WHO & HOW
Chicago is a city of many neighborhoods, 77 to be exact. Youth who live in those that are tarnished by the ills of poverty and therefore are also areas of low opportunity suffer a substantial impact to their social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and behavioral development.
Chicago Youth Programs (CYP) endeavors to serve the comprehensive needs of each youth with an asset-based approach that intends to mitigate risks while building strengths. How do we do it? By making a long-term investment for a long-term impact. This investment begins as early as birth and lasts until age 25, when we expect our young adults to have successfully completed their post-secondary plans and be well on their way to establishing a life sustaining career.
Founded in 1984 by Northwestern University medical students, what started as the Cabrini Green Youth Program has grown into an organization serving youth and families in at least 30 of the city’s 50 wards. What is more, CYP has expanded its reach during this time of COVID-19 response and recovery with the implementation of a virtual program platform. With this platform CYP supports ongoing student engagement amid changing safety guidelines, while also providing volunteers the opportunity to continue to support, and families the chance to engage in new and exciting ways.
Chicago Youth Programs believes in the pursuit of equity and access on behalf of each of our youth. We are reminded everyday how vital it is for young people of color to be allowed to participate and have learned that this participation must come in the form of equitable access to: Quality education, comprehensive healthcare, skill development, and career opportunity. To that end, our program model reflects what 3 ½ decades has taught us: Poverty impacts the whole child, so we purpose to serve the whole child.
OUR CORE VALUES
The Mission of Chicago Youth Programs (CYP) is to improve the health and life opportunities of at-risk youth using a comprehensive approach aimed at developing their capabilities.
CYP volunteers are the pillar of our program model
THE LATEST FROM CYP
2022 Open Enrollment
NOW – MARCH 28, 2022 we are hosting an enrollment opportunity for all youth to join our after-school programs. If you would like to register your child(ren), please complete the contact form.
Chicago Youth Programs Names New Executive Director
Jeffrey Campbell, a nonprofit leader with more than 10 years’ experience, was named Executive Director of Chicago Youth Programs, a longstanding and comprehensive youth development organization headquartered in the Washington Park community, that serves 650 youth annually.
Season of Hope: Hope to Soar
Thank you to all of our Season of Hope 2021 Sponsors. We raised over $54,000 with our Tree and Wreath Sponsorship at Prudential Plaza. Over 485 new coats and winter apparel, over 300 youth received at least 3 gifts each, and we were able to give 2 shelters at least 100 gifts for their youth.
2021 Annual Appeal, a letter from the executive director
We had the privilege of welcoming 60 new youth from 40 families into our programs, bringing us to well over 500 young people served by our efforts in 2021.
EVENTS
SEASON OF HOPE 2021
The 2021 theme, Hope To Soar, recognizes the potential that ALL youth possess. It also demonstrates our belief that despite the challenges of where they grow up, they are destined for greatness. A special thanks to Sterling Bay and One Two PRU for their continued partnership.
