Community Action Youth Programs provides critical support for over 400 youth through community service learning, employment skills training, substance abuse prevention education, anti-violence peer leadership, and after-school programs.
Our Groups & Programs
Community Service and Engagement
Community Projects & Events
CPE@communityaction.us
Community Projects & Events offer a way for youth to get involved with short-term community service projects and community events. Opportunities have included a neighborhood clean-up, hosting a community meal, and a series of youth led workshops on topics ranging from the arts, to self esteem, to becoming an entrepreneur. Bring your initiative and ideas. This is a great way build your skills, make new friends, and help shape your community!
Shout Out!
ShoutOut@communityaction.us
Shout Out! gives youth the opportunity to develop their leadership, organizational, and social skills through community engagement and service learning projects. Exciting projects are occuring! If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us.
Youth VOICE (Voicing Our Ideas through Community Engagement)
GFranklin@communityaction.us
Youth VOICE is open to youth ages 16-21 who have had prior peer leadership experience. Do you have ideas surrounding current issues and challenges in our community? Of course you do! Get involved and have your voice heard on planning committees, coalitions or advisory boards.
GLBTQA Programming
Generation Q & TREE
GenQ@communityaction.us & TREE@communityaction.us
Generation Q is a confidential social and support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth and their straight allies. Weekly meetings are planned and led by a team of youth peer leaders, supported by the GLBTQ coordinator. TREE (Transgender Rights, Education and Empowerment) provides additional peer support, advocacy, education, and leadership development opportunities for trans identified and gender non-conforming youth. Youth ages 12-21 are welcome to join! Call ahead or just stop by to join!
5:00
Generation Q and TREE meet on Tuesdays in Greenfield and on Wednesdays in Northampton.
4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Drop-In
An opportunity to talk with advisors, hang out, eat snacks and use free internet!
4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Check-Ins and Announcements
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: TREE (Trans* Rights Education and Empowerment)
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.: Generation Q
Activities are led by our Peer Leaders! Our discussions/activities change every week!
In addition to weekly group meetings, Generation Q and TREE peer leaders and participants plan community events throughout the year, including the Kiss N Tell Ball, a GLBTQ friendly Valentine's dance, Trans Day Of Remembrance Vigil, and the Somewhere Over the Rainbow Youth Space and Open House at Northampton Pride. Generation Q and TREE participants have also presented at a number of area conferences and spoken to students at local schools about GLBTQ related issues.
Employment Readiness
Youth Works
YouthWorks@communityaction.us
Youth Works is a skill-building program focused on employment support, advocacy, and education for income-eligible youth, ages 14-21. Youth participate in one-on-one case management, workshops, and paid internships while working to set and achieve their employment and educational goals.
Youth Works meetings are set by individual appointment.
Already enrolled? Contact your case manager.
Interested in learning more about Youth Works and how to sign up? Please contact Jennie Davis-Bulko at youthworks@communityaction.us or 413-774-7028 x4
Educational and Occupational Support
CJacobsen@communityaction.us
Educational and Occupational Support opportunities are now available at Youth Programs! Are you in need of individual supports in education or employment? Are you interested in engaging in Work Based Learning Experiences in the community? Do you have your own business and want to know how to achieve success? Come join us during our Drop-In Support Hours and Special Events! (Open to youth ages 14-21)
Programs for Early Adolescents
Open Act
OpenAct@communityaction.us
Open Act is an after-school group for early adolescents in Greenfield, Northampton, and Orange. Middle school youth are invited to come and join the fun! Through cooking, group games, outdoor activities, field trips, and art projects, Open Act will get you moving, making new friends, and learning about lots of new activities and nutritious foods. Bring your own ideas for group activities too! New sessions of Open Act have started, call for more information!
G.O.A.L.
GOAL@communityaction.us
G.O.A.L. (Girls Outdoor Adventure & Leadership) is an after-school program for middle-school girls in Greenfield. Through weekly activities including group games, hiking, rock climbing, and canoeing, G.O.A.L. members explore nature and their community! Learn to work as a team, while gaining self-confidence and learning to lead. Come try new activities, make new friends, and find your voice in a safe, girl-positive environment! We have completed our fall session of G.O.A.L. Please check back for information regarding future G.O.A.L. sessions. For more information, please call Community Action Youth Programs at:
413-774-7028