Success Stories

Kevin was directed to YOS by the Juvenile Justice Department Drug Court Program, initially exhibiting denial and resistance to the treatment. Despite these challenges, Kevin displayed a remarkable capacity for resilience. Improving his attendance was the initial focus. With regular participation in sessions, Kevin’s counselor worked on transforming his attitude and perspective, laying the groundwork […]

Jeremy, a teenager with a complex history of developmental, behavioral, and medical challenges, including a regimen of five medications, had been through ten placement homes and was on the verge of leaving a residential facility when Ivan Riley, a foster parent volunteer with Youth Outreach Services, stepped in. Riley, in collaboration with a YOS case

Before joining YOS, 17-year-old Sabrina faced challenges with depression and substance abuse. Through YOS’s art therapy program, she discovered a constructive way to cope with her struggles. Sabrina explains the impact of this creative therapy, saying, “Now, I can control my feelings. I draw and write when I am feeling depressed. I use art as

Marcus, whose childhood was shadowed by gang violence and housing instability, cherished a simple yet profound aspiration: “The best dream for me is a stable home and a nice family,” he said. “That puts the biggest smile on my face.” His life at home was tumultuous, often marked by evictions, leading Marcus to rely on

AJ Styles Barber and Beauty Salon in Oak Park, renowned for its unique and excellent service, recently partnered with YOS for the Summer Youth Employment Program. This initiative offered Jasmine, a participant, valuable insights into how style transcends physical appearance, influencing one’s demeanor and approach to life. The salon is owned by Anthony Jones, a

Roberto’s journey with YOS began amidst challenges such as truancy, curfew violations, and marijuana use, compounded by probation for drug possession and robbery. As a freshman in high school, he found himself at the Illinois Youth Center (IYC), a juvenile detention facility. Two months before his release, Roberto entered the YOS FIT (Family Integrated Therapy)

Before joining YOS, 16-year-old Gina was struggling with alcohol abuse and depression, exacerbated by her father’s death from COVID-19. She became withdrawn, abandoning her interests and adopting a pessimistic view of life. Concerned, her friends informed her mother about Gina’s drinking with older students after school, highlighting the profound impact of her father’s loss on