MaineStay Youth & Family Services
Giving hope. Creating possibilities. Transforming lives.For the past 50 years, MaineStay has faithfully served the Maine Township community with the mission of building healthier families by providing strength-based counseling, prevention initiatives, and comprehensive youth and educational programs that support growth, resilience, and well-being. We believe a lack of financial resources should never be a barrier to accessing services, so all our programs are either free or low-cost. We offer flexible payment options to accommodate your financial situation. Counseling services are available only to those who live in Maine Township or attend a Maine Township school. Our other programs are available to non-residents for a higher fee (space permitting).
Counseling
MaineStay offers high-quality, compassionate counseling services for the whole family both in person and via telehealth. Our family therapists use a respectful, strength-based counseling approach designed to assist you in meeting your goals as quickly as possible. We work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Services are available at a reduced cost using a sliding fee scale.
Full Program Schedule and Online Registration
Upcoming Programs
Kids Winter Fest – January 2 | 1-4 pm | ages 6-12 | free
This event will feature fun, winter-themed activities where kids can try something different and make new friends during their winter break.
*NEW* Healing Steps: EMDR Therapy Group – January 7 | 7-7:45 pm | 6 weeks | ages 8-10 | free
This trauma-informed group uses several approaches to help children process traumatic or stressful experiences using drawing, storytelling, movement, games, and self-soothing techniques.
Family Fun Nights – January 8 | 6-7:30 pm | families with children ages 5 and up | free
This drop-in event is designed to help families connect by choosing from activities that suit their interests—from playing games and engaging in arts and crafts, to enjoying a family-friendly movie.
Art in the Town – January 12 | 4-4:50 pm (ages 6-8) | 5-6 pm (ages 9-12) | 10 weeks | free
This program helps participants enhance their artistic abilities while increasing confidence and social skills.
Hooked on Crochet – January 20 | 4-5 pm | 8 weeks | grades 4-9 | free
This program teaches participants the fundamentals of crocheting, from basic stitches to more advanced techniques.
*NEW* Crochet Club – January 20 | 4-5 pm | 8 weeks | grades 4-9 | free
This club is designed for confident crafters who enjoy working independently, while still having access to our experienced crochet instructor for help with those trickier stitches.
Seeds of Friendship: Fostering Healthy Relationships Among Girls – January 20 | 4-4:50 pm | 8 weeks | girls in grades 2-5 | free
Through activities and discussions that promote positive social interactions, empathy, communication skills, and conflict resolution, this program provides a safe and supportive environment where girls feel comfortable expressing themselves and building meaningful connections with their peers.
Game Masters: Board Games and Coping Skills – January 21 | 5-6 pm | 6 weeks | boys in grades 6-8 | free
This program offers a fun, structured way for middle school boys to develop important life skills in an engaging and interactive environment.
Clay Creators: Beginner Pottery – January 22 | 4:30-6 pm | 10 weeks | ages 10-12 | $20
In this class, young artists learn the basics of working with clay, including shaping, sculpting, and painting their own unique creations.
Tutoring – January 28 | 4:30-6:30 pm (1-hour sessions) | 10 weeks | grades 1-8 | $50
Using a small-group format, our experienced tutors, who are also certified teachers, work with students to improve academic skills and self-confidence.
*NEW* EMDR Therapy Group for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids – February 5 | 4-5:30 pm | 6 weeks | 18+ | free
This group offers a supportive space for parents to process stress, build regulation skills, and strengthen self-compassion using EMDR-informed tools and creative expression.
Pride Program – February 5 | 5-6 pm | 10 weeks | ages 13-17 | free
This program provides a safe environment for young people who identify as LGBTQ+, who are questioning their affectional orientation or gender identity, or who are allies.
Family Fun Nights – February 5 | 6-7:30 pm | families with children ages 5 and up | free
This drop-in event is designed to help families connect by choosing from activities that suit their interests—from playing games and engaging in arts and crafts, to enjoying a family-friendly movie.
Magical Moments: Play Therapy Group – February 10 | 3:15-3:45 pm | 8 weeks | ages 3.5-5.5 | free
This Theraplay-based group is designed to nurture emotional bonds, build confidence, and strengthen social skills in children.
Magical Moments: Play Therapy Group – February 10 | 4-4:45 pm | 8 weeks | ages 5.5-8.5 | free
This Theraplay-based group is designed to nurture emotional bonds, build confidence, and strengthen social skills in children.
Family Fun Nights – March 5 | 6-7:30 pm | families with children ages 5 and up | free
This drop-in event is designed to help families connect by choosing from activities that suit their interests—from playing games and engaging in arts and crafts, to enjoying a family-friendly movie.
Family Fun Nights – April 2 | 6-7:30 pm | families with children ages 5 and up | free
This drop-in event is designed to help families connect by choosing from activities that suit their interests—from playing games and engaging in arts and crafts, to enjoying a family-friendly movie.
Mentoring – every other Tuesday | 6-7:30 pm | ages 8-12 | free
Our Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Program—now in its 10th year—meets in a structured group setting and helps children enhance their social skills, confidence, and academic success.