At the Carolina Youth Development Center (CYDC), we are deeply committed to the well-being and success of the youth in our community. For over two centuries, we have worked tirelessly to provide relevant and timely support to families, helping them navigate the challenges they face. As part of this ongoing commitment, we offer a range of supportive resources designed to empower Lowcountry youth in both school and life.
NOTE: As of Feb. 29, 2024, Carolina Youth Development Center (CYDC) has rebranded to Landmarks for Families. Our nonprofit, community programs and residential services remain committed to cultivating thriving youth and families in this new chapter.
Teen After-School Center
We understand the importance of creating safe and empowering after-school environments where youth can thrive. Our Teen After-School Center, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), is dedicated to this mission.
This nationally recognized program is tailored to enhance youth’s social, emotional and behavioral health while preventing the likelihood of entering the juvenile justice system. This program is open to Charleston and Berkeley County youth ages 12 to 17.
To learn more about our Teen After-School Center, visit cydc.org/community-based-services.
The Strengthening Families Program
Strong families are the bedrock of a healthy community. Our Strengthening Families Program is a 14-week evidence-based family skills training program designed to help households strengthen their bonds and develop positive practices that benefit everyone.
This “Parenting 101” program serves families with elementary and middle school-aged children. Participants will work alongside our trained facilitators on the following:
- Developing Positive Discipline Practices
- Remaining Resilient in Challenging Times
- Reducing Familial Conflict
- Improving Parenting Skills
- Aiding Children with Social Skills, Relationships and School Performance
This program is on track to be delivered at the following Berkeley County
schools in the 2023-2024 school year: Carolyn Lewis School (Elementary), Carolyn Lewis (Middle) and Berkeley County Alternative (Middle). Read our Strengthening Families Program blog for a comprehensive overview of this immersive program.
The L.Y.G.H.T. Program
Grief affects us all differently. For youth, great loss or stress has been shown to lead to difficulty concentrating and grasping new concepts, as well as increased anxiety and sleeping problems. The L.Y.G.H.T. Program provides youth with open ears and hearts as they work through their grief.
The Listening and Led by Youth in Foster Care: Grief, Hope, and Transitions (L.Y.G.H.T.) program is a vital peer grief support group designed by and for youth in foster care. Our team understands the unique challenges and transitions that foster youth face, and we’re here to support, honor, and, most importantly, listen to them as they navigate these experiences.
Visit our program page for more information or to inquire about becoming a L.Y.G.H.T. Facilitator.
ScholarCentric Studies
CYDC provides access to Itellispark’s ScholarCentric curriculum. Formerly Success Highways, this research-based program was developed by Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education & Human Development and has been shown to improve attendance, grades and graduation rates.
The ScholarCentric skill-building curriculum is used nationwide and teaches students the six social and emotional skills critical to academic success:
- Valuing Education
- Academic Confidence
- Health and Well-being
- Stress Management
- Connectedness
- Intrinsic Motivation
Preparations are underway for CYDC’s ScholarCentric program, which will be delivered to Berkely Alternative School and Cain Bay High School during the 2023-2024 academic year.
Keep Connected
Adolescence can be a confusing time, making communication challenging for teens and parents. At CYDC, we seek to bridge this gap with our upcoming Keep Connected series.
This relationship-building workshop unites parents and their teens or pre-teens with tools for healthier relationships. Developed by the Search Institute’s Dr. Gene Rohlkepartain, the Keep Connected program teaches families to express care, challenge growth, provide support, share power and expand possibilities.
This program will be offered in two-hour sessions over four to six weeks at Berkeley Alternative School (BAS) and Cain Bay High School during the 2023-2024 school year.
Stay Connected for the Latest Updates
Our team is committed to evolving alongside our community’s needs! For the latest news from CYDC, including information on our upcoming ScholarCentric and Keep Connected programs, please subscribe to our weekly “Stay Connected” newsletter.
CYDC Is Here For Lowcountry Families
With more than 200 years of experience supporting our nation’s youth and families, Carolina Youth Development Center is equipped to lead your child or family through life’s challenges. Whether on-site or in-home, our compassionate team is ready to meet you where you are with the services you need. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and speak with a member of our team.
