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
Dr. Corey W. Jordan, Pediatrician recently joined the CYP staff to talk about the COVID-19 vaccine
Listen in on their conversation. This video is intended for informational purposes only and is not an endorsement by Chicago Youth Programs of any vaccine, provider, or manufacturer. Vaccination is a personal choice.
Please visit our justgiving page to honor Black History Month
Celebrate Black History month with us as we honor our past and secure our future. "If we stand tall it is because we stand on the backs of our ancestors." - African Proverb
Season of Hope 2020 in Review
Seasons Greetings. From all of us at CYP, thank you to everyone who helped to make our Season of Hope 2020 merry and bright.
South Side Youth Center Gets New Gym To Serve Hundreds Of Kids Thanks To Grant, Local Help
Christmas comes early to CYP! Thanks to funding from Republic Services & the partnership of Rebuilding Together of Metro Chicago, our youth, families, and staff will enjoy some improvements to our space when we’re able to welcome everyone back. Including a new gym floor!