Our History

In the spring of 1971, the Evanston Youth Commission appointed a task force to assess the needs of adolescents, inventory available services, and develop an appropriate and effective response.  Representatives from schools, PTAs, city government, public and private organizations, and citizens at large met for six months and decided to create a new youth service agency.  Youth Organizations Umbrella was incorporated on September 15, 1971 and charged to identify and serve “young people whose needs are not being met by more traditional agencies.” Y.O.U. has served over 15,000 Evanston youth during the last 40 years.  Our programs and services make a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of our youth in three ways: education, emotional support, and social development.

Meet Y.O.U.’s Founding Director Don Baker

Learn more about Y.O.U.’s impact

Learn more about Y.O.U.’s programs