Who We Are.

The Holyoke Youth Task Force (HYTF) is a coalition of youth-serving non-profit agencies, city and state representatives, and community volunteers interested in creating positive opportunities and a healthier community for Holyoke youth. Members serve the HYTF mission of : "Working collaboratively in order to strengthen the voice of youth in Holyoke and to advocate for sufficient resources to meet their needs" by attending monthly meetings, participating in committees and workgroups, and volunteering for HYTF events.

The HYTF monthly meetings are open to all and are a great way to get to know the Holyoke community. For more information on attending monthly meetings, please click here. At coalition meetings, participants are able to network with other youth-supporters and city stake-holders, learn about local initiatives and community events, and take part in discussions on relevant youth-related topics.

The Holyoke Youth Commission (HYC) is the youth branch of the Holyoke Youth Task Force. It was developed in the year 2000 to give a voice to youth in making positive change in the community. The HYC is comprised of youth, ages 13-21, whose members represent a diverse experience of living in the Holyoke community. They meet at least weekly to work on various community-bettering projects. To learn more about the the HYC, please click here.

History.

In 1998, a pivotal community assessment process began in Holyoke. The Holyoke Planning Department, the Greater Holyoke Youth Service Corps, and Enlace de Familias, the family service organization, involved residents, service providers, and city and school department officials in a process that deeply investigated the needs of this historic mill city. This effort honed in on the need for a coordinated city effort to increase after school activities for more youth of all ages. The Holyoke Youth Task Force emerged as the body of citizens and service providers charged with addressing this need.

Now.

The Holyoke Youth Task Force is comprised of a Steering Committee, membership body and subcommittees. Anyone may join the HYTF and be a part of the membership body, join a subcommittee, or volunteer at a HYTF event.

Youth Voice

The aim of the Youth Voice committee is to help strengthen the voice and leadership skills of Holyoke youth. This is accomplished by helping organize city-wide, multi-agency projects and events that create a platform for the voices of youth and involve them in advocacy. The Youth Voice committee plans and implements the annual Youth Recognition Reception to recognize outstanding youth, parents, and youth workers in the community.

Youth Substance Abuse Prevention

The aim of the Youth Substance Abuse Prevention committee is to reduce youth underage drinking and drug use by assessing the risk and protective factors of Holyoke youth and implementing environmental strategies to address them.

Youth Violence Prevention

The YES Initiative (Youth Empowered to Succeed) serves to reduce youth violence by providing peer leadership opportunities, conflict resolution training, college/career workshops, and other youth development opportunities.

Girls Incorporated of Holyoke

As the Holyoke Youth Task Force is not a 501 C 3, Girls Incorporated of Holyoke kindly serves as the fiscal agent of three Holyoke Youth Task Force grants. They also house the Holyoke Youth Task Force staff offices. Thanks, Girls Inc. of Holyoke! Visit their website at http://www.girlsincholyoke.org/.