About the Board

Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC) Advisory Board (formerly the Board of Youth Services) was established by Town Warrant in the 1970s in response to concerns about the well-being of children, youth, and families in our community. The original charge of the group was to support and promote activities and projects that ensure healthy youth development, services when needed, and opportunities to celebrate and engage Arlington’s young people. Over the years, the AYCC Advisory Board has been involved in several initiatives that have become town traditions that continue to exist today, such as Town Day, the Arlington High School’s Last Blast, Thanksgiving Basket food drive, and Holiday Help. The AYCC Advisory Board has maintained a steadfast commitment to this mission, with an active community presence for the past five decades.

In recent years, the Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC) has emerged as our primary focus due to the essential services it provides to Arlington’s youth and families. In collaboration with AYCC leadership, the Advisory Board has supported AYCC’s evolution from a small, entirely town-supported agency toward becoming a thriving, community mental health center supported by a combination of Town funding, health insurance reimbursement, community grants and donations. AYCC has grown from being a small entity into an agency providing nearly 10,000 counseling and psychiatric sessions to more than 450 youth and families last year alone. In 2015, the Advisory Board members unanimously voted to revise our mission to formalize and specify our connection to AYCC in providing fundraising, outreach, and leadership in community initiatives with partner agencies and organizations.

In 2023 changed its name to the Arlington Youth Counseling Center Advisory Board, with the support of a Town Meeting vote. The Advisory Board is comprised of 7 to 11 volunteers, each of whom brings unique professional experiences and interests, and who share a passion for and commitment to children and to the Town of Arlington. Advisory Board openings and official notices are posted on the Town’s website. Interested community members are encouraged to apply to be considered for membership. Appointed members are confirmed by the Select Board for renewable, 3-year terms. Opportunities for community members to be involved with special projects and initiatives throughout the year are also available. Volunteering can be an excellent way to get to know the organization and our work. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact the Advisory Board Chair.

To learn more about Arlington. Youth Counseling Center, please visit their website at ayccma.org.