and Wednesdays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Some of the topics will be values, manhood, self-esteem communication, and more.
  • Parent Project
    This program offers parenting tips to parents of strong willed children. This is a very successful program. The classes are 10 sessions. The only cost is $26.00 for the workbook.