2023-AR-Final - Flipbook - Page 5
A BRIDGE TO
THE COMMUNITY
Y.O.U. has been serving the Evanston community for over 52
years! In that time, we’ve built deep relationships with schools,
community organizations, and families. This year, we made
new connections and strengthened our existing network to
provide resources and support for more Evanston youth.
New Program at Bessie Rhodes
Last spring, Y.O.U. introduced its 昀椀rst new OST site in over 10 years at Dr. Bessie Rhodes
School of Global Studies. The pilot provided both elementary and middle grades youth
with key academic, social, and emotional programming. Thanks to the warm welcome
Y.O.U. received, we were also able to provide mental health counseling during the school
day for the 昀椀rst time. We built strong relationships with families and school staff—100%
of caregivers would recommend Y.O.U. to other families—and look forward to supporting
even more youth during our 昀椀rst full year of programming.
Housing Crisis Response Team
As the only comprehensive community based youth service provider in Evanston, Y.O.U.
provides 24/7 support to youth experiencing housing-related crises. One such youth is
Natalie:
“The 昀椀rst time we met Natalie, she was sitting in the Y.O.U. lobby after 7:00 p.m. Natalie
had been in an argument with her family, and she was told to leave. With nowhere else
to turn, she remembered her teacher had shared that she could go to Y.O.U. if she ever
needed help. Working with the Housing Crisis Response Team, Y.O.U.’s Community Case
Manager, and Youth and Family Counselors, we were able to 昀椀rst, 昀椀nd safe housing for
Natalie with a family member and then assist the family in reducing some household
stress by providing much needed supplies and gift cards for food. Our Youth and Family
Counselor worked with the family to identify acceptable behavior for everyone, which
created a more stable home environment. Our Clinical team continues to support them
today!” Teresa, Executive Director of Clinical and Outreach Services
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