Another exciting chapter of growth
This past year marks another exciting chapter of growth for BGV. In response to the evolving needs of the communities we serve, we expanded our programming to better support the whole family because we know that lasting change happens when we work with both children and the adults who shape their lives. As a result, we introduced three new programs that address the crucial role parents play in their children's development.
These new initiatives, described below, focus on the family as a whole and help BGV work holistically to open new pathways out of crisis and toward a successful future.
Thank you for helping the children and families of Connecticut and thank you for being a part of this mission with us.
With gratitude,
Kim Shaunesey, Ph.D.
President & CEO
MST-BSF (Multisystemic Therapy - Building Stronger Families)
FBR (Family-Based Recovery)
PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy)
MST-BSF is designed for families struggling with parental substance use and serious youth behavior problems. By working intensively in the home and community, MST-BSF addresses the complex, interrelated challenges that disrupt family functioning. The program strengthens parental skills and accountability while equipping youth with the tools they need to make healthier and safer choices.
FBR brings together addiction Ereatment and child developmen services for parents with young children. FBR helps parents achieve sobriety while building safe, nurturing homes where children can thrive. It breaks the cycle of trauma by Intervening early and supporting parents and children together as a unit.
PCIT is a hands-on, coaching-based model that improves behavior and communication in young children while empowering parents with strategies to strengthen attachment and manage difficult behaviors effectively. PCIT helps to build stronger relationships and long-term emotional resilience.supporting parents and children together as a unit.
BGV's wide range of behavioral health services offers a variety of interventions, therapies, and residential group homes. No matter what challenge a child faces, BGV wants to ensure that he or she is given every chance to overcome the obstacles they are facing and build a fulfilling future.
Through the Vocational Learning Center on our Milford campus and the Launch program in Milford and Bridgeport, BGV provides vocational services, financial literacy programs, and life skills to youth so they can develop the tools necessary for the transition to adulthood and independence.
BGV's wide range of behavioral health services offers a variety of interventions, therapies, and residential group homes. No matter what challenge a child faces, BGV wants to ensure that he or she is given every chance to overcome the obstacles they are facing and build a fulfilling future.
BGV works with families to help Chem relate to each other in a safe and constructive manner so the wild can stay with his or her family. When this isn't possible, BGV offers therapeutic foster care. BGV ensures that every child has someone looking out for them and wanting them to succeed.
Charles F. Hayden School,
a K-12 special education school, welcomes children. who are having
trouble
finding the support they noed in their home school.
Our teachers and therapists are skillfully trained
and ready to help any child in need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Boys & Girls Village offers substance use treatment through programs which provide in-home support for families. Our team of clinicians and counselors offer personalized treatment plans, including therapeutic interventions to help parents work toward recovery while maintaining a stable and nurturing home environment.
The Youth Link Mentoring Program works with LGBTQIA+, cisgender, gender non-conforming, and transgender youth between the ages of 13 to 21. Our goal is to support the development of long-term, supportive, and affirming relationships with adult mentors, who will help them reach their greatest potential and live their most authentic lives.
BGV's experience, knowledge, and expertise in improving the lives of at-risk youth extends to the juvenile justice arena. Operating in partnership with the Court Support Services Division, BGV runs the ASBTEP program to educate and treat youth about adolescent problem sexual behavior.
Boys & Girls Village offers substance use treatment through programs which provide in-home support for families. Our team of clinicians and counselors offer personalized treatment plans, including therapeutic interventions to help parents work toward recovery while maintaining a stable and nurturing home environment.
I just completed a parenting course led by your Parent Educator PSS and wanted to drop a note about what a pleasurable experience it was. The parent educator has an infectious personality and is cheerful, upbeat, and knowledgeable about the subject matter. She represents your organization quite well and is a delight to work with".
The Kraft House psychiatric residential treatment program reached its milestone in April 2024, and although the year was not without its challenges, we feel inspired that 26 boys have received treatment so far! Our residential leadership team has worked diligently on providing educational training sessions to the client's parents that include Motivational Interviewing, meditation & mindfulness sessions, and assisting with finding community resources after a client's discharge.
BCV's Youth Link Mentoring Program has unveiled a new logo, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and support for LGBTQIA+ youth. Youth Link was created to support the development of long-term, supportive, and affirming relationships with adult mentors, who will help them reach their greatest potential and live their most suthentic lives. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please visit here.
Breeze, BGV's official therapy dog, regularly visits our school students. In June he and his owner Peter Zezima were deemed 2024 Volunteers of the Year by the Charles F. Hayden School. Breeze is more than just a therapy dog, Breeze gives hope, comfort, joy, and unconditional love to our school students. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Peter for his over ten years of volunteerism at BGV and for sharing his family with us. Peter and Breeze make the world a brighter place.
On June 14th, Charles F. Hayden School celebrated its graduating seniors. Graduates and their family members enjoyed a BBQ lunch served by BGV's Board Chair Carol Smith Harker, Board member Kerry Linden, VP of Community Services & Special Projects Carra Conlan, and President & CEO Kim Shaunesey, along with members of the leadership team.
BGV served
unique clients form
different towns and cities throughout Connecticut
of all clients come from Bridgeport and
come from Fairfield County
Hayden School offered special education to
students from kindergarten through 12th grade
Our behavioral therapy programs had a
satisfaction rate among families of children served
of children in Therapeutic Foster Care found a permanent home including family reunification, adoptive family, relative, or independent living situation
of families were reunited after participating in our Reunification program
of clients in our Problem Sexual Behavior programs showed a significant increase in functioning or decrease in problem severity
of families in our Quality Parenting Centers indicated that their parenting skill had improved
of boys in our STTAR treatment facility, for adolescents who have been removed from their homes, maintained continuity with their school program
BGV served
unique clients form
different towns and cities throughout Connecticut
of all clients come from Bridgeport and
come from Fairfield County
of families in our Quality Parenting Centers indicated that their parenting skill had improved
of boys in our STTAR treatment facility, for adolescents who have been removed from their homes, maintained continuity with their school program
of clients in our Problem Sexual Behavior programs showed a significant increase in functioning or decrease in problem severity
Hayden School offered special education to
students from kindergarten through 12th grade
Our behavioral therapy programs had a
satisfaction rate among families of children served
of children in Therapeutic Foster Care found a permanent home including family reunification, adoptive family, relative, or independent living situation
of families were reunited after participating in our Reunification program
MST-BSF was created for families dealing with challenges like parental substance use and serious behavior issues in kids. The team works right in the home and community, helping both parents and youth build stronger skills and make more informed choices.
When Maria first connected with Boys & Girls Village, things were unraveling. "I was drinking alcohol and had a seizure," she recalls. "I went to the hospital, and the social worker called DCF on me. Then DCF referred me to BGV." That moment marked the beginning of one her greatest challenges, staying sober and finding a person to help who she felt connected to. "Then MST-BSF came in and I really liked them. I was able to find my way with them."
Through the program, Maria didn't just stop drinking. "I learned how to create boundaries with people," she says. "I stayed sober, and I learned how to deal with situations in a different way than I used to."
What stands out most was how connected she felt to her MST-BSF team
"Staying sober and taking care of my son." This is Maria's definition of success.
Oh, I love them," she says. "It wasn't like talking to a therapist. She understood me and didn't put everything in clinical terms like other therapists did, so I felt heard."
*Name has been changed to protect client's anonymity
