(855)273-8336
TeenLine is a pilot program of Essex CHIPS that seeks to connect area youth with a broad range of services that enable them to live healthier lives and better fulfill their potential. TeenLine is not simply a phone line for youth, but a life-line to essential services, which can be accessed by phone, text, and in-person. TeenLine is available both to youth in need of services, and their parents/guardians seeking to support them.
Information & Referral Services (I & R), in accordance with national and state professional guidelines, that link youth (or their families) to partner agencies/resources that can address virtually any need, including access to food, shelter, health care, transportation, crisis intervention, employment assistance, counseling, LBGTQ support, recreation, and substance abuse
prevention.
The Teenline specialized I & R services are accessible by simply calling or and asking for TeenLine.
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 1:00pm - 5:00pm
In partnership with
Safe Place sites and services, where a distressed youth can walk into any business with the bright yellow Safe Place site (including some libraries, businesses, and town offices), and ask for assistance. The trained staff at those sites will make the youth comfortable, and then call the Safe Place office at Essex CHIPS, where a staff member and/or volunteer will be dispatched to the site to meet with the youth and bring her/him back to the Safe Place office. Staff and volunteers will then connect the youth the immediate services they need, such as food, shelter, transportation, and early crisis intervention. TeenLine is operating the first licensed Safe Place program authorized by the National Safe Place Network.
CHIPS Youth Employment Services (YES!) is a job bank program for youth ages 13-17 in Essex, Essex Junction, and Westford. The purpose of the YES! Program is to connect local youth to employment opportunities with adults in the community who need jobs done. Through CHIPS YES!, youth can find opportunities to get paid for yard work, babysitting, pet care, house cleaning, and other age-appropriate jobs. If you are a youth looking for a job or an adult looking for a youth employee please call TeenLine at 855-273-8336, or email
When young people have access to early employment opportunities:
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They experience and apply essential skills such as communication, time management, accountability, and effort in their daily lives creating an easier transition to professional employment.
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They develop community connections that foster a more engagement in community activities.
SUMMER JOBS are a critical entry point for youth employment. For many young people, it’s their first job, teaching them the necessary 21st century skills they need to thrive. When more opportunities are available, and young people have access to employment, the impacts can be seen community-wide.
How does the Job Bank Work?
Any Essex/Westford youth ages 12 thru 17 may submit an application to have their name listed in the Job Bank. Any paperwork or applications MUST also be signed by a parent or guardian. Any Essex/Westford resident may call YES! to request a youth to hire. There may be additional steps to insure the safety of all participants. This may include registry searches or criminal history check.
-YES! provides names of potential employers based on type of job to interested youth members.
The youth's parent or guardian contacts the employer directly.
Screening: ESSEX CHIPS does not screen employers or employees. There is no implied approval
of the employer or youth. There is no implied recommendation of the skills of the employee. It
is up to the student and their parent to decide if this job and/or employer are appropriate.
It is up to the employer to interview and check references. Employers are encouraged to speak with
the parent to determine whether the youth is capable of the job.
Conditions of the Job: Employment requests consist primarily of temporary and part time work
in the homes of area residents. Wages, hours, transportation, and any equipment needed must
be agreed upon in writing by the employer, youth, and parents before beginning the job.
Job Bank Reports: We encourage employers to call us with reports, both positive and negative.
We also encourage youth and their parents to give us feedback about their employment experiences.
How do I resign from the Job Bank? When a youth graduates from high school, they are automatically removed from the Job Bank. If a youth wishes to resign earlier they must call YES! to update their status.
For more information about TeenLine and information referral services for youth, contact:
Caroline Rubin or Josh Wolf
AmeriCorps VYDC Youth Services Coordinators
(802) 878-6982 ext. 105 /
or
Justin Hoy
Director of Programs and Youth Services
(802) 878-6982 ext. 106