Youth Crossroads, Inc.

?? Employee of the Month: Ashley S! ?? We LOVE our staff and celebrating their hard work and dedication! Join us in recognizing our March YC Star of the Month, Ashley S.! ???? Ashley is our Associate Director of Youth Development Programming, but her journey with Youth Crossroads started back in 2019 as an intern! After completing her MSW and working in youth leadership, she found her way back to YC in 2023—and we couldn't be more grateful to have her leading and inspiring our team. ?? "Ashley is the definition of what a leader should be! She leads with heart, courage, and collaboration, inspiring both staff and youth every step of the way." ? A little more about Ashley: ?? Favorite part of her job: Building relationships with youth and creating new learning experiences, from local outings to out-of-state trips! ?? Favorite spring activity: Taking walks and reading in the park while everything comes back to life! ???? Cooking or baking? Cooking! (Though she's working on her baking skills!) Ashley, your passion and leadership make such a difference at YC! ?? Help us celebrate her in the comments below! ?? ?? #YCStaroftheMonth #YouthCrossroads #Leadership #MakingAnImpact

?? FREE Immigration Clinic – Next Thursday! ?? The Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project (FLAP) will be hosting a free immigration clinic at our Cicero office next Thursday! ???? ?? By appointment only – Families can schedule by calling the number on the flyer. Please share this resource with anyone who may benefit! ?? #CommunitySupport #ImmigrationClinic #FLAP #YouthCrossroads

Lo que esta pasando en Youth Crossroads este mes https://conta.cc/3DRVAYV

?? Less Than a Month Until the YC Gala! Have You Reserved Your Spot? ?? The countdown is ON! ?? Join us on April 25th for an unforgettable evening at the Youth Crossroads Gala! ?? ?? Spots are filling up fast—don't miss out! Secure your ticket now and be part of a night full of: ?? Inspiring stories from the youth we serve ?? Live entertainment & amazing raffles ?? A chance to connect & support a great cause! ?? Every ticket purchased helps us continue empowering young people to reach their full potential. Let's make a difference together! ?? Date: April 25, 2024 ?? Location: 7941 47th St, McCook, IL ?? Register now by scanning the QR code Tag a friend who should be there with you! Let's make this night one to remember! ?? #YCGala2024 #EmpoweringYouth #MakeAnImpact

See what we have been up to this month! https://conta.cc/3Fsftq5

?? Intern Spotlight: Meet Caroline! ?? Did you know that a simple icebreaker can make all the difference in connecting with others? ?? That's something Caroline, one of our incredible interns, is learning first-hand at Youth Crossroads! ???? Caroline is a student at UIC, studying Applied Psychology because she's always been fascinated by the mind and how it works. But what really drives her? Making a real difference in people's lives. ?? At Youth Crossroads, she's been building strong connections with students, stepping out of her comfort zone, and even gearing up to facilitate her own activity! ? Fun Facts About Caroline: ?? She taught herself how to do a cartwheel! ?? If she could have a superpower, it'd be flying—because traveling would be WAY more affordable and scenic! ?? Loves horror & drama movies—drop your favorite horror movie in the comments! ?? Caroline's goal is to graduate ?? and work in clinical mental health, focusing on helping marginalized communities. Her advice to future interns? "Be yourself and have confidence in your decisions!" ?? What's one thing you've done recently that pushed you out of your comfort zone? Let us know in the comments! ?? #InternSpotlight #MeetCaroline #YouthCrossroads #FutureMentalHealthLeader #GrowthMindset

An unforgettable day at the Capitol! ???? Our Youth Crossroads students chose to spend their day advocating for their community, using their voices to create change. It was inspiring to see their passion in action as they met with leaders, learned about the legislative process, and championed causes that impact their communities. Huge thanks to everyone who took the time to listen and support the next generation of changemakers! ???? #YouthCrossroads #SpringfieldTrip #YouthAdvocates #FutureLeaders #YCtoSpringfield #InvestInYouth #WeareYouthCrossroads #YCMakingMoves

?? Intern Spotlight: Gabriela Luczaj ?? Meet Gabriela (Gabi) Luczaj, one of our incredible interns at Youth Crossroads! Gabi is a first-generation Polish-American with a strong passion for mental health and helping others. She dreams of becoming a therapist and is currently studying Applied Psychology with a minor in HR at UIC. ?? Why Psychology? Inspired by her friends' encouragement and her natural ability to listen and give advice, Gabi knew she wanted to pursue a career in psychology. ?? Internship at YC Gabi facilitates after-school programs at Morton West and George Washington, creating meaningful connections with students. Her favorite part? Seeing the students smile and enjoy the activities she helps plan! ?? Skills & Lessons Learned Patience & emotional regulation – Working with kids has deepened her understanding of empathy. Perspective on mental health – This experience has solidified her goal of becoming a therapist. ?? Fun Facts About Gabi ? She loves crocheting and collects Pokémon cards, vinyls, and pins! ? If she had a superpower, it would be healing—to help people both physically and mentally. ? Favorite motto: "If you can change your mind, you can change your life." ?? Looking Ahead Gabi plans to pursue a master's in social work and hopes to support adolescents in their mental health journeys. ?? Advice to Future Interns: "Don't be scared to take steps in life that feel intimidating—trust your gut and do what feels right!" We're so grateful to have Gabi as part of the YC team! ?? #InternSpotlight #YouthCrossroads #FutureTherapist #MakingAnImpact

??? March is Women's History Month! ??? This month, we celebrate the power, resilience, and achievements of women throughout history and today. ???? From breaking barriers to shaping the future, women continue to inspire change in every field. Let's honor the trailblazers, amplify women's voices, and keep pushing for equality, empowerment, and opportunity for all. ???? Who's a woman that inspires you? Drop a name in the comments! ?? #WomensHistoryMonth #EmpowerHer #StrongerTogether #CelebrateWomen #YouthCrossroads

?? Intern Spotlight: Kaitlyn Amaro ?? Meet Kaitlyn, a dedicated Youth Crossroads intern making a difference in our Youth Development Program! ?? ?? School & Major: Social Work major with an Art minor at Concordia University Chicago ?? Hometown: Chicago, IL (Gage Park neighborhood) ?? Why Social Work? Kaitlyn has always wanted to help people. Through social work, she aims to provide support, resources, and advocacy to those in need. At Youth Crossroads, Kaitlyn is helping middle school students by planning engaging activities like "Think Outside the Picture" and paper mosaics inspired by Alma Thomas. She's discovered a new passion for working with youth and is excited about how this experience will shape her career. ?? Favorite Part? "Meeting the students and staff! I also love creating lesson plans and activities that help students learn and engage in fun ways." ?? Fun Fact: Kaitlyn can finish a 200-300 page book in under two hours! ?? Future Goals: Graduate, explore a career in youth work, and eventually pursue a master's degree—possibly in art therapy! We're lucky to have Kaitlyn on our team! ?? #InternSpotlight #YouthCrossroads #FutureSocialWorker #MakingAnImpact