Novi Youth Assistance

A local branch of Oakland County Youth Assistance, Novi Youth Assistance is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, made up of a community of volunteers, assisted by a professional staff, whose main goal is providing early intervention programs that offer support and education to families in our community.

Mission

To strengthen youth and families and to prevent and reduce the incidence of delinquency, neglect, and abuse through community involvement.

Sponsorship

Novi Youth Assistance is supported by a unique tri-sponsorship agreement between Oakland County Circuit Court - Family Division, the City of Novi , and the Novi Community School District.

NYA IN THE NEWS

NYA sponsored its annual "Back to School Shopping" event

Contact Us

Members

NYA Executive Committee

Linda Cianferra, Chair
Tom Smith, Vice Chair
Andrea Smith, Secretary
Sandy Fisher, Treasurer

NYA General Citizens Committee

Robyn Hamilton

Gayathri Ilango
Michael Kuzila
David Law
David Molloy
John O’Brien
Ratna Rao
Travis Reeds
Karina Reynoso
Kathy Smith-Roy
Bob Steeh

Camille Straham
Tanya Vuichard
Julie Warren
Jon Zabick

NYA Office Staff

Lisa Shields, Caseworker

Maria Castrodale, Office Administrator

Volunteer

Volunteer Application

Youth Assistance programs are community-based, and developed by volunteers who live and/or work in the communities in which they serve. Our programs involve citizens in the community who are interested, concerned and willing to give voluntarily of their time and skills in the development and implementation of community plans and programs through which youths’ highest potential may be developed.

Novi Youth Assistance volunteers may serve program needs at the following levels:

Officer
Member of the Board of Directors
Committee Chairperson
Task Member

Novi Youth Assistance is actively recruiting new volunteers to help on our various committees. The tasks performed by these committees are critical to the total operation and performance of Novi Youth Assistance.

General Citizen's Committee
Family Education
Finance
Fundraising
Mentoring
Public Relations
Scholarship
Seasonal Programs
Summer Teen Center
Youth Recognition

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact the NYA office or (248) 347-0410.

FAQ

What does NYA stand for?
Novi Youth Assistance.

How are the sponsors connected?
All local offices of Oakland County Youth Assistance were formed with a unique tri-sponsorship agreement between the municipalities, the Board of Education contained within the school district, and the Oakland County Circuit Court-Family Division. Oakland County Circuit Court-Family Division provides council, consultation, and our local caseworker to provide professional counseling and referral services and to work with the volunteers. The City of Novi and the Novi Community School District are responsible for NYA operation and programmatic expenses, and both entities are also represented on our Board of Directors.

Are your programs free?
Participation in the vast majority of our programs is free. We do not collect money in the office for any of our programs or services. There is a one-time $25 processing fee for casework services, which is paid after the first appointment through the Oakland County Circuit Court-Family Division over the phone or by mail. Our summer teen center requires a registration fee to help cover the cost of staffing, field trips, transportation, supplies, snacks, and vendors.

What ages do you serve?
There are different age/grade restrictions for each of our programs. Programs that are not listed below do not have specific age restrictions.

Casework services: ages 5-16
Scholarships: ages 5-18
Summer Teen Center: 6th-10th grade
Youth Recognition: 7th-12th grade
Silver Lining Mentoring: Kindergarten and up
Mentors Plus Mentoring: ages 5-15

Do you have to live in Novi to receive services or participate in programs?
Casework service eligibility is determined based on school district boundaries, as opposed to city address. Students must be a Novi Community School District student in order to receive casework services.

All other NYA programs solely serve families based on residency in the city of Novi.

Why do you have to collect documentation to verify my income?
Some of our programs, such as the Scholarship program, require the collection of income information in order to verify the need for assistance. Some programs are grant funded, and we must ensure compliance with the guidelines set by the funder. Please be aware that any personal information received by NYA is always kept confidential.

What is the casework referral process?
A student is referred to NYA through submission of a referral form to the caseworker. Once a student is referred to our office, the caseworker contacts the student’s parent through an appointment letter to set up an initial meeting. Casework services are completely voluntary for families, so the family determines their participation in the process. The caseworker updates the referral source periodically by copying them on correspondence with the family, indicating program completion, case closures, etc.

What are your hours of operation?
General office hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. While efforts are made to ensure that someone is always in the office during these hours, on rare occasion, office staff may need to step out for outside meetings or community events. You are always welcome to call the office before you plan to stop in to make sure someone will be here to assist you.

Is there an after-hours/emergency number?
If you need immediate counseling services, please contact Common Ground at (800) 231-1127. Otherwise, please feel free to leave us a message on our office phone (248) 347-0410 or email our general mailbox at nya@cityofnovi.org and we will get back to you during office hours as soon as we can.

How do I attend a meeting?
Board meetings are generally held at 6:00pm on the first Tuesday of every month at the Novi Civic Center and are open to the public. Date and time may vary based on the school calendar. You can always call the office to confirm the date and time of the next board meeting. Board meetings are not held in June, July, November, or December.

How can I volunteer?
Visit our volunteer page to learn about the importance our volunteers have on our program structure, as well as current volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering with NYA, please contact the office to set up a meeting with our case worker. Thank you for your interest in making a difference to the youth of the Novi community!

How do I donate?
Monetary donations are graciously accepted through PayPal or by check mailed to or dropped off at our office at 45175 Ten Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48375. We also accept in-kind donations for programs, special events, raffles, and prizes. You will receive a receipt for documentation purposes. Click here to learn more about ways to help support NYA’s mission. Thank you for your generosity!

Programs & Services

Jeanne Clarke Summer Teen Center

Novi Youth Assistance Jeanne Clarke Teen Center invites incoming 6^th-10^th grade students for six weeks of Teen Center. Teen Center will keep your child engaged in exciting weekly field trips, activities, games, community visits, recreational activities, and community service projects to help promote positive social development. NYA will provide a snack each day but, we ask for each teen to provide their own non-refrigerated sack lunch.

Choose the weeks that work for you!
Date: June 21 - July 29
Time: Mon - Thur, 12 - 5:30pm
Grades: 6 - 10 Students
Price: $70/Week
Location: Novi High School Cafeteria

Summer Teen Center Flyer

Parent Information Packet

Camp Registration Form

Student Information & Release Form

Parent Information
Student Information

Parent Information

About Teen Center

The Jeanne Clarke Summer Teen Center is a summer program that is offered to Novi residents who are entering 6th -10th grades. The Teen Center aims to engage youth in fun educational and recreational activities in a safe environment to promote positive social and emotional development.

Location

The majority of program time is spent at the Novi High School, which is the location for student sign-in/out. The program will be bussed (and walk, on occasion) to community visits and field trips outside of the program space. Please reference the program calendar to identify when program will be outside of its usual location.

Sign-In and Sign-Out

Students may be signed in or out at any time during program hours, with the exception of when the program is taking place outside of the typical program space. If the group has left for a community visit or field trip, students cannot be signed in until the group returns to the high school.

Students can sign themselves in and out of program with parent permission by submitting a signed Child Sign-In/Out Agreement. If this form is not submitted, the child may only be signed in and out by a person listed on the Student Information Sheet. Designated adults must come inside the program space to sign the child in and out of program each day. Identification of the person picking the child up may be required.

Students can only be signed in and out of program once per day. Once a child is signed out, he/she is not permitted to return to program until the next program day. Students are expected to be sure that a staff person is aware of their arrival or departure. Failure to do so could result in the loss of self sign-in/out privilege.

Activities

Teen Center takes weekly field trips and community visits. Field trips are included in the program registration cost, and students will not need to bring money to participate. It is permissible for your child to bring their own money with them if they want to purchase a snack or other item that is not included with the trip. Permission slips or special attire (i.e. swimsuits, tennis shoes, etc.) are required for some of our trips, and your child will not be allowed to participate in the activities of the trip if we do not receive a signed permission slip or they do not have proper attire prior to our departure. A student behaving poorly outside of program space may lose their privilege to attend future trips, without refund. Unfortunately, we cannot include parents on field trips.

Inside of program space, students have access to plenty of games and activities to take part in during free time, including board games, table games, video games, sporting equipment, and art supplies. In addition, the staff have planned a variety of interactive group games and activities in which students are highly encouraged to participate. Outside guests will also visit Teen Center for special enrichment programs.

Reference the program calendar to identify when guests, community visits, or field trips will occur.

Food & Drink

Program participants are encouraged to bring water bottles. Due to potential allergies, outside food may not be shared with other participants. Meals will not be provided during program, so it is highly encouraged that students eat lunch before they come to program. One snack will be provided during a designated time frame within the program schedule. Students who are not present for snack time miss receiving the snack for that day.

Personal Items

Teen Center has a number of items for your child’s use to keep them entertained during program. Also, please keep in mind that some of our activities could cause your child’s clothing or shoes to get dirty (i.e. playing outside, painting, etc.). Teen Center is not responsible for any personal items that are lost or damaged during program time.

Medication

No medication is held at Teen Center outside of program hours. Medication will not be administered by Teen Center staff with the exception of an Epi-Pen and Breathing Inhaler. Medications must be in the original packaging and prescribed to the child for that specific dose.

Behavior Expectations

Teen Center operates on a few simple rules. Our #1 rule at Teen Center is respect- we expect students to demonstrate respect for people (staff, guests, peers, self) and property (building, supplies, equipment). All rules are posted in the program space.

Failure to comply with Teen Center rules may result in one or more of the following:

Redirection
Removal from activity
1:1 meeting with staff
Parent meeting
Suspension from program, without refund
Permanent removal from program, without refund

Teen Center cannot provide one-on-one supervision of program participants. If we feel that we cannot safely accommodate a child’s needs, or if a child demonstrates behavior that risks the safety of him/herself or others, the child may be removed from program.

Absence and Illness

There are no attendance requirements for program; however, there are no refunds for program absence. Please do not send your child to program if he/she is sick. Your student will be sent home if he/she has symptoms of illness. Please do not send your child to Teen Center until he/she has been symptom free for 24 hours, or until you have a doctor’s note stating that your student is not contagious.

Parent Responsibility

The parent is responsible for filling out all pertinent information about their child on the Student Information Sheet, and notifying program staff of any changes/updates that should be made throughout the program timeframe.

The parent is responsible for transportation to and from program each day. If the child is not permitted to sign him/herself in or out, the parent is responsible for having someone who is listed on the Student Information Sheet at program to sign the child out no later than 5:30 p.m. each day. Failure to comply with this rule could result in the expulsion of your child from Teen Center with no refund.

The parent is responsible for staying updated on important Teen Center information by reading periodic correspondence from Teen Center.

Parent Information Packet

Student Information

Professional Counseling & Referral Services

Referral Form

Short-term, family-centered counseling is provided by a professional counselor at the Youth Assistance office. The caseworker works with children, ages 16 and under, and their families to reduce behavior problems and find effective solutions for the family. Referrals are mostly accepted from schools, police, and parents who are concerned about the behavior of a young person. The Family Division’s Intake Unit diverts cases when, in their judgement, Youth Assistance services are most appropriate. Typical reasons for referral include school and home problems, substance abuse, retail fraud, and violations of local ordinances.

Casework services are voluntary, confidential and have a one-time processing fee of $25.00. The caseworker also provides information and referrals for families to other helping agencies.

Family Education

Mentoring

Silver Lining Mentor

Silver Lining is an intergenerational program which brings together older adults with elementary school children. During weekly sessions, older adults engage in activities such as crafts, games, puzzles, and conversation with the students at Novi Community School District elementary schools. Silver Lining is sponsored by Novi Youth Assistance, Novi Community School District, and the City of Novi Older Adult Services.

Who can be a Silver Lining Mentor?

Any caring older adult who has an hour to spare for an elementary school child on a weekly basis. Although support is provided, you do not need special training. You just need a desire to be a friend to a child.

Qualifications:

Over 18 years old
Responsible, flexible, and reliable
Interest in working with young people
Willingness to complete the application packet and screening process, including a background investigation and reference check
Willingness to adhere to all program policies and procedures and to sign program agreement
Dependable and consistent in meeting time commitments
Attendance at mentor training sessions as necessary
Willingness to communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and to receive feedback regarding mentoring activities
Access to transportation, auto insurance, and a good driving record
No criminal record
No illicit drug use

Mentors Plus

Mentor Plus Application Packet

Adult volunteers are matched with children age 5-16 on a one-to-one mentoring basis. Adult applicants are screened and trained through Oakland County Youth Assistance prior to placement with a Novi youth. Additional training and consultation are provided throughout the match period. Each adult volunteer is asked to commit 1-2 hours per week with a match for at least one year. In addition, group and countywide activities are held.

A little time each week. A little caring. A little piece of yourself, reserved just for a special kid who needs it. The mentoring program, sponsored by Oakland County Youth Assistance has been matching caring adults with young people who need them since 1973. Thousands of "matches" have been made, many of which have grown into lasting friendships.

Mentors Plus... Plus What?

Plus FUN. Being a mentor is an important contribution, and it's a serious responsibility. But it's also a lot of fun. Your time together can include anything from sharing a movie to taking a walk to hitting a baseball. The important thing is the time, and the good feelings it brings to you both.

Plus SHARING. Sure, you'll be strangers at first. But before long, you'll be surprised at what you can share. Thoughts, and ideas, and likes and dislikes. And, most importantly, you'll be sharing a bit of yourself with someone who can benefit from your responsible example.

Plus FRIENDS. You'll not only gain one very special young friend, you'll also have opportunities to meet other volunteers and their matches, as well as members of your own local Mentors Plus volunteer advisory committee. They share your concern for kids, and they'll welcome you warmly into their ongoing efforts to help make childhood and the teen years secure and positive.

Plus RESULTS. You know that mentoring sounds like a great idea. But did you know that it actually works? Reliable statistics from a long-term mentoring program say that, after only 18 months, youngsters who met with their mentors an average of three times per month were 46 percent less likely than a control group to start using drugs, 27 percent less likely to start drinking, 53 percent less likely to skip school, and 37 percent less likely to skip a class. They also were more confident in their schoolwork, less likely to hit someone, and doing better within their families.

Just think... Only a few hours each month can have an impact that dramatic. Can you think of a better way to spend time?

For questions or to apply to be a mentor in the Mentors Plus program, please contact:
Julie Stitt
Oakland County Circuit Court – Family Division, Youth Assistance Mentors Plus
1200 N Telegraph Road Bldg 14 East, Pontiac MI 48341-0452
248-858-0041

Novi Public Safety Mentorship Program

Skill Building Scholarships

Enrichment Scholarship Application

The goal of the Camp/Skill-Building Scholarship Program is to provide scholarships to a targeted group of youth for activities that would enable them to develop a skill, talent, or interest. These skill-building scholarships are aimed at expanding the child's horizon, increasing the child's skills, building self-confidence, and enhancing self-esteem.

To be eligible, these criteria must be met:

Age 18 and under
Novi resident
- Must have been a resident of Novi for 1+ years
Income eligible according to current HUD guidelines (see chart on page 2 of application)

The following documentation must be submitted:

Proof of residency with copies of 3 of the following 5 pieces of identification:
- Driver’s license
- State ID
- Property tax statement
- Lease agreement
- City of Novi water bill
Proof of income eligibility showing dependents
- Copy of Federal Tax Form 1040 from previous year
Flyer/brochure for the activity showing cost, location, and dates

Other information:

Once eligibility is verified, the scholarship request must be approved by NYA’s scholarship committee.
If approved, the parent will receive an acceptance letter and a check will be mailed directly to the activity sponsor.
It is best to apply for a scholarship at least three weeks prior to when program payment is needed.
If approved, scholarship is generally 50% of the program cost. The scholarship will be valid for one month from the date of approval.
Scholarship may be rescinded and restitution of any fees paid will be collected if scholarship information is falsified.
Transportation to and from programs/classes and events, as well as any additional fees associated with the program/class are the responsibility for the scholarship recipient.
Scholarship funds are limited.

Youth Recognition

Novi Youth Assistance recognizes outstanding youth in the Novi community at an annual Youth Recognition Ceremony. Youth volunteers who have made noteworthy contributions to an individual, group, organization, or the community are nominated by individuals and community organizations. Local, county, and state dignitaries participate in these events.

Congratulations to our 2019 Award Recipients:

Ajay Arora
Allison Bailey
Aishani Bajpai
Anusha Bajpai
Krithin Bheemineni
Samhita Bolisetty
Somi Bollavaram
Neerav Chapalamadugu
Areena Chavda
Yujung (Hanna) Cho
Brian Cromwell
Nikita Daniel
Sanjana Doshi
Vishwaas Reddy Gangeddula
Aliyah Hirji
Raveena Joshi
Sumukh Kallur
Jooho Lee
Rishi Menon
Maansi Nema
Ashrit Ramesh
Shreya Sampath
Aakash (Neil) Sinha
Makayla Stewart
Lahari Vavilala
Ayush Venkannagart
Nav Warraich
Neil Warraich
Jessica Wu
Henry Xu

Seasonal Programs

Adopt-A-Family

A holiday program which matches families with businesses and individuals from the community to help provide gifts for a happier holiday.

If you are interested in participating in the Adopt-a-Family program, please review the guidelines, complete the application and return it to the Novi Youth Assistance office no later than November 2, 2020.

Adopt-A-Family Guidelines

Adopt-A-Family Application

Shop with a Hero

In connection with the Novi Police and Fire Departments, this program pairs students with local heroes to shop for holiday items at the Target store in Novi.
The 2018 Shop with a Hero Program sponsored 9 children. Sponsorship was provided by the Novi Police and Fire Benevolent Association, and nearly 30 police officers and firefighters volunteered their time for the event!

Back to School Shopping

The Back to School Shopping program intends to help students get excited and prepared for the new school year with some new apparel. Students are paired with community volunteers from the Novi Police Department, Novi Fire Department, and Novi City Council to shop at the Novi Kohl’s store.

Backpack Program

NYA acquires backpacks and school supplies and distributes them to Novi students.