Programs

CASA offers a supervised, free after-school safe and welcoming space where middle school students can engage in structured activities, socialize, personal development, or simply unwind after the school day.

How does it serve Youth in Winthrop?

Alongside structured programming and activities, Drop-In functions as a third place for students to decompress from the stresses of school and home life. CASA provides homework help, access to computers, and fosters a sense of community among peers for middle schoolers who need additional support.

Why is it important to Winthrop?

Middle schoolers often struggle to find spaces where they feel comfortable, safe, and engaged. This program offers them a space to connect, participate in meaningful activities, and build relationships in a positive environment.

A weekly Friday night program where CASA and the Winthrop Police Department open the old Middle School Gym on 151 Pauline St. Winthrop MA, for middle school students to come play for free. CASA staff set up additional activities for those who may not be interested in basketball.

How does it serve Youth in Winthrop?

It provides a safe, supervised space for middle schoolers to have fun, socialize, and engage with positive role models in the community.

Why is it important to Winthrop?

This program addresses the need for accessible and safe recreational spaces for middle school students, especially during high-risk hours when youth need constructive engagement.

A soft-skills and career readiness program for high school students.

How does it serve Youth in Winthrop?

The program provides career readiness training, CPR & First Aid certification, leadership development, community service opportunities, and resume-building support. It helps prepare students for future employment and higher education.

Why is it important to Winthrop?

High school students need support navigating their future, and this program equips them with skills and experiences to make informed career and educational decisions.

Our youth staff who serve as the leadership branch of CASA, helping guide and implement programming.

How does it serve Youth in Winthrop?

It provides youth with leadership opportunities, skill-building experiences, and hands-on involvement in community-based initiatives.

Why is it important to Winthrop?

Youth voices are essential in shaping programming that directly impacts them. By including them in decision-making, we ensure CASA remains relevant and effective.

A program that allows high school students to earn community service hours through meaningful projects and initiatives at CASA and within the broader Winthrop community.

How does it serve Youth in Winthrop?

Students gain valuable experiences, build connections with local organizations, and fulfill community service requirements for school or extracurriculars. Given that Winthrop is a relatively small community, opportunities for volunteering may be more limited than in larger areas. CASA provides a structured, local space where youth can engage in service that has a direct and lasting impact.

Why is it important to Winthrop?

Encouraging youth to give back strengthens community ties and fosters a culture of civic engagement and responsibility. By volunteering at CASA, youth contribute to programs that benefit not just the organization but the entire community. Many participants have found that their experiences in community service have provided them with valuable skills and lessons that support future endeavors.

“CASA has given me a group of like-minded people to work with and overall helped me become integrated into the community of Winthrop, showing me how to effectively contribute to the community.”

A community-based group within CASA for LGBTQ+ youth and allies in grades 6-12.

How does it serve Youth in Winthrop?

It offers a safe, affirming space where LGBTQ+ youth can connect, share experiences, and engage in themed activities and discussions tailored to their identities and experiences.

Why is it important to Winthrop?

Many LGBTQ+ youth seek spaces where they feel welcome and supported. Q Club provides that essential sense of belonging.

A range of initiatives focused on mental health awareness, education, and access to resources for youth.

How does it serve Youth in Winthrop?

This program provides direct support, workshops, and referrals to mental health services, promoting emotional well-being.

Why is it important to Winthrop?

Addressing mental health is critical to fostering a healthy, resilient youth population. Normalizing conversations around mental health helps reduce stigma and encourages youth to seek support when needed.

A summer mentorship program connecting youth with positive role models.

How does it serve Youth in Winthrop?

Youth engage in mentorship, leadership development, and community-based activities during the summer months.

Why is it important to Winthrop?

The program ensures youth have structured, enriching experiences during the summer, preventing summer learning loss and fostering meaningful relationships.

The coalitions include The Winthrop Youth Providers Network, Equitable Family Engagement Network, and Youth Mental Health Workgroup.

These Coalitions bring together local organizations, educators, and stakeholders to collaborate on initiatives that support youth and families in Winthrop.

How does it serve Youth in Winthrop?

These coalitions work collectively to address gaps in services, share resources, and develop strategies that enhance youth support systems.

Why is it important to Winthrop?

By fostering collaboration among various sectors, these coalitions create a unified approach to youth development, ensuring that Winthrop’s young people receive the necessary support to thrive.

A data-driven initiative to assess youth needs and inform programming.

How does it serve Youth in Winthrop?

This program helps us identify risk factors and protective factors impacting local youth, guiding our prevention strategies.

Why is it important to Winthrop?

Using data ensures that CASA’s efforts are targeted, effective, and responsive to the real needs of the community.

Includes but are not limited to The Annual Youth Awards, Middle School Half Days, Movie Nights, Dances, and so much more.

How does it serve Youth in Winthrop?

These events provide youth with fun, community-driven experiences that promote connection and belonging.

Why is it important to Winthrop?

Community events help create a sense of unity, offer safe recreational opportunities, and encourage positive youth engagement in Winthrop.

Since its inception as a 501(c)3 non-profit, CASA has had a committed, non-paid Board of Directors supporting the mission of the organization and its staff and youth participants.

How does it serve Youth in Winthrop?

Youth in Winthrop benefit from adults in the community who value them enough to support an organization that provides them with a safe place to explore complex societal issues.

Why is it important to Winthrop?

There are many ways for adults to be involved in the Winthrop community. CASA’s Board of Directors support of youth programming that focuses on the health, safety and welfare adds a necessary layer of protection for our younger community members.

“As a person who has long been an advocate of youth in Winthrop, I see my role as a member of the CASA Board of Directors as a way to continue offering caring concern in helping to provide services to benefit the leaders of our future.”