Community Services puts mission in name By Daniel L. Buianowski SPECIAL TO THE TELEGRAM & GAZETTE July 30, 2004

SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury Community Services has changed its name to Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services to more accurately reflect its mission.

"We thought changing the agency's name would not only better reflect the mission and core focus, but would better identify ourselves to the community at large," Executive Director Jeffrey Chin said.

Founded in 1983, the organization provides counseling and educational programs to the youth and families of Shrewsbury. In the coming months, the organization hopes to start an after-school program designed specifically for middle and high-school pupils.

The agency saw a need for more services for youth at the middle and high-school level,

Mr. Chin said. He indicated that none of the organization's current services will change.

Some of the potential new programs include recreational programs and therapeutic and counseling programs of a "psychoeducational" nature, such as programs on anger management and healthy relationships.

In addition, the agency has hired a new full-time clinical director. Christine L. Biron, 30, started work Monday and will be responsible for supervising the clinical staff and services.

Ms. Biron previously worked for the Bridge of Central Massachusetts and the Dr. Franklin Perkins School in Lancaster. She received her master's degree in counseling psychology from Assumption College in Worcester in 1998 and has a certification in cognitive behavioral therapy.

"I was at the point in my career that I wanted to take a step forward and do something more administrative, and I still wanted to have contact with clients," she said. "The reason why I was so interested in coming to Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services is that it's such a community-oriented agency. That was a huge draw, personally, for me."

In addition to her work as clinical director, Ms. Biron will also counsel clients.