Cook County and State of Illinois Renews Funding for Violence Prevention & Workforce Development
In the last two years, Youth Crossroads has been able to introduce Workforce Development (WDP) and Violence Prevention (VPP) programs, which have made an enormous difference in the lives of at-risk youth in Cicero and Berwyn.VPP is an intensive 90-day program for 11-24-year-olds with a history of violence or association with the criminal justice system. The program offers individual and family counseling, mentoring, and case management to build resilience in youth helping them self-regulate, problem-solve, and communicate positively. WDP provides 15-24-year-olds with an opportunity to explore different career paths and get introductory training they need to get good paying jobs and develop meaningful careers.
Both of these programs were made possible by funding from the American Recovery Plan Act, which came through Cook County’s Building Healthy Communities (BHC) initiative and the State of Illinois’ Reimagining Public Safety Act (RPSA). It was not certain that either of these programs would be renewed. However, in March we learned that the BHC grant would be extended through November ’26 for $592,000 (for counseling and youth development), the RPSA grant for Violence Prevention would be extended through March ’25 for $172,000, and Workforce Development extended through September ’24 for $31,000. YC thanks Cook County and the State of Illinois for their support.
Youth Crossroads Gets Proclamation from State of Illinois Honoring 50th Anniversary Serving Youth and Families in our Community
In recognition of YC celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2024, the Illinois State House and Senate recently issued a proclamation honoring us for helping “tens of thousands of youth and their families heal, grow, lead, and thrive.” YC students, staff, and board recently traveled to Springfield to receive the award and lobby legislators about the importance of our work. Yahel Hernandez, a Heritage Middle School 8th grader offers this report: CLICK HERE
Alumni Network Seeks Images for Exhibition of Service-Learning Trips
As part of YC’s first Alumni Reunion and Block Party on Saturday, July 27, YC’s Alumni Network is organizing an exhibition of service-learning trips YLPers developed over the last 15 years. The Network is looking to represent and honor the different experiences of alumni across generations and programs and capture the impact of the trips. Contact Ashley to contribute your photos and memories.
B.U.I.L.T. Summer Camp Registration
YC’s B.U.I.L.T. Summer Camp for incoming 6th – 8th graders is now accepting registrations. It includes Art, Recreation, Pool Days, Park Days, Field Trips, STEM, and SEL. Free Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks included.
Morning Session: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Afternoon Session: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
*Students Can Only Enroll in One Session
Ashley Shropshire Appointed Associate Director of Youth Programs
Ashley Shropshire, who has been doing amazing work building YC’s first alumni network, will be adding youth programs to her portfolio. Ashley will continue her work leading the alumni network and alumni reunion, and will also be overseeing Youth Programs, including Youth Leadership Training, Afterschool Enrichment, and Workforce Development. Congrats Ashley!
Stavros Kossenakis Appointed Coordinator of Y.C.A. Programs
Stavros Kossenakisis who has been serving as a Youth and Workforce Development Specialist will soon be responsible for coordinating Youth.Connections.Academics, YC’s after-school program for middle school students. Stavros will oversee the GSI Mentorship Program, STEM Programming, and BUILT Summer Camp. Congratulations Stavros.
Elizabeth Slawin Trainor Joins YC Board
Elizabeth Slawin Trainor, who serves as Executive Director at JP Morgan has joined the YC Board. Elizabeth’s focus over her 15-year career at the bank is helping auto and equipment finance companies efficiently fund and grow their businesses via securitized debt. She has also been responsible for recruiting, training and mentoring new hires on her team. Elizabeth graduated from the University of Notre Dame, cum laude, with a BBA in finance. Elizabeth, who has worked with several non-profit organizations in Chicago, spends her free time with her husband and two daughters.
Bill Levy Joins YC Board
Bill Levy, who currently serves as U.S. Tax Counsel at Forecastle Advisory, an advisor to Starwood Capital Group has joined the YC Board. Bill was previously a partner in the U.S. Tax Group at Kirkland and Ellis, and previously served as a partner in the U.S. Tax Group at Mayer Brown. Bill has participated in thousands of transactions, led major client relationships (General Electric Capital Corporation, Illinois Tool Works and Starwood Capital Group), and played lead roles in many nationally significant transactions, including Caesar Hotel’s bankruptcy. A graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, Bill is an avid golfer, skier, and adventurer.