The Connection Youth Services (TCYS) provides help to teens and families in crisis. Located in Howell, Livingston County, Michigan.  TCYS is a program of the Livingston Family Center, a non-profit UW agency. TCYS is primarily funded by state and federal grants. All services are free, confidential and voluntary. For more information or to request help call  866-440-7233(SAFE)   or email us at    theconnection.LFC@gmail.com

• 24 - hour emergency assistance and referral service              
• Safe housing for teens 12-17 years old needing shelter or a break from family problems
• Host home and apartment program for homeless young people 16-21 years old 
• Help with education & employment
• Individual and family counseling
• Support groups for teens and parents 

   NEWS & INFO !      

WE MOVED........ Our offices and drop-in have moved to 616 w. Grand River, Howell. Just 2 blocks west of the Library.   We look forward to seeing you there.

New Website in progress check it out        www.TCYS.org

Congratulations ! to our 2011 Graduates - John S. April M , Jack M, Cody, Charlie, and Emily   . We are all so very proud of you. 

Thank you ..to Pathfinder School students for the awesomely huge TV. You are the best!!

Check this out .. We made the paper clck here  http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20110814/LIFESTYLE/108140320/Woman-makes-sure-social-needs-teens-met 

                           The Connection is on the radio. Click on the link to hear all the stories.   www.michiganradio.org/homelessteens 

UPCOMING EVENTS & FUN STUFF

Halloween Pics from last years party are posted on our FaceBook page -- Tcys Howell 

 HALLOWEEN pics from party 2009 are on this link     www.phippsphotographic.com/Proofs/connections/10179836_88Sje/1/700855143_YAj8R#P-1-15 

GENERAL INFO   

 Drop-In Open 2:30pm - 7pm  Monday - Thursday at the White House. 616 W. Grand River Howell.  One block from the library. Stop by and see whats new,. Meet our staff.  Find out more about us. 

NEGOTIATIONS for teens 12 - 18 years old. Learn coping strategies, dealing with anger, managing stress . Meets every Tuesday and Thursday - 4:30-5:30pm. at the White  House.

Got Skill ?     - 16 - 20 year olds. Get ready for adult living. Learn about health, decision making, nutrition, jobs, budgeting, apartment life and more. Interactive. Fun. Informative. Wednesdays  from 5:00 - 6:30pm. At the White House.  

TRUE COLORS "Fly Fly" ------Yes it is!  A Confidential Support Group. Call 810 623-5892 for more info. Ask for Vickie. 

MONDAY GROUP - Are you worried about your own or someone else's drug or alcohol use?  Do you want to learn more about the effects of substance abuse?  Mondays --- 4:30 at the White House.  Call JoAnne for more info 517 552-3975..

The Connection Youth Advisory Council  -  meets twice a month. We are looking for teens wanting to make a difference in their community. If you are interested in participating call Matt.

*For more info on any of the above programs call (866)440-7233  or 

WISH LIST  -    LETS bus tokens - Gas Cards -  New or newer Computer for Kids to use at Drop-in  --  Digital HDTV set -- Sofa and Loveseat covers - Movies DVD(no R rated) - - Digital camera  - stress balls - hacky sacs  - musical instruments- Guitar Strings - Pool passes to Howell & Hartland H.S. -Bowl e Drome passes - RollerRama passes - Video game Controller for playstation 2 - Rockband for playstation2 - Drum pedal for WII rock band. -- - Blank Journals  -Individual art & craft projects like Paint by numbers, Fuzzy Art  Posters, jewelry kits, Suncatcher kits, mosaics, etc.---School Supplies - Large plastic storage bins with lids - AA & AAA batteries- Gently used Furniture for our apartment program.

We Always need ....   Food - Sugarless gum and suckers for smokers trying to quit, Ranch Dressing,  Red Hot Sauce, Healthy Snacks - Individual serving size of (Ravioli, Mac&cheese,fruit & pudding cups, Lunchables,etc) granola bars - pop tarts - juice , pop , sugar , Hamburger... Gift Cards for Pizza places in Howell    Paper products - trash bags, Zip Lock bags (all sizes). paper towel, multi fold towels for dispensers (available at CostCo and Gordons.)  ...Personal needs -Acne face wash, scrub  and cream products .  AXE shower tools -Bath Poufs in Green yellow blue purple pink & orange.- New socks and underwear - swimsuits all sizes .   Copy Paper (white and colors)   .

 Costco Gift cards come in handy for bulk purchases 

 Meijer gift cards are useful for fresh produce, milk, also for emergencies and special needs a youth may have like  medicine,  shoes, clothing, etc.    

 Staples gift cards will be used to purchase office supplies.

Gifts of cash will be used towards the more expensive items not likely to be donated  

DO NOT NEED - We recently got a large donation of toothpaste and tooth brushes. We are good on Ramen Noodles and Micro popcorn right now Thank you Hartland High School Students                        

 Volunteers Wanted ! Like to throw parties?     Good at organizing events? We need help planning activities for youth  and we  need members for our fundraising committee. Call Vickie at (517)552-3975.Volunteers also needed to help during Drop-in hours. Monday - Thurs 2:30 - 7pm  

Host Homes Needed - We are looking for persons willing to open their home to a homeless youth still in high school. The Connection screens youth and host home to ensure a good fit. Support and financial assistance is provided to host homes. Youth receive extensive case management while in the program. Being a host home can be a rewarding experience. Please consider calling for more info.  

Visit Livingston Family Center's webpage at   www.livingstonfamilycenter.org

Did you know? The Chinese Symbol used by The Connection actually means "a connection" between people and the community.