For more information about the Holyoke Youth Task Force and the Holyoke Youth Commission, please visit www.youthtaskforce.org

The Voice of Youth!

Only a handful of Massachusetts communities boast Youth Commissions where youth make decisions, set agendas, run meetings and carry out community projects.

The Holyoke Youth Commission is made up of approximately 20 youths, ages 13-21, hailing from many different middle schools, high schools, colleges, and after-school groups. The Youth Commission meets at the Holyoke Teen Center in downtown Holyoke and consults regularly with community leaders like Mayor Michael J. Sullivan.

 Youth care about Holyoke

Too often youth get a bad rap. On the evening news we see teen pregnancy, teen violence, and teen substance abuse-little wonder that many are surprised to hear youth doing good in the community. In truth, most youth have the vision, energy, and motivation to create a better place for all. 

Leaders of tomorrow...

                         TODAY!

The Holyoke Youth Commission is currently working on several initiatives to create a better Holyoke:

• Creating a drug-free community with the Holyoke Youth Task Force DFC Workgroup
• Creating a healthier community as a partner with the Holyoke Food and Fitness Council.
• Creating a safer community partnering with the YES (Youth Empowered to Succeed) Violence Prevention Initiative.

 Building skills for college, career and life

The Holyoke Youth Commissioners gain more than just community engagement experiences. They also acquire valuable tools that carry on for life:

• Youth Commissioners attend leadership training workshops and conferences.
• Youth Commissioners learn public speaking skills and gain confidence.
• Youth Commissioners gain experience that can add to a college and/or work resume.
• Youth Commissioners learn the value of work as they earn a quarterly stipend.

To learn more about the Holyoke Youth Commission and the Holyoke Youth Task Force, contact Rebecca Masters at 413-532-6247, ext. 108m or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 Who We Are?

The Holyoke Youth Task Force(HYTF) is a coalition of youth-serving non-profit agencies, city and state representatives, and community volunteers interested in creating positive opportunities and a healthier community for Holyoke youth. Members serve the HYTF mission of : "Working collaboratively in order to strengthen the voice of youth in Holyoke and to advocate for sufficient resources to meet their needs" by attending monthly meetings, participating in committees and work-groups, and volunteering for HYTF events.

The HYTF monthly meetings are open to all and are a great way to get to know the Holyoke community. For more information on attending monthly meetings, please click here. At coalition meetings, participants are able to network with other youth-supporters and city stake-holders, learn about local initiatives and community events, and take part in discussions on relevant youth-related topics.

The Holyoke Youth Commission(HYC) is the youth branch of the Holyoke Youth Task Force. It was developed in the year 2000 to give a voice to youth in making positive change in the community. The HYC is comprised of youth, ages 13-21, whose members represent a diverse experience of living in the Holyoke community.

Parent Resources:

Parents Keep Talking, Your Teens Are Listening: The Holyoke Youth Task Force parent campaign to reduce youth substance abuse and use, and strengthen the parent/teen bond. http://www.teensarelistening.org or http://www.tushijosescuchan.com/(Spanish companion version coming soon!) Join our efforts to expand this campaign! Contact Rebecca Masters to get involved at 532-6247, extension 108.

Resource Guide:A guide to Holyoke services to families and youth is available in both English and Spanish. If you would like this document emailed to you, please request one by emailing Rebecca Masters at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Mentoring and Tutoring:

Homework House Inc- 413-532-5784

54 N. Summer St

340 Chestnut St

Lawrence Elementary School

Grades/ages served: 1 st-9 th grade

Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke- 413-534-7366

70 Nick Cosmos Way

Grades/ages served: 1 st-12 grade

Girls Incorporated of Holyoke- 413-532-6247

52 Nick Cosmos Way , 6 Open Square Way

Grades/ages served: 11-18 years old

Career Point- 413-532-4900

850 High St

Grades/ages served: 14-24 years old

STEP and Choices- 413-218-6595

Various school sites

Grades/ages served: 6 th, 7 th, 8 th

NEARI Jump-Start- 413-540-0712 ext 15

70 North Summer St

Grades/ages served: 10-18+

El Arco Iris- 413-536-6956

South View Center , c/o Nueva Esperanza 401 Main Street

Grades/ages served: 4 th -12 th grade

Northfield Mount Hermon Upward Bound- 413 498-3652

One Lamplighter Way

Mount Hermon ,

Grades/ages served: 9 th-12 th

New England Farm Workers (NEFWC) Council, Inc. 413-536-5403 ext. 225

NEFWC School- Based Mentoring Program

225 High Street 4th fl. Suite 408

Grades/ages served: 4th-8 th grade

Our Lady of Guadalupe-Mike Falcetti 532-6610

CYO Youth Basketball Program

11 Taylor St

Teen Resource Project-313-4890

247 Cabot St

Grades/ages served: 6 th-12 t

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.