What Youth Crossroads Accomplished in 2023
In 2023, Youth Crossroads greatly expanded its community counseling, violence prevention, workforce development, after-school STEM and mentorship programs. These initiatives support the social-emotional, mental health, academic and career needs of the youth we serve, whose lives were turned upside down by the pandemic. In the past year, we also opened an office in Cicero (5533 W. 25th Street) and completed a strategic plan to guide the organization’s work over the next 5 years.
To learn more about what Youth Crossroads has accomplished in 2023, read our annual report here
YC Hires Alumni Coordinator, Launches Alumni Network, and Plans Alumni Reunion
Youth Crossroads marks its 50th Anniversary in 2024, which provides us with a unique opportunity to recognize and celebrate former students, staff, and board members who have been part of our remarkable history. Youth Crossroads recently hired Ashley Shropshire (pictured) as their first alumni coordinator to build an alumni network and plan our 1st alumni reunion on July 25.
Youth Crossroads Needs Your Support This Holiday Season
Youth Crossroads programs, services, and staff are making an enormous difference in the lives of youth and families in our community. We are guiding, supporting, and inspiring people to achieve success at school, at home, and in life despite a youth mental health crisis and gun violence epidemic. If we are going to continue to support our youth in 2024, we need help from people like you. Please consider making a gift to Youth Crossroads this holiday season. Donate Today
YLP Sponsors Overnight Trip For Students to Explore Illinois Colleges
High school juniors and seniors in YC’s Youth Leadership Program recently took an overnight trip to Bloomington Normal to visit Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University. The students also visited Dominican University in River Forest. The YLP students have been participating in a college readiness program, which includes ISAC workshops on completing college applications, FAFSA workshops, resume building, and a college savings and scholarship program. In 2023, 100% of YLP seniors went on to college (95% in 2022).
YLP Fosters Giving Spirit of Giving
YC’s Youth Leadership Program uses community service to build the capacity of youth for self-reliance, self-sacrifice, teamwork, and social responsibility. In December, YLP students are participating in Casper’s Legacy toy drive, a holiday tree giveaway, two food pantries, and they also cooked meals for families at Ronald McDonald House (pictured above). Additionally, they are adopting ten Berwyn families facing financial hardship this holiday season.
Speed “N Work Event Connects WLP Students to Working Professionals
On December 9, YC’s Workforce Development Program (WDP) hosted a Speed N’ Work event that provided WDP students with an opportunity to network with business owners, nonprofit managers, entrepreneurs, managers, and others. The students were given an opportunity to connect with 28 working professionals from the Chicago area in a speed dating format, where they had 90 seconds to introduce themselves and learn how they could get connected to future jobs
Jayanna Arnold Joins Counseling Staff
Jayanna Arnold is a Community Counselor at Youth Crossroads. She started out in the Media/Arts field, when she earned a BA in Broadcast & Cinematic Arts and a Master of Arts in Global Media Management while living in the UK. Shortly after, she transitioned into Mental Health, earning a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling and a certification in Grief Counseling. Her current focus is utilizing media/arts studies, mental health studies, and theological studies to create a format that will eventually aid people in their healing journey.
Britney Batsida Joins Counseling Staff
Brittney Batsida graduated in 2023 with her Bachelor’s degree from Dominican University, majoring in Sociology with a concentration in Social Services. She will be receiving her Master’s degree in Social Work in May 2024. During her MSW program, Brittney has worked with community organizations that support youth through case management and counseling services, including Enlace Chicago and Youth Crossroads. Brittney is passionate about using her bilingual skills to provide Spanish counseling services to the Latine community.