Youth Crossroads Celebrates 50th Year in 2024
Youth Crossroads marks its 50th Anniversary in 2024 with a series of events that celebrates the profound role the organization has played in supporting the mental health and developmental needs of tens of thousands of youth and families in Berwyn, Cicero, and surrounding communities.
- On Friday, February 9, 6 – 8 p.m., the celebration begins with a Super Bowl-themed kick-off party at the Joseph C. Vallez Activity Center, 1529 Harlem Ave.
- On March 12, Youth Crossroads will receive a proclamation from the State of Illinois at the State Capitol in Springfield, followed by a meet and greet event with state legislators.
- On April 19, Youth Crossroads hosts its annual Gala and Casino Night
- On July 27, Youth Crossroads hosts its first Alumni Reunion, Community Block Party, Back to School Bash, and 50th Anniversary Mural Dedication.
- On October 17, Youth Crossroads hosts a conference on the Future of Youth Mental Health and Development.
To learn more and to register visit 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Attention Youth Crossroads’ Alumni (former students, staff, and board), You are Invited to the first Alumni Network Meeting
Youth Crossroads hosts the first meeting of its new Alumni Network on Thursday, February 1, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Youth Crossroads, 6501 Stanley Ave. in Berwyn. Food and drink will be provided. Whether you are a student, staff, or board member, your involvement in this organization has played an important role in shaping our history. Help us create an engaged community of alumni who can help us build an even more dynamic organization in the next 50 years. Visit Alumni Network
YC Receives $20,000 Healing Illinois Grant to Support Racial Equity
Youth Crossroads recently received a $20,000 grant from Healing Illinois and the Field Foundation to develop a more comprehensive curriculum for our Umoja Support Groups for Black students in Berwyn and Cicero high schools and Berwyn middle schools. Youth Crossroads started “Umoja” (the Swahili word for “unity”) Group at Morton East High School in Cicero after black students threatened a walk-out over racial tensions. Umoja Group provides a safe and supportive space for black students to thrive in school.
Workforce Development Introduces Virtual Reality for Spring Cohorts
Students taking YC’s Workforce Development Program this fall can learn automotive, manufacturing, construction, health care, aviation maintenance, hospitality, and tourism on the latest virtual reality headsets. Students can also take WDP cohorts in coding, school mental health, trauma-informed care and mental health first aid, and nail tech and art. WDP will also offer cohorts on employee readiness, professional development, resume building, and job support. For more information visit Workforce Development.
New Parent Support Group Helps Latinx Parents Support Their Youth
YC is offering a new support group for Spanish-speaking parents who are interested learning about how to best support youth mental health challenges as well as learning to manage their own stress. The support group is also designed to connect parents with other families in the community who can share their own experiences and coping strategies. The support group is run by professional counselors. It is recommended for newly arriving families to the community who may need additional support and mental health resources. For information contact Tayra
YC Bids Farewell to Youth Development Director Briani Shorter
Youth Crossroads said goodbye to Youth Development Director Briani Shorter who is moving on to private practice in social work. Bri managed the Youth Leadership Program, the after-school Youth.Connections.Academics program for middle school students, GSI Mentors, workforce development, and service learning trips. Under Bri’s leadership, YLP moved from our building to the high schools, and the GSI mentorship was created. A search for an Associate Youth Development Director will begin in the Spring and start July 1.
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.