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Wednesday March 18, 2026
5:15 PM - 6:45 PM    Girls With a Purpose - Girls With a Purpose (G.W.A.P)
Program Description:Girls With A Purpose (G.W.A.P.) is a free support group for Bristol middle school girls (ages 11-14), and promises to be an enriching experience for all participants (with dinner provided each week)! During this program, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities designed to foster community spirit, personal growth, and mutual support. Participants will engage in discussion and activities surrounding topics such as fostering healthy relationships with others, developing a high sense of self-love and self-esteem, the effects of bullying/peer violence, developing healthy routines/habits, and more! Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, meet new people, or simply enjoy a welcoming environment, this group is for you! Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for what is sure to be an inspiring and enjoyable series of sessions. We look forward to seeing you there!Program Benefits:Participants will be provided with a safe, comfortable, and trusting environment to share questions, concerns, or experiences on appropriate discussion topics. Participants will be taught communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills as a means of promoting positive and healthy relationships with others. Participants will develop a higher sense of self-esteem, self-love, and self-confidence. Participants will learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun!About the Facilitators:This group is facilitated by Ashante Malone, LMSW with Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services. Ashante holds a Masters Degree in Social Work and has experience working with youth of all ages in both individual and group settings.
 
Thursday March 19, 2026
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM    Empower Hour - Empower Hour
Program Description:Empower Hour is a free, 8 week social skills group open to Bristol elementary students in 4th or 5th grade. Empower Hour will run on Thursdays from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m, beginning on March 5th, 2026 and concluding on April 30th, 2026. Empower Hour will not run on April 16th, 2026 due to Spring Break. *** Empower Hour will now begin on Thursday, March 19th and conclude on Thursday, May 14th due to low enrollment.Empower Hour is open to approximately 10 youth who can be referred by parents/guardians, school staff, and/or other community resources.This program will address a new topic each week, such as self-awareness, impulse control, relationship building, emotion regulation, and responsible decision-making through age-appropriate discussion and activities. An after school snack is provided each week!(Please note priority will be given to individuals who have not participated in Empower Hour in the past, however, we love to welcome returning members back when possible!)Program Benefits:- Participants will have the opportunity to further develop and/or enhance their ability to identify feelings and coping strategies in order to regulate their emotions.- Participants will have an opportunity to engage in activities that further develop their relationship building and friendship skills.- Participants will learn new things, make new friends, and have fun!About the Facilitators:Empower Hour is facilitated by Raven Cody, LMSW, Youth & Family Coordinator with Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services (BPRYCS) and Makayla Joseph, MSW intern with BPRYCS. Contact:Raven Cody, LMSWYouth & Family Coordinatorravencody@bristolct.gov860-314-4690  
 
Wednesday March 25, 2026
5:15 PM - 6:45 PM    Girls With a Purpose - Girls With a Purpose (G.W.A.P)
Program Description:Girls With A Purpose (G.W.A.P.) is a free support group for Bristol middle school girls (ages 11-14), and promises to be an enriching experience for all participants (with dinner provided each week)! During this program, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities designed to foster community spirit, personal growth, and mutual support. Participants will engage in discussion and activities surrounding topics such as fostering healthy relationships with others, developing a high sense of self-love and self-esteem, the effects of bullying/peer violence, developing healthy routines/habits, and more! Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, meet new people, or simply enjoy a welcoming environment, this group is for you! Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for what is sure to be an inspiring and enjoyable series of sessions. We look forward to seeing you there!Program Benefits:Participants will be provided with a safe, comfortable, and trusting environment to share questions, concerns, or experiences on appropriate discussion topics. Participants will be taught communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills as a means of promoting positive and healthy relationships with others. Participants will develop a higher sense of self-esteem, self-love, and self-confidence. Participants will learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun!About the Facilitators:This group is facilitated by Ashante Malone, LMSW with Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services. Ashante holds a Masters Degree in Social Work and has experience working with youth of all ages in both individual and group settings.
 
Thursday March 26, 2026
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM    Empower Hour - Empower Hour
Program Description:Empower Hour is a free, 8 week social skills group open to Bristol elementary students in 4th or 5th grade. Empower Hour will run on Thursdays from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m, beginning on March 5th, 2026 and concluding on April 30th, 2026. Empower Hour will not run on April 16th, 2026 due to Spring Break. *** Empower Hour will now begin on Thursday, March 19th and conclude on Thursday, May 14th due to low enrollment.Empower Hour is open to approximately 10 youth who can be referred by parents/guardians, school staff, and/or other community resources.This program will address a new topic each week, such as self-awareness, impulse control, relationship building, emotion regulation, and responsible decision-making through age-appropriate discussion and activities. An after school snack is provided each week!(Please note priority will be given to individuals who have not participated in Empower Hour in the past, however, we love to welcome returning members back when possible!)Program Benefits:- Participants will have the opportunity to further develop and/or enhance their ability to identify feelings and coping strategies in order to regulate their emotions.- Participants will have an opportunity to engage in activities that further develop their relationship building and friendship skills.- Participants will learn new things, make new friends, and have fun!About the Facilitators:Empower Hour is facilitated by Raven Cody, LMSW, Youth & Family Coordinator with Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services (BPRYCS) and Makayla Joseph, MSW intern with BPRYCS. Contact:Raven Cody, LMSWYouth & Family Coordinatorravencody@bristolct.gov860-314-4690  
 
Friday March 27, 2026
4:29 PM - 4:30 PM    2026 Youth and Prevention Leaders Awards - 2026 Youth and Prevention Leaders Awards - NOMINATION DEADLINE
   The City of Bristol is celebrating its 34th Annual Bristol Youth and Prevention Leaders (B.E.S.T) Service Recognition Day on May 6, 2026 at 6:00pm at Muzzy Field. The Mayor, Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services staff, Best for Bristol Coalition and the Bristol Youth Commission will be hosting a ceremony recognizing Bristol youth who have given exceptional service to their community. Nominations will be accepted for any Bristol youth and/or youth group that have made a meaningful contribution to their school, a service agency, and/or the community. Nominations must be filled out by an adult who supervised or benefited from the service. Please be sure to fill out the application completely. This is an award of distinction; the description of the contributions made by the youth or youth group must be clear and quantifiable.>> ONLINE NOMINATION FORM <<>> PRINT READY NOMINATION FORM <<INDIVIDUAL YOUTH NOMINATION:Youth who have demonstrated outstanding efforts to help others through the use of their thoughtfulness, energy, talents, skills, or personal abilities.YOUTH GROUP NOMINATIONS:Youth groups whose full memberships, collectively, and without compensation, have made significant and meaningful contributions that can be quantified by the number of activities, service projects, as well as, qualify by the effect on the people being served.FUTURE PREVENTION LEADER OF THE YEAR:Recognize a youth member who demonstrates an exceptional ability to work productively within the community to reduce substance misuse and mental illness. This person shows a willingness to pursue prevention work in the future.COALITION MEMBER OF THE YEAR:The Coalition Member of the Year Award celebrates the BEST Coalition member who went above and beyond the call of duty. This individual demonstrates passionate, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and hardworking qualities. The member is actively involved in meetings, events and other coalition duties. CRITERIONHours that have been performed for credit or mandatory service projects will not be counted.To be considered, the volunteer service needs to be performed in two of the following three areas: School, Service Agency, Community.The number of volunteer hours from March 1, 2025 to February 26, 2026 needs to be quantified. The Commission is looking for a minimum number of hours by the following school age grouping: - Elementary School: 25 – 50 hrs.- Middle School – 50 - 75 hrs.- High School – 75 - 100 hrs. Please note, the minimum number of hours for the Youth Prevention Leaders of the Year awards varies slightly:Future Prevention Leader of the Year:- Elementary School: 10 - 15 hrs.- Middle School: 15 – 25 hrs.- High School: 25 – 50 hrs.Please carefully document all hours.It is important to note that selections will be made based on exceptional service, above, and beyond the call of duty. Please include a summary highlighting their special qualities, talents, skills, and abilities, in addition to the contributions the youth has made to the community.  REQUIREMENTSThe service should be completed from March 1, 2025 through February 26, 2026 in order to qualify.Categories of Service: 1.) School, 2.) Service Agency, and 3.) Community. Please complete each section that applies. Complete the application fully with a description that contains concise details and use initials only when referring to the nominee(s).The deadline for nominations is no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 27, 2026. Mail your nomination to:Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community ServicesAttention: Youth Recognition Awards51 High StreetBristol, CT 06010 Email your nomination to:Stephen Bynum at Stephenbynum@bristolct.govSubject Line: Youth Recognition AwardsYouth/youth group award recipients will be notified of their selection by April 10, 2026. Recipients will be honored alongside their families at a special ceremony hosted by Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu the Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth, and Community Services and the Youth Commission on May 6, 2026 at 6:00pm at Muzzy Field. Nominators are welcome and encouraged to attend. For additional information please contact Stephen Bynum at 1-860-314-4690.>> ONLINE NOMINATION FORM <<>> PRINT READY NOMINATION FORM <<  
 
Wednesday April 1, 2026
5:15 PM - 6:45 PM    Girls With a Purpose - Girls With a Purpose (G.W.A.P)
Program Description:Girls With A Purpose (G.W.A.P.) is a free support group for Bristol middle school girls (ages 11-14), and promises to be an enriching experience for all participants (with dinner provided each week)! During this program, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities designed to foster community spirit, personal growth, and mutual support. Participants will engage in discussion and activities surrounding topics such as fostering healthy relationships with others, developing a high sense of self-love and self-esteem, the effects of bullying/peer violence, developing healthy routines/habits, and more! Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, meet new people, or simply enjoy a welcoming environment, this group is for you! Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for what is sure to be an inspiring and enjoyable series of sessions. We look forward to seeing you there!Program Benefits:Participants will be provided with a safe, comfortable, and trusting environment to share questions, concerns, or experiences on appropriate discussion topics. Participants will be taught communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills as a means of promoting positive and healthy relationships with others. Participants will develop a higher sense of self-esteem, self-love, and self-confidence. Participants will learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun!About the Facilitators:This group is facilitated by Ashante Malone, LMSW with Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services. Ashante holds a Masters Degree in Social Work and has experience working with youth of all ages in both individual and group settings.
 
Thursday April 2, 2026
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM    Empower Hour - Empower Hour
Program Description:Empower Hour is a free, 8 week social skills group open to Bristol elementary students in 4th or 5th grade. Empower Hour will run on Thursdays from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m, beginning on March 5th, 2026 and concluding on April 30th, 2026. Empower Hour will not run on April 16th, 2026 due to Spring Break. *** Empower Hour will now begin on Thursday, March 19th and conclude on Thursday, May 14th due to low enrollment.Empower Hour is open to approximately 10 youth who can be referred by parents/guardians, school staff, and/or other community resources.This program will address a new topic each week, such as self-awareness, impulse control, relationship building, emotion regulation, and responsible decision-making through age-appropriate discussion and activities. An after school snack is provided each week!(Please note priority will be given to individuals who have not participated in Empower Hour in the past, however, we love to welcome returning members back when possible!)Program Benefits:- Participants will have the opportunity to further develop and/or enhance their ability to identify feelings and coping strategies in order to regulate their emotions.- Participants will have an opportunity to engage in activities that further develop their relationship building and friendship skills.- Participants will learn new things, make new friends, and have fun!About the Facilitators:Empower Hour is facilitated by Raven Cody, LMSW, Youth & Family Coordinator with Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services (BPRYCS) and Makayla Joseph, MSW intern with BPRYCS. Contact:Raven Cody, LMSWYouth & Family Coordinatorravencody@bristolct.gov860-314-4690  
 
Wednesday April 8, 2026
5:15 PM - 6:45 PM    Girls With a Purpose - Girls With a Purpose (G.W.A.P)
Program Description:Girls With A Purpose (G.W.A.P.) is a free support group for Bristol middle school girls (ages 11-14), and promises to be an enriching experience for all participants (with dinner provided each week)! During this program, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities designed to foster community spirit, personal growth, and mutual support. Participants will engage in discussion and activities surrounding topics such as fostering healthy relationships with others, developing a high sense of self-love and self-esteem, the effects of bullying/peer violence, developing healthy routines/habits, and more! Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, meet new people, or simply enjoy a welcoming environment, this group is for you! Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for what is sure to be an inspiring and enjoyable series of sessions. We look forward to seeing you there!Program Benefits:Participants will be provided with a safe, comfortable, and trusting environment to share questions, concerns, or experiences on appropriate discussion topics. Participants will be taught communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills as a means of promoting positive and healthy relationships with others. Participants will develop a higher sense of self-esteem, self-love, and self-confidence. Participants will learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun!About the Facilitators:This group is facilitated by Ashante Malone, LMSW with Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services. Ashante holds a Masters Degree in Social Work and has experience working with youth of all ages in both individual and group settings.
 
Thursday April 9, 2026
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM    Empower Hour - Empower Hour
Program Description:Empower Hour is a free, 8 week social skills group open to Bristol elementary students in 4th or 5th grade. Empower Hour will run on Thursdays from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m, beginning on March 5th, 2026 and concluding on April 30th, 2026. Empower Hour will not run on April 16th, 2026 due to Spring Break. *** Empower Hour will now begin on Thursday, March 19th and conclude on Thursday, May 14th due to low enrollment.Empower Hour is open to approximately 10 youth who can be referred by parents/guardians, school staff, and/or other community resources.This program will address a new topic each week, such as self-awareness, impulse control, relationship building, emotion regulation, and responsible decision-making through age-appropriate discussion and activities. An after school snack is provided each week!(Please note priority will be given to individuals who have not participated in Empower Hour in the past, however, we love to welcome returning members back when possible!)Program Benefits:- Participants will have the opportunity to further develop and/or enhance their ability to identify feelings and coping strategies in order to regulate their emotions.- Participants will have an opportunity to engage in activities that further develop their relationship building and friendship skills.- Participants will learn new things, make new friends, and have fun!About the Facilitators:Empower Hour is facilitated by Raven Cody, LMSW, Youth & Family Coordinator with Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services (BPRYCS) and Makayla Joseph, MSW intern with BPRYCS. Contact:Raven Cody, LMSWYouth & Family Coordinatorravencody@bristolct.gov860-314-4690