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.
Eight selected youth from the Novi community went on a shopping extravaganza with Novi Public Safety Team on Tuesday, August 18th. The annual event took place at JC Penney department store located in 12 Oaks mall; who provided a generous 25% discount to each of our shoppers. All of the shoppers left JC Penney with shopping bags full of new apparel. Novi Youth Assistance’s Back to School Shopping program intends to help students get excited and prepared for the upcoming school year. A special thank you to our Novi Public Safety Team volunteers. From the Fire Department: Captain Mark Theisen; Fire Protection Officers Bachara Takla, Paul Bostwick, and Steve Behan; Auxiliary Fire Fighter Joe Kellerman, and Paid on Call Fire Protection Officer Ron Barratt. From the Police Department: Police officers Trevor Lossos, Adam McGee, Michael Walton, and Raven Simmons and Detective Julie Warren. Youth Assistance is a community-based program whose mission is to strengthen youth and families and to prevent and reduce delinquency, neglect, and abuse through community involvement. Youth Assistance initiatives are supported by a unique tri-sponsorship agreement between the Circuit Court, Novi Public Schools, and the City of Novi. For more information about Novi Youth Assistance, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or visit www.cityofnovi.org/nya.
The Novi Public Safety Team Mentoring program is in its third year and has been very successful with 15 matches between Novi Community School District students and Novi Public Safety Team members. This program aims to build positive relationships with public safety officials in order to improve students’ self-esteem and leadership skills, and to provide guidance to becoming a positive member of society.
Thank you to the Novi Public Safety Team for your many hours of service, outstanding support, and commitment to this program.
Linda Cianferra
Kayley Dahring
Gayathri Ilango
Michael Kuzila
David Law
David Molloy
John O’Brien
Ratna Rao
Travis Reeds
Karina Reynoso
Kathy Smith-Roy
Bob Steeh
Camille Straham
Julie Warren
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
Youth Recognition
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact the NYA office or (248) 675-3089.
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.
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 5-17
Scholarships: ages 5-18
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-Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am-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) 675-3089 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 24062 Taft Road, 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!
Short-term, family-centered counseling is provided by a professional counselor at the Youth Assistance office. The caseworker works with children, ages 17 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 and confidential. The caseworker also provides information and referrals for families to other helping agencies.
A variety of educational opportunities are offered throughout the year, aimed at improving communication between parents and their children, understanding child development, and enhancing parenting skills. These programs are frequently co-sponsored by other community groups, libraries, and/or local schools.
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
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
This program links public safety members from the Novi Police Department and Novi Fire Department with students in the Novi School District. During weekly sessions, a public safety team member engages with students in various activities in order to provide guidance and support and to help develop self-esteem and leadership skills.
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.
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.
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.
The application deadline for the Adopt-A-Family program is November 1, 2022.
If you need assistance this holiday season please call 248-675-3089.
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.
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 JCPenny’s store.
Backpack Program
NYA acquires backpacks and school supplies and distributes them to Novi students.
