[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]This Giving Tuesday, we want to share some recent stories of just a few of the collaborative partnerships we are building on Chicago’s South Side. This work is part of our ongoing process of expanding to better serve youth across Chicago by opening a permanent site on the South Side. This new site will complement our ongoing work in schools and services based out of our Uptown youth center. Click here to give today![/vc_column_text][mk_title_box font_family=”none”]
Read about our South Side collaborative programs
Counseling and Substance Abuse Treatment
Peer Leadership Program with Seward Elementary
[/mk_title_box][mk_image src=”https://alternativesyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/fb_givingtuesday_cover-photo.png” image_size=”full”][mk_title_box font_family=”none”]
CircEsteem Partnership
[/mk_title_box][mk_image src=”https://alternativesyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/fb-shared-image-circesteem-photo.png” image_size=”full”][vc_column_text]This year, CircEsteem and Alternatives partnered to develop a Social-Circus program – an innovative social intervention for young men at Sawyer Elementary in Gage Park. This collaboration builds on a long-time partnership that dates back to CircEsteem’s founding in 2001. Alternatives’ Prevention Specialist is integrated into the program to add a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach to CircEsteem’s sessions, engaging them in conversation with an opening and closing circle.[/vc_column_text][mk_title_box font_family=”none”]
Counseling and Substance Abuse Treatment
[/mk_title_box][mk_image src=”https://alternativesyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/counseling-quotes-2.png” image_size=”full”][vc_column_text]We have heard over and over again about the need for youth-focused counseling and substance abuse treatment. This year, we are partnering with multiple public schools and organizations to expand access, these include Burke Elementary, Tilden High School, Assata’s Daughters, Gary Comer Youth Center, Teen Living Programs, and Lawrence Hall South.[/vc_column_text][mk_title_box font_family=”none”]
Peer Leadership Program at Seward
[/mk_title_box][mk_image src=”https://alternativesyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/fb-shared-image-seward-photo.png” image_size=”full”][vc_column_text]A year and a half ago, Seward Elementary received heartbreaking news, a student of theirs had passed from gun violence. Seward’s administration asked Alternatives’ to facilitate a circle to begin healing and restoring the school’s climate.
Alternatives’ Restorative Justice (RJ) team visited Seward and supported the whole school community through this tragedy. Based on that experience, Seward Elementary approached Alternatives about continuing this partnership by bringing RJ to the school. The RJ staff members were excited to create an extension of the Restorative Justice program, called the Peer Leadership Program.
The RJ Peer Leadership program trains a group of 7th and 8th graders to facilitate circles for younger classrooms, especially kindergarten and 1st grade. Peer leaders also have the opportunity to plan activities leading up to circle. Seward’s Principal, teachers, and staff are supported by Alternatives RJ Specialist, Andrew Tonachel. The Peer Leaders are just getting started now and the next phase of training will include peer conferencing.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Help us Spread the Word!
Here are some ways that you can help:
-
Make a donation here https://alternativesyouth.org/giving-tuesday
-
Maximize the match — A generous donor has agreed to match all gifts from new donors 100% – will you ask a friend to support our work? Does your employer have a special matching promotion for GivingTuesday? Facebook has a match offer from the Gates Foundation – will you create a fundraiser for Alternatives?
-
Post an #UnSelfie to raise awareness of Alternatives’ work
-
Share posts from Alternatives’ various social media networks
[/vc_column_text][mk_social_networks size=”large” icon_color=”#1e73be” icon_hover_color=”#eeeeee” facebook=”https://www.facebook.com/AlternativesYouth/” twitter=”https://twitter.com/alternativesinc” instagram=”https://www.instagram.com/alternativesinc/” linkedin=”https://www.linkedin.com/company/alternativesinc?trk=top_nav_home”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_cta h2=”Donate today and help us reach our goal of $20,000!”]This #GivingTuesday, support Alternatives’ expanding work on Chicago’s South Side by making a contribution today. A generous donor has agreed to match all gifts from new donors 1-to-1, that is a 100% match! Help us spread the word.
6:25pm Update: $11,635! There is still time to go!
3:33pm Update: $10,710! Over half-way there!
1:15pm Update: $7,755 now! Keep the momentum going!
11:04 am Update: We have raised $4,510 and we’re moving!
9:45 am Update: We have raised $1,750 already and we are just getting going![/vc_cta][mk_button_gradient size=”large” corner_style=”rounded” grandient_color_fallback=”#dd3333″ url=”http://weblink.donorperfect.com/Alternatives” align=”center”]Donate Today[/mk_button_gradient][/vc_column][/vc_row]
