The Youth Guidance Voice [July 2021]
ICYMI/YG in the News
ICYMI:
Last month, the Becoming a Man program was featured in a special conversation between President Barack Obama and Anderson Cooper.
President Obama reunited with 5 BAM youth to discuss fatherhood, leadership and their growth since their first meeting.
Ngozi Harris, WOW Training Manager, was featured on ABC 7 ‘Our Chicago’ to share Working on Womanhood’s impact on young women through the program’s core values and counselor support.
BAM Block Party/Rites of Passage
As the school year concluded, BAM celebrated a remarkable close to the year with activities for young men. The agency wide event included BAM Alumni rapper GL Snotty, BAM Student Jaheem Adams, and a performance by national artist G Herbo was held at Chop Shop on June 28th, 2021. The annual block party is typically in tandem with rites of passages for the young men, but because of the pandemic, BAM met the need virtually.
BAM and WOW students got to also hear words of affirmations from Mayor Lightfoot, Jimmy Butler, Tim Anderson, and Diamond DeShields. Lucky students, who registered for the event, got giveaways such as: gift cards, PS4’s, and tablets.
WOW Celebrates Gail Day
| As you all may know, Gail Day retired after 24 years of service July 2, 2021. During her time at Youth Guidance, her vision birthed the program Working on Womanhood (WOW). Gail leaves as the program celebrates ten years of impact to young women. While we are saddened to see her leave, we are forever grateful for her vision, leadership and commitment to championing young women. Congratulations Gail on your retirement from Youth Guidance! |
My Vision, My Journey
WOW students and staff at Bowen High School, Julian High School, and several others across the city celebrated My Vision, My Journey as a rites of passage for Working on Womanhood students.
The ceremony includes gifts, poetry readings and inspirational readings/music. The celebration is held to honor the achievements of WOW students while participating in the program.
This year, an event was held at Bowen High School in a special party tent full of a number of activities.
The Youth Guidance Voice
All of us at Youth Guidance are so grateful for the incredible support of our recent Bright Futures Virtual Gala.
It is because of our sponsors and champions that a record-breaking $1.3 Million was raised to support our programming. This achievement demonstrates unwavering resilience during such challenging times. Together, we are all working to create bright futures for our youth.