Youth Crossroads Celebrates 50th Anniversary in 2024
2024 is shaping up to be a banner year for Youth Crossroads as the organization celebrates 50 years of transforming lives and communities in Chicago’s near west suburbs. YC’s 50th Anniversary celebration includes a Super Bowl-themed kickoff party on Friday, February 9; a casino night gala in April; a YC board and staff party in June; dedication of a 50th anniversary mural on the east wall of YC’s building in July; YC’s first alumni block party in August; and a day-long conference looking at the future of youth mental health and development next fall. There will also be a 50th Anniversary video that explores YC’s impact on the communities we serve. Throughout 2024, we will be shining a spotlight on 50 students, parents, staff, board, and administrators past and present who exemplify the mission, vision, values, and impact of Youth Crossroads. Check the YC website soon for more details.
Y.C.A. Builds After-School Partnerships to Support STEM Education for Berwyn Middle School Students
Youth.Connections.Academics, is partnering with Next wave STEM, Compudot, and NEIU STEM to support more comprehensive STEM education in their after-school programs. Next Wave STEM is working with Lincoln Middle School students on computer designs this semester. Compudot is at Freedom Middle School focusing on game design and coding. NEIU STEM is at Heritage Middle School developing projects related to science, technology, engineering, and math. In January, the partners switch schools.
Healthy Communities Foundation Awards YC $130,000 for General Ops
Healthy Communities Foundation has awarded Youth Crossroads a $130,000 grant to support general operations. General operations support allows us to recruit, train, and retain the best staff and spaces to serve our community. It makes it possible for us to build our capacity to offer outstanding programs and services that respond to community needs.
The Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Awards Grant for Music Education
The Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation has awarded Youth Crossroads a $2,000 grant to train high school students to teach middle school students how to build and play their own musical instruments out of everyday household items. The program teaches high school students how to serve as teachers and mentors, and supports middle school STEM.
YLP Students Plant Trees in Berwyn as Part of Community Service Project
Youth Leadership Program students recently participated in a tree planting event sponsored by Openlands and the Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative. The students learned how to dig holes, plant trees, water and fertilize the trees, which were planted on East Avenue in Berwyn.
CCC Partners with Amor de Dios Church for Food Pantries in Cicero
The Cicero Community Collaborative is partnering with Amor de Dios United Methodist Church to offer weekly food pantries at CCC (5533 W. 25th Place) on Thursdays, 5 – 7 p.m.
The church has been able to provide fresh produce (lettuce, broccoli, green beans, and various fruit) as well as tovala lunches.
Gina Parker Joins YC Board
Gina Parker, Curriculum Specialist in Berwyn District #98 schools has joined the Youth Crossroads Board. Gina is an accomplished and highly experienced educator with a strong background in physical education, health, curriculum development, and program coordination. With a passion for promoting holistic well-being and inclusive education, Gina has dedicated her career to empowering students and fostering their personal growth. Gina holds several certifications and degrees, including a General Administrative Certification, Teaching Certification for Physical Education, Health, Safety, and Driver Education, and an English Language Learner Endorsement. She also completed a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Concordia University-Chicago and received an approval in Adapted Physical Education.
John Maduros Joins YC Board
John Maduros, who has a long track record in commercial real estate, has joined the Youth Crossroads Board. John has a multitude of experiences in financial leadership with a career spanning over three decades, having held the role of Chief Financial Officer and Principal in various international organizations. He has managed financial operations, optimized investor relations, coordinated institutional financing and facilitated transactions within real estate industry. John holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) from Northern Illinois University and also is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Having retired from his professional career, John is now eager to dedicate his time to leverage his extensive financial expertise to empower the organization’s mission and the youth it serves.