SPRING 2018

YOS Community Matters

PREVENTION COUNSELING JUVENILE JUSTICE CHILD WELFARE

Promote healthy life skills Help youth deal with life challenges Offer alternatives to incarceration Ensure safe, stable homes

Celebrating the impact of action “It’s easier to build strong youth than repair broken adults.”

A chance to celebrate progress, hope, and inspiration Former gang member Armando, who worked with a was the purpose of the YOS Honors Action event on May YOS counselor to deal with PTSD after an ex-girlfriend was 4th at the Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park. Loyal shot three times, echoed remarks from fellow recipients supporters gathered to honor clients, volunteers, and a Isiah and Natalia that YOS is “a place you can trust with government official whose actions resulted in positive nice people who actually listen and care.” changes. Attendees had a variety of opportunities to Rick Velasquez, YOS’s executive director, noted that the lend their support, including a silent and live auction, stories shared by the three youth honorees provided a raffle draw, and donation paddle raise. All told, donors glimpse of the challenges and possibilities faced by 4,000 contributed about $20,000 net to support YOS programs. clients YOS serves every year. “It’s so important to recognize youth for the progress Don Rubin, YOS board president, said he expects good they’ve made and volunteers for all their contributions,” things to continue to happen for the youth honorees said Doug Geiger, a three-term member of YOS’s board of because of the hard work they put in with the help of YOS directors. to change the paths of their lives. Three YOS clients were honored for their commitment to working with YOS to change the paths of their lives (see page 5). continued on page 4 YOS Leads the Way in Treating Youth with Problem Sexual Behavior

It’s sometimes hard to distinguish between normal adolescent curiosity and inappropriate sexual behavior, especially for parents. With support from donors and grants, we recently expanded our family therapy to include Multisystemic Therapy for Problematic Sexual Behavior (MST-PSB) which reduces criminal and antisocial behavior, especially problem sexual behavior through an intensive family- and home-based I treatment. The service grew out of YOS’s focus to help parents and caregivers before a youth’s actions have life-altering effects on the family such as out of home placement, criminal charges, or S C school deficits. YOS received major recognition from funders including the Angell Family Foundation, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency and Prevention (OJJDP), and the Juvenile Justice Commission to offer R S MST-PSB. As the only licensed MST-PSB team in Illinois, YOS’ I offers a first-of-its-kind treatment option in the area that incorporates an evidence-based treatment model with MST-PSB focuses on aspects of a youth’s environment that are related to the interventions tailored to the specific needs of every client, their problem sexual behavior. Treatment includes getting parents and youth to families and the victims. While the ground work has been laid, accept that sexual offenses have occurred and their consequences, promoting donors can continue to contribute to see this program flourish development of new friendships and age-appropriate sexual experiences, for more families as well as victims throughout Cook County. and modification of the client’s social skills, belief system, or attitudes that PSB casts a wide net of impact. In addition to the effect on contributed to sexual offending. victims, the adolescents who show PSB and their families can experience stigma or negative reactions from friends, extended family and community members. Youth who engage in PSB Family-centric and Community-based can experience negative feeling about themselves and shame. Allegations of PSB can be shocking to parents who in turn can After a youth is referred to YOS, a MST therapist and/or the lose confidence in their parenting abilities. program manager screens the client and his or her family to YOS addresses the issues directly during counseling make sure they are a good fit for the program and that everyone sessions and also works to educate stakeholders about agrees to collaborate in treatment. Interventions are tailored common misconceptions and myths about the PSB population. to the specific needs of the child. The family unit participates Counselors work to build up the parent, empathize with them, in one-hour sessions, three times a week in their home over a and normalize their experience in order to help them heal. YOS six- to eight-month period. But the staff are available in times of also implements family therapy techniques to help repair the crisis 24 hours a day, seven days a week. relationship and bond between the child and caregivers, as The goal is to help the child and family address the reasons well other important people in the youth’s life. Giving to YOS behind PSB and build an environment of social supports going enables us to continue implementing these family services forward. “With the right knowledge, skills and resources, a child’s for families who may otherwise not know where to caregivers are the best collaborators to ensure long- turn for help. term positive behavior changes,” said Harkrader. “We want to see a systemic change in the “The suggestions given by the therapist community in the way children with PSB provided me with the ability to be patient with are handled,” said Katie Harkrader, YOS’s “This program my son,” observed a parent who participated MST program manager. “Our goal is to helped me in YOS-led MST-PSB counseling. keep kids out of the legal system by understand my working closely with them and their families to address the cause of the son’s behavior problem behavior and eliminate the and improved our issue going forward.” relationship”

2 Strategies to Monitor and Promote Appropriate Experiences Renewed focus on Ensuring client, victim, and community safety is an overarching goal of the MST-PSB model. Extensive assessment community outreach and planning underlie the individualized safety plan of each youth and family to ensure the victim of the PSB stays yields big results safe. Treatment commonly incorporates intensive family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, skill building, school Outreach work has always been, and continues to and other community system interventions. be, an essential element that distinguishes YOS from YOS partners with Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) other agencies. Now, more than ever, the outreach team throughout Chicago and the western suburbs to work closely has the ability to reach many clients and make a lasting with the victim too. The CAC provides family advocacy, reduces impact. trauma, and identifies resources so that children and families YOS is evolving the outreach program by reinventing may begin the healing process. initiatives as part of strategic planning processes. Youth clients share that “I understand more how my Community outreach is a key tactic to better meet behavior affects others,” and “I feel more comfortable talking the needs of our communities by recruiting and with my mom now.” meaningfully engaging new clients. The first step was to hire eight outreach workers, assigning one or two Keeping Youths in the Community to each of YOS’s neighborhood offices. With additional outreach workers in the communities YOS serves, there has been a great opportunity to build new relationships and referral sources. The community-based approach allows for continued flexibility to how YOS works with 93% 90% 90% clients. Outreach workers schedule group outings and activities, make home visits, meet with clients at YOS’s offices or at community spots like schools, libraries or restaurants, and coordinate transportation for clients PSB youths with PSB youths in PSB youths NO NEW ARRESTS SCHOOL/WORKING LIVING AT HOME who otherwise would not be able to receive services. One of YOS’s Outreach workers, Xavier Martillo, sees Source: MST-PSB, www.mstpsb.com/results firsthand the impact a strong outreach program has on youth. Part of the team’s focus is to continually come up The Roots of MST-PSB are with fun, unique and engaging activities that encourage youth to participate. Taking Hold “What helps keep kids engaged is letting them Not only does this program have a deep impact on the determine the course of action and for outreach workers families, but also on the community at large. A study found that to take on a role of mentorship,” said Martillo. “Presenting “[l]ower rates of post-treatment arrests in the MST-PSB versus outreach work in a different way makes it more fun for usual community services conditions were associated with our clients and is a great selling point.” lasting reductions in expenses for both taxpayers and crime The outreach program continues to grow as YOS expands into Little Village, Pilsen, and Lyons Township. victims, with an estimated total benefit of $343,455 per MST-PSB participant.” (Borduin & Dopp, 2015). The savings are achieved Donations of tickets for sporting events, cultural events, movies by reducing the need for criminal justice services, lowered treatment costs over the long-term, and fewer intangible and recreational activities are a great way for outreach workers impacts on victims. to help YOS clients explore Chicago Since the YOS program launched in 2017, demand for services has outpaced capacity. Police departments and other and try new things. social service agencies have requested presentations from YOS about the service and how to address PSB. YOS is invested in the success of the MST-PSB program. The agency is hiring an additional therapist to serve more families. Funds received from donors can make a big difference. The YOS team received specialized training from MST Services to treat youth with PSB. YOS also employs the University of Oklahoma for data collection and analysis and consults with the National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth.

3 CELEBRATING THE IMPACT OF ACTION continued from page 1

Honoring Supporters Three supporters who “share YOS’s DNA” were honored for demonstrating a deep commitment to bettering the lives of youth.

Outstanding Commitment to Public Partner Leadership Award: Outstanding Commitment to Volunteerism Award: Heidi Mueller Advocacy Award: Ervin Callahan Daniel Carcillo Throughout her career, Heidi Mueller’s Ervin Callahan always says yes when Daniel Carcillo knows a thing or two focus has always been on helping kids YOS calls. He doesn’t care what issues a about winning. The former Chicago grow. Before becoming director of the teen is facing or what questions other Blackhawk left winger helped bring Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission, foster parents might have. Callahan is home two Stanley Cups to Chicago. Mueller was YOS’s director of juvenile ready to go according to Jamie Noto, But, during his acceptance speech for justice. YOS’s director of program operations. the 2018 Outstanding Commitment to In 2016, Illinois’s governor, Bruce Callahan has been a shining star in Volunteerism award, Carcillo revealed Rauner, tapped Mueller to become the YOS’s foster care program, embracing things could have turned out quite state’s director of juvenile justice. and nurturing youth and leading the differently if he hadn’t taken action to Mueller says she infuses what she YOS foster parent group. make some changes in his life. “If I hadn’t does at the IDJJ with the lessons she Callahan said he was surprised to be changed my attitude and the people I learned during her time at YOS. receiving an award because he’s “just hung out with, I would be dead.” “Every kid has value, every kid has doing [his] job.” He says it’s a privilege Now retired, in addition to running potential,” said Mueller in her acceptance to work with kids from all kinds of the Chapter 5 Foundation which helps speech. “We move closer to achieving backgrounds and instill in them a sense athletes discover their post-career our goals when we reach out instead of of worth and obedience. purposes, Carcillo works with the Illinois drawing imaginary lines.” “Most children, all they want to do Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) to Velasquez recognized Mueller for her is be heard,” observed Callahan in his raise awareness about mental health and unwavering commitment to “working acceptance speech. “I want every child substance abuse. He frequently visits to keep kids out of the deep end of the to know they are important and deserve with young men incarcerated in IDJJ system” and instilling a focus on positive to be loved.” facilities and talks openly about his own youth development at IDJJ. For many of Callahan’s foster kids, he experiences that led him down a rough is the first male to ever hug them. He gets path. asked all the time by the kids in his care According to Tonette Ingram, YOS’s if they can tell people that he’s their dad. director of juvenile justice, Carcillo is Of course, the answer is yes, not only for “really open with the kids, they can ask the time spent in foster care, but for the anything they want, and he helps them rest of their lives. understand the importance of finding a better way to deal with life’s struggles.”

4 Executive Director Rick Velasquez welcomes attendees

YOS Natalia is an 18-year-old who defied many odds and a troubled past to get to where she is today. After getting caught up in an unhealthy relationship, Natalia said she felt as though she wasn’t in control of her own life. She ended the troubled relationship and sought Honors counseling support from YOS. Now, Natalia is gearing up for high school graduation and proudly shared with the audience that the most valuable lesson she’s learned from YOS is Clients knowing her self-worth.

Armando was introduced to YOS counseling services after someone very close to him was shot multiple times. YOS’s welcoming environment helped Armando open up more than any school counseling services he had received. He was able to express himself through art and slowly began to work through the trauma and resulting PTSD. Armando is now employed at S&C Electric, and most notably, he is the proud father to a 19-month-old son. He says he spends all of his time focusing on work and being the best father he can.

YOS Honors Action was an inspiring event thanks in large part to the Isiah was serving time at the Illinois Youth Center when he was introduced to YOS. He shared incredible participation of three with the audience that he could have very easily returned to the life that led him to the exceptional clients. As part of a juvenile detention center. Thanks to YOS, he felt as though he was being heard, had a voice Q & A session with Director of Program Operations Jamie Noto, and the proper mentorship needed to get his life back on track. Isiah is now a proud member clients Natalia, Armando and Isiah of Storycatchers Theatre, a group that guides young people to transform their traumatic shared stories about what led them experiences into powerful musical theatre. Isiah graduated from high school and is currently to YOS, how their lives have been studying to get his CDL license. impacted by YOS, and their resulting success.

It’s Not Too Late to Donate!

Missed the YOS Honors Action fundraising event, but still want to contribute? Visit yos.org and click on the DONATE NOW button to give money or purchase items on the YOS Wish List. Thank you!

5 A special thanks to

SPONSORS

Gold Level Sponsors Chicago Design Museum Chicago History Museum Chicago Pizza Tours Chicago White Sox Chick-fil-A Codeverse ComedySportz Theater CorePower Yoga Court Theater Don Rubin and Barbara Winer Emerald City Theatre Escape Artistry Bronze Level Sponsors Float Sixty Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Alper Services, LLC Glen Grove Equestrian Center Avondale Strategic Partners Heather and Randy Nornes Don Rubin and Barbara Winer Ignite Glass Studios Sassetti Certified Public Accountants Impact Networking Rick and Paula Shopiro Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art Julie Kaplan Photography Floral Sponsor Kendra Scott Kids Science Labs Kohl’s Children’s Museum Lagunitas Brewing Company Lillstreet Art Center Lou Malnati’s Lucky Strike Lynfred Winery Museum of Contemporary Dessert Sponsor Photography Palette & Chisel Panera Bread Pinot’s Palette Ravinia Rhine Hall Distillery Rick and Kristin Velasquez Samuel Gould School of Rock Oak Park Shedd Aquarium Silvia Talavera Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower Spray of Sunshine Sprinkles Steppenwolf Theater Superdawg Event Donors Tennis and Fitness Centre The Annoyance Theater & Bar Donors were inspired by the AIR Aerial Fitness The iO Theater honorees stories while learning Amanda Cox and Chris Johnson The Kids Table more about YOS’s commitment to Bite Café Top Golf Chicago-area youth. Blackwood BBQ Two Brothers Artisan Brewing Blowout Junkie Verde Wellness & Massage Brooklyn Boulders Chicago Athletic Clubs Warwick Allerton Hotel - Chicago Chicago Blackhawks Wines for Humanity Chicago Blue Dolphins Chicago Cubs Yoga For All Beings

6 Chicago Sinfonietta Fills the Austin Office with Music and Hope

Participants in the YOS’s Austin office’s Evening Reporting Center and R.I.S.E Program experienced everything from Beethoven, the Beatles, Seal and Kanye West in a special performance by two musicians of the Chicago Sinfonietta, Allie Switala, a violinist, and Victor Sotelo, a cellist, performed a mix of old and new music to prove that the symphony isn’t just stuffy, old music. They were also joined by B’Rael Ali, a native of Chicago’s southside, who danced, rapped, shared artwork and spoke to the young men about creating goals and ambitions. After the hour-long performance, the youth and staff had a chance to try out musical instruments as part of what the Sinfonietta call an “instrument petting zoo.” According to their website, Chicago Sinfonietta is a professional orchestra dedicated to modeling and promoting diversity, inclusion, and both racial and cultural equity in the arts through the universal language of symphonic music. YOS welcomes all community members who would like to provide meaningful experiences to youth to expand their minds and expose them to new things, as well as monetary donations.

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

– Plato

Looking for volunteer opportunities? Visit yos.org/get-involved/volunteer and sign up.

7 Administrative Office 2411 W. Congress Pkwy. Chicago, Illinois 60612 773.777.7112 773.777.7611 (fax)

www.yos.org Committed to caring. Inspiring change.

YOS FY’17 Annual Report YOUNG PROFESSIONALS The YOS Annual Report for fiscal year ’17 is available at: Want to make a difference in the lives yos.org/newsroom/annual-reports of at-risk youth in Chicago?

Annual Report - Fiscal Year 2017 | July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 JOIN THE YOS AUXILIARY BOARD Rising YOS strategicallyto adapts the to meet Challenge the needs of Chicago’s at-risk youth

One bad choice can change the path of a life forever. That’s why Youth Outreach Services (YOS) is so passionate about the services and programs we offer our clients and their families. Everything we do is focused on enabling youth to have brighter Volunteer opportunities futures by making good decisions now, even in the face of major challenges like drugs, violence, gangs, homelessness, and mental illness.

The same is true for how YOS approaches the strategic management of our resources. In fiscal year ’17, YOS continued to build a better future for the organization while dealing with funding challenges for contracted services from the state of Illinois. Helping at-risk youth in Chicago to reach their potential is too important to let a few roadblocks stand in the way. •

By carefully controlling our reserves and funds, YOS stayed focused on our mission. We were able to maintain and expand services to address existing and emerging issues, while preparing for strategic growth in the future.

Community involvement

Sustained much needed servicesKEY ACHIEVEMENTS RESULT IN GROWTH YOS stayed invested in keeping core services available at our offices, in families’ homes, and at schools, so clients were not left without a C L I E N T S • S safety net. E R V E 2,991 D Led an expansion of the PREVENTION geographic scope of services Grew our Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) In FY’17, YOS followed by a partnership with impacted the lives of Advanced our 1,023 Lyons Township Mental Health Fundraising events

partnership with the COUNSELING Commission, resulting in Illinois Department of an expansion of our health 4,618 Juvenile Justice (DJJ) prevention services in youth with programs and By building off of our past services while pushing 135 CHILD WELFARE fiscal year ’18. successes with Aftercare, our forward with

Day Reporting Program, and new initiatives. intensive counseling services, our new endeavor with DJJ provides Built a Multi-Systemic substance abuse counseling at four JUVENILE JUSTICE Therapy Program Illinois Youth Centers. YOS was able 305 for Problem Sexual to quickly step in, transition staff from the in the community Behavior (MST-PSB) previous vendor, and continue the required treatment in IL 164Youth Center The program provides services without interruption. services for youth 12-15 years For more info visit facilities of age who have engaged in problem sexual behaviors. It helps victims, offenders, and families to heal, strengthen, and prevent any further harm. YOS works closely with the courts, DCFS and Children’s Advocacy Centers. yos.org/get-involved/auxiliary-board or email [email protected]

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