Our Goal is to empower at-risk youth and their families
to be able to meet their goals for safety, stability, belonging, and success
by providing a continuum of individualized services and advocacy.
We envision every child growing up in a loving home and supportive
community, and achieving his or her full potential."
"What can we do to help influence and encourage young people in our community?"
“what can we do to help influence and encourage young people in our community?” a question posed to a group of community leaders by the then Chief of Police. It was a question that they took to heart -- realizing that there was an opportunity for a program that would work with youth from the community -- allowing them to explore their own goals, aid them in finding part-time jobs, and explore career opportunities to better prepare them for their own futures. A program that would encourage youth to explore their own communities, and find ways to give back and make it stronger.
In 2015 Community Youth Services Inc. to address the question and to provide more opportunity for the youth of our communities. Community Youth Services began in the city of Auburn, eventually extending parts of its programming to serve the Lewiston communities as well.
To date, Community Youth Services has worked with nearly one thousand youth in the Auburn and Lewiston communities - helping these youth explore their interests, find jobs/careers, fulfill their goals, and build a foundation for more secure and fulfilling lives.
By partnering with the Auburn Police department, the Department of Health and Human services, local colleges, both Auburn and Lewiston School departments, and other community organizations Community Youth Services Inc. strives to build a network of resources to ensure that those in our communities have the resources they need to grow and succeed.
Where we started...
"What can we do to help influence and encourage young people in our community?"
The above was a question posed to a group of community leaders by the then Chief of Police. It was a question that they took to heart -- realizing that there was an opportunity for a program that would work with youth from the community -- allowing them to explore their own goals, aid them in finding part-time jobs, and explore career opportunities to better prepare them for their own futures. A program that would encourage youth to explore their own communities, and find ways to give back and make it stronger.
In 2015 Community Youth Services Inc. to address the question and to provide more opportunity for the youth of our communities. Community Youth Services began in the city of Auburn, eventually extending parts of its programming to serve the Lewiston communities as well.
To date, Community Youth Services has worked with nearly one thousand youth in the Auburn and Lewiston communities - helping these youth explore their interests, find jobs/careers, fulfill their goals, and build a foundation for more secure and fulfilling lives.
By partnering with the Auburn Police department, the Department of Health and Human services, local colleges, both Auburn and Lewiston School departments, and other community organizations Community Youth Services Inc. strives to build a network of resources to ensure that those in our communities have the resources they need to grow and succeed.
What Our Youth and parents are Saying
A Fresh Start Begins Here
When John arrived at Community Youth Services after being released from jail, he had very little—no stable housing, no job, and no clear path forward. What he did have was the determination to rebuild his life.
Our team met John where he was, working alongside him to create a personalized plan rooted in his strengths. We connected him with emergency housing, essential resources like clothing and transportation, and ongoing case management support. From the very beginning, John wasn’t treated like a case he was seen as a person with potential.
At Community Youth Services, we believe everyone deserves a real second chance and we’re here to help make that possible.
From Barriers to Employment
Like many individuals reentering the community, John faced significant barriers to employment gaps in his work history, a criminal record, and limited opportunities. But with the right support, everything began to shift.
Through our job readiness programs, John gained the tools and confidence he needed to succeed. He participated in resume-building workshops, interview preparation, and hands-on training designed specifically for individuals with justice system involvement.
With support from our employer partners, John secured a paid work placement with a local maintenance company. Within weeks, his dedication and reliability stood out and he was offered a permanent position with steady hours and benefits.
We don’t just help people find jobs we help them build careers and regain confidence in their future.
Stability, Growth, and Belonging
With steady employment came the next step: long-term stability. Our team worked closely with John to secure safe, supported housing while helping him build the financial skills needed to maintain it.
Today, John is thriving. He has a stable home, a full-time job, and a renewed sense of purpose. His mental health has improved, his confidence has grown, and he’s reconnected with family and community.
Even more meaningful John now gives back. He participates in peer support groups, offering encouragement to others navigating similar journeys.
At Community Youth Services, success isn’t just about meeting basic needs it’s about helping people rebuild their lives, reconnect with community, and move forward with dignity.
Our Programs
Suspension Diversion Program
In an effort to reduce school suspensions and juvenile crimes, Community Youth Services is working in partnership with Auburn School Department to provide the opportunity for students from Edward Little High School, Auburn Middle School and Franklin/Merrill Hill Alternative School who are suspended from school to attend the Suspension/Diversion Program at the Auburn Recreation department building . The program is staffed by suspension diversion coordinator and an Ed Tech III who work together with students to address academic difficulties, behavior modifications and social-emotional development, encourage appropriate goal setting, and community service projects. The Suspension/Diversion Program also coordinates with the Career Pathway Initiative Program to connect students to workforce , career services, and local employment Placement options
Philosophy of the Suspension/Diversion Program:
While traditional suspension takes students away from the academic setting and creates opportunities for the loss of academic progress and isolation, the intent of the Suspension/Diversion Program (SDP) is to provide a safe and supportive, restorative environment to encourage students to maintain academic progress, develop a change in behavior action plan, assess social-emotional learning, and conduct community service as a consequence to their behavior.
Benefits of the Suspension/Diversion Program:
School/Community – Lessens the impact of suspended students relating to their academic performance and reduces the chances of the student becoming involved in the juvenile justice system.
Student – Develops the ability to make safer choices/decisions re: attendance, behavior and academic performance which will begin to address or contemplate the impact their choices have on their academic and social success as well as their family dynamic.
Outcomes of the Suspension/Diversion Program:
Program – Reduce school suspensions, reduce recidivism, provide tools for students to be successful, increase graduation rates, prevent youth offenders from entering the juvenile justice system, and reduce crimes against the community.
Student – Daily reflective writing, personal goal setting, one-on-one discussions, peer conflict resolutions, school work assistance, emotionally safe environment, possible referral to other community resources.
Youth Diversion Program
Purpose
We provide youth with a positive alternative to entering the juvenile justice system. Our program helps young people build skills, take accountability, and stay connected to their community.
What We Offer
Early Intervention
Works with police, schools, and families
Offers alternatives to court
Helps youth understand the impact of their choices
Case Management
One‑on‑one support
Personalized plans and goals
Ongoing mentorship
Skill‑Building
Conflict resolution
Communication and decision‑making
Leadership and life skills
Restorative Practices
Community service
Victim awareness
Restorative circles and mediation
Family Support
Family meetings
Resources for caregivers
Strength‑based planning
Who We Serve: Youth ages 10–17 with:
First‑time or low‑level offenses
School behavior referrals
Family or community concerns
Outcomes: Youth leave the program with:
Better decision‑making
Stronger relationships
Increased accountability
Lower risk of future justice involvement
Referrals:Accepted from:
Law enforcement
Schools
Parents/guardians
Community partners
Career Pathways Initiative
The Career Pathways Initiative is a twelve (12) week course created to provide the skills, tools, and knowledge to the youth of the Lewiston and Auburn communities increasing their job readiness, and better preparing them to plan for their own futures. In partnership with local businesses and local community leaders Community Youth Services provides instruction on basic job search skills, resume writing, and interview skills. Additionally, the Career Pathways Initiative provides in-depth instruction on goal setting skills and financial literacy topics - providing invaluable information that encourages the youth of Lewiston and Auburn communities to better prepare for their own future.
Auburn and Lewiston's school graduation and juvenile crime rates are of concern to all who live, work, and visit our communities. The cycle of generational poverty and an increase in juvenile crime continues when impoverished youth are disenfranchised and disconnected.
To combat this Community Youth Services provides the Career Pathways Initiative - a program designed to target at-risk youth aged fifteen through twenty-four (15 - 24) to provide these youth the skills and abilities to successfully locate part-time employment, continue their education, and plan for their own future.
Partnering with local businesses, community leaders, and other community-based agencies allows the Career Pathways Initiative to connect youth with the resources to explore future opportunities while providing opportunities for said youth to give back to the communities that they live in via community service projects.
By providing instruction on vital financial literacy topics we are able to provide youth with the foundational knowledge that will set them on the path to living a more financially secure life and in doing so create a better and more financially secure Auburn and Lewiston.
If you or someone you know would benefit from this type of programming or for more information please contact us at:
info@communityyouthservicesinc.org
Youth Leadership and Mentorship Program
Youth Mentoring Program. This program works
with the local high school administration and parents/guardians to target youth who would benefit from
participating in a mentorship program. In this program selected 9th graders will be paired with a mentor
from ninth-twelfth grade. Weekly and monthly meetings, activities, job/skill training, career exploration,
and other resources available to Community Youth Services is be made available to the youth participating
in this program. (Including counseling services as needed and substance abuse aid). Pairing this program
with our Career Pathways Initiative will create a system of safety nets to ensure the economically
disadvantaged youth and youth at-risk will receive the resources necessary for their own success.
Got Questions?
Reach out TODAY
Reach out
Need support or looking to get connected?
Our team at Community Youth Services is here to help with housing, employment, reentry support, and more. No matter where you’re starting from, we’ll work with you to build a path forward.
Contact us today to learn more or get started.
Rebuilding Lives. Restoring Hope. Strengthening Futures.
Looking for services or guidance? Contact us today and let’s take the next step together. Get in touch we’re ready to listen and support you.
