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In 1971, the Evanston Youth Commission appointed a task force to assess the unmet needs of youth and to develop an effective response. This task force founded Youth Organizations Umbrella, Inc. (Y.O.U.). Y.O.U. was incorporated on September 15, 1971.
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Y.O.U. Staff gathers in front of 4th of July float. |
Y.O.U. Staff working together to improve their facilities. |
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Y.O.U. provides social services in four main areas: the Youth Development Program (homework assistance, lunchtime discussion groups, after-school interest groups, and individual and family counseling); the Delinquency Prevention Program (outreach to teens on their turf in cooperation with the Evanston Police Department, providing counseling, mentoring, and referrals); the Family Support Program (crisis intervention, emergency housing, counseling and case management); and Community Networking (building partnerships among youth service providers to design and deliver numerous ongoing programs and short-term projects).
Y.O.U. has changed as the needs of Evanston's youth have changed. In its beginnings, Y.O.U. worked mainly with disaffected youth of the hippie culture of the early 1970's. As gangs and social isolation became more prominent among teens, Y.O.U. evolved to meet those needs. In 1990 the emphasis changed to middle school students, and Y.O.U. moved from its office on Noyes Street to its current headquarters on Sherman Avenue, across the street from Nichols Middle School. In 1995, programming was expanded to include Chute Middle School and we opened a new facility at Grace Lutheran Church near Chute.
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Y.O.U. Programming - Summer
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We feel that it is important for children to learn to give back to their community. This is why we participate in volunteer programs such as visiting the elderly during our summer programming.
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The 4th of July Float building competition is a great way to kick off summer activities.
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Field Trips
As a reward to students who dedicate themselves to school & service, we go on many field trips including Six Flags - Great America.
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Sports
Being athletic is a wonderful way to learn discipline and focus energy.
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We organize a number of athletic activities, including bike races and basketball games.
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Street Outreach workers are constantly working with the Evanston Community.
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Y.O.U. kids working hard on Y.O.U.'s Famous Mural.
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Children learn and enjoy each others' company at daily homework centers.
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Community Service
Y.O.U. kids also volunteer to read to younger students as part of their community service.
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Summer Sports
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A photo taken with this year's Golf Tournament Champion in our Fairways to Success Program.
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Y.O.U. kids enjoying a trip to the water park.
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Annual Dinner
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Y.O.U.'s Annual Dinner is one of our biggest fundraisers. Here, we bring together members of the community as well as honor students who have made tremendous progress.
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Some of our staff enjoys a snack at our wine-tasting fundraiser.
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Shameless Celebrity Endorsement
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Our history demonstrates that Y.O.U., while committed to certain core values, has the flexibility and nimbleness to adjust its focus to meet, and often to anticipate, new demands. We work in partnership with District 65, District 202, the Evanston Police Department, Family Focus, the YMCA, and many other community organizations, to leverage our resources to be efficient and effective. Whether through youth development, delinquency prevention, the family support program, or networking with other organizations, Y.O.U. is at the nexus of need and delivery. And for 31 years it has delivered, to nearly 1,000 young people each year.
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