YC Teen Reach Program:

Teen Reach is an after-school program for 7th and 8th graders conducted by YC five days each week at Unity Junior High School in Cicero. Up to 50 students attend each day and participate in homework help time, lifeskills training and recreation activities. Over the past few months, we’ve had a number of high caliber speakers present to our youth; Sarah Migas from the Illinois States Attorneys Office spoke on internet safety; legendary Chicago Bulls player, Bob Love, motivated our youth to stay in school; Noel Navarro from US Bank talked about money management; and Mary Johnson from Corazon, discussed dangers of underage alcohol use.

The past two months have also included field trips; we were able to take youth to see a Chicago Bulls game, go on a guided tour of the Illinois Holocaust Museum, and visit both the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry. The vast majority of our youth have never visited any of these places and to them, the experiences were both exciting and educational.

Youth have undertaken two service learning projects in which they researched and presented on healthy food choices and animal welfare. Currently, our youth are preparing to attend Journey World, a youth run mini-city put on by the Girl Scouts. So far, they’ve held an election for their mayor, learned about democracy, have written resumes, and applied for jobs. Once they attend Journey World, they will run shops, sell products, and receive a “citibucks” paycheck. We continue to be grateful for the outstanding partnership with Cicero School District #99, the Cicero Youth Task Force and many others that have contributed to the success of our Teen Reach Program.

The Program Meets:
Monday thru Thursday from 2:00pm – 5:00pm at Unity Junior High School at 2115 S 54th Ave, Cicero, IL | MAP

Saturday from 10:00am – 1:00pm at Corazon Community Services at 1323 S. Austin Blvd, Cicero, IL. | MAP

All services at YC are free of charge for youth in our service area.

Want to Participate?
If you are a student (or parent of) at Unity Junior High School and would like to enroll in the Teen Reach program, please call Monica Boyd at 708-484-7400

Teen Reach is always looking for adult volunteers as well as college interns. All volunteers are thoroughly screened and trained. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please contact Joel Wallen at 708-484-7400

Youth Crossroads needs your help! As a small non-profit organization, monetary donations from individuals, civic groups, churches, and businesses are an integral part of our operational budget. Your donations go directly to helping local youth get the caring, professional guidance and support they desperately need. Please consider making a donation today via our secure online service. We thank you in advance!

Make a difference in the lifes of youth in your community! Youth Crossroads, Inc. has a variety of volunteer opportunities where you can contribute your talents, experience and time for the benefit of local youth, families and our community. Click for more information.