Emotional Well-Being of Our Middle School Students: What the Data Says
Youth Crossroads and school staff anticipated that students would have significant trouble
academically and emotionally re-entering the “normal” school day. YC has tried to address this
in several ways, including increased Counseling staff providing services at Freedom and
Heritage Middle Schools and Morton Alternative High School. We have also increased social
emotional support and education in our after-school programs and the Youth Leadership
Program (YLP).
In October, 51 middle school students completed (with parent permission) the Strengths and
Difficulties Questionnaire, which looks at emotional symptoms, conduct problems, inattentionhyperactivity, peer problems, and pro-social behavior. The questionnaire gives a score for each
of these areas and a total difficulties score based on all scores. The survey shows:
Total Difficulties: 22 youth scored High or Very High
Emotional Difficulties: 21 youth scored High or Very High
Conduct / Behavior Difficulties: 16 youth scored High or Very High
Inattention / Hyperactivity: 15 youth scored High or Very High
Peer Difficulties: 15 youth scored High or Very High
Prosocial Attributes: 7 youth scored Low or Very Low
Impact of Difficulties: 16 youth scored High or Very High
Based on the data collected, the youth development counselor will schedule individual
interviews with youth that scored a high or very high on one or more of the attributes.
Recommendations for additional support services will be made to the youth and parents. The
hope is that the screening of youth in these programs will help us identify youth who could use
additional supports or counseling before they hit a crisis crossroads.
5 Things You Need to Know About the Youth Leadership Program at Youth Crossroads
building their capacity for self-reliance, self-sacrifice, social responsibility, and
mentorship.
over the holidays, led a turkey and tree giveaway, participated in YC food pantries,
removed invasive species from local trails, and cleaned up a Berwyn 5th Ward alley to
stop a rat infestation (pictured left).
reduction, and outdoor adventures to help students build self-confidence, teamwork,
and a sense of connection and belonging giving them more control of their future.
distributing 200 kits weekly to community members and families during the pandemic.
Kits included social-emotional learning activities, arts & crafts project materials, STEM
activities, life skills lessons, and snacks.
provides four of our rising seniors with a $750 scholarship to meet college financial
needs.
Ensemble Español Brings Fusion Dance to YC
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, the premier Spanish dance company in the nation, is conducting dance workshops for YLP students. The workshops are on Wednesdays for eight weeks this fall. The Fusion dance program introduces students to Flamenco and West African dance styles (which will be taught by Muntu Dance Theater). Students will use their new dance skills to perform at Youth Crossroads 2022 Gala on April 22.
Community Service in our DNA
Elida Ortiz (pictured above), YC’s Parent and Community Liaison, is responsible for building our food distribution program, serving over 150,000 pounds of food to 4,000(+) families since the pandemic. She has organized numerous vaccine education and distribution events. Eli also provides free interpretive services to families in need. One of those families wrote to us last month to tell us how grateful she is to Eli’s services. “Thanks to Eli, my husband’s green card has been approved.”
YC staff member Claudia Campos and intern Vanessa Melgoza from Morton East High School recently took eight students from our ELL Group to downtown Chicago. The ELL Group is designed to help students who are new to our country get acclimated to Chicago.
YC & OZ Win Big at Chicago Marathon
Oscar Zamudio, a longtime friend, and supporter of YC, completed his first Chicago Marathon on October 10, and he did it to raise money for our organization. Oz completed the 26.2 mile run in hot and humid conditions in 05:33:28, and in doing so raised $2,022 for YC. Way to go Oscar! Donate today
Youth Crossroads Annual Halloween Fundraiser a Frightening Success
YC’s Board Chair Gil Pena and wife Alma held their annual Halloween fundraiser at Youth Crossroads on October 30, and it was a monster of an event, raising over $9,000 for the organization’s programs and services. The event featured a variety of bewitching games, raffles, and door prizes. The award for best costume went to Berwyn’s diabolical Mayor Bob Lovero, and his frighteningly beautiful wife Gail (pictured here with their daughter Gabrielle).
Reward YC When You Shop on Amazon
AmazonSmile is a way customers can support their favorite charitable organization every time they shop with Amazon, at no additional cost, with the added bonus that AmazonSmile will donate a portion of the eligible purchase price to the charity of your choice. Here’s how to do it:
1. Visit smile.amazon.com
2. Sign in with the same account you use for Amazon.com
3. Select Youth Crossroads, Inc.
4. Start shopping! Remember to checkout at smile.amazon.com to generate donations for YC