Causes

Community schools are the center around which the community revolves. In the community school model, public schools, nonprofit organizations and local businesses come together to elevate learning and encourage family and community engagement with initiatives that often extend beyond traditional afterschool programs.

Across Chicago, parents are in need of safe, engaging options for their children at the end of the traditional school day. Youth Guidance’s Extended Day and Enrichment programs meet this need by offering high-quality, effective and unique afterschool programs at several convenient, Chicago school locations.

On average, only one-fourth of children in need of mental health care get the help they need. By Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) own estimation, 20% of the student population—about 81,000 students—are in need of early or intensive interventions to improve both behavior and academics. Research suggests that schools may function as the de facto mental health system for children and adolescents.

All children need nurturing relationships, adult guidance and access to a quality education. For more than 20,000 Chicago children involved in the foster care system, these needs are even more pressing. STRIVE works to meet these core needs by promoting the well-being of youth in care through structured counseling and well-rounded supports.

Parents who are actively engaged in the educational process have the power to help improve school outcomes. The Parent & Family Engagement program offers specialized trainings and workshops to parents and caregivers that emphasize the importance of their voice and involvement in their child’s education.

Youth Workforce Development programs at Youth Guidance empower youth from under–resourced communities to develop the key life skills they need to connect to meaningful opportunities aligned with their interests and passion.