Youth & Opportunity United

🌟 Join Us for a Special FAN Event! 🌟 On November 1st at 7 PM, the Family Action Network (FAN) invites you to a compelling discussion featuring Glory Edim and Natalie Y. Moore as they delve into Gather Me: A Memoir in Praise of the Books That Saved Me! 📚 This inspiring memoir is not only a personal journey; it serves as a powerful reminder of how literature can shape our identities and communities. Why is this book particularly beneficial for our kids? Representation Matters: Glory’s story highlights the importance of seeing oneself in literature, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging young readers to embrace their own narratives. Building Resilience: The themes of family and community in Gather Me provide invaluable lessons on navigating challenges, reminding our kids that they are not alone in their struggles. Cultivating a Love for Reading: Engaging with passionate authors can inspire our youth to explore new genres, nurturing a lifelong love for reading. Empowerment Through Knowledge: This event will promote critical thinking and discussions about identity, culture, and personal growth, helping our kids articulate their own experiences and aspirations. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of storytelling and its profound impact on young minds. Mark your calendars and spread the word—we can’t wait to see you there! 🎉 https://ow.ly/seT150TWiH7 #GatherMe #Literature #YouthEmpowerment #FamilyActionNetwork #BookDiscussion #RepresentationMatters

Celebrating Joyful Experiences 🌟 “One of my favorite experiences is when we got to go on field trips.” - Madison, Y.O.U. youth Joy is one of our core values, and we believe that enriching experiences should be fun! Field trips provide incredible opportunities for kids to explore new places and activities, from sports games to movie theaters, water parks, and beyond. For many of our participants, these adventures are the first of their kind, opening doors to exciting possibilities. ⚾🏀🎢 Afterschool programs play a vital role in ensuring that children have a safe space to learn, grow, and enjoy themselves. By focusing on joy, we foster an environment where kids can thrive both academically and socially. If you're passionate about supporting joyful experiences for children, consider donating to help us continue creating these impactful opportunities. 👉 Click the link to donate and help us spread joy! https://lnkd.in/gjSUSqHz #LightsOnAfterschool #YouthEmpowerment #Joy #FieldTrips #SupportYouth #Community #Evanston #AfterSchoolPrograms #MakeADifference

Spotlight on Y.O.U. Summer Camp 🌞✨ “My favorite Y.O.U. experience is when I went to Y.O.U. Summer Camp!” - A proud Y.O.U. youth This summer, we had an incredible journey with 281 kids who joined us at Y.O.U. Summer Camp! They engaged in over 180 hours of fun, learning, and growth through enriching activities. Our campers fostered curiosity, built confidence, and developed essential skills through hands-on learning and creative exploration. Having a safe and supportive place to be during the summer is crucial for children. Programs like Y.O.U. Summer Camp provide a nurturing environment where kids can make new friends, try new things, and create lasting memories. This not only enriches their lives but also helps them stay engaged and active during the break. Let’s keep the #LightsonAfterschool shining bright! Your support is vital for continuing programs like Y.O.U. Summer Camp, ensuring that more children have a place to thrive and grow. 👉 Help us empower more youth by clicking the link to donate! https://lnkd.in/gjSUSqHz #LightsOnAfterschool #YouthEmpowerment #SummerCamp #SupportYouth #LearningThroughPlay #Community #Evanston #AfterSchoolPrograms #MakeADifference

Celebrating Creativity with Art Encounter 🎨✨ Thanks to our partnership with Art Encounter, we provide our youth with opportunities to explore their creativity and discover their passions. Just look at what Kat from Nichols shared: “I love doing art so much. It's my second love tbh.” One memorable workshop led by Art Encounter inspired our students through the artwork of Kimmy Cantrell. Instead of using masks as a disguise, our young artists saw them as a way to express their identity, transforming simple materials into vibrant pieces of self-expression. These experiences enrich our students' lives, helping them build self-esteem and express themselves in meaningful ways. Through art workshops, students learn to channel their emotions and ideas creatively. Supporting afterschool programs like Y.O.U. is crucial for fostering these creative opportunities. These programs provide safe spaces for youth to learn, grow, and explore their interests, empowering them to become confident individuals. When you invest in afterschool initiatives, you’re helping to shape the future of our young people and our community. Let’s keep the #LightsonAfterschool shining bright! Your support is vital in ensuring we can continue offering these transformative experiences to our youth. 👉 Join us in this mission! Click the link to donate and help empower our young artists! https://lnkd.in/gjSUSqHz #LightsOnAfterschool #YouthEmpowerment #ArtsEducation #SupportYouth #CreativeExpression #Evanston #AfterSchoolPrograms #MakeADifference

💬“I love making and eating food at the Talking Farm.” - A young participant from Dawes At Y.O.U., we recognize the importance of educating our youth about gardening and nutrition. These experiences not only foster healthy habits but also empower young people to take charge of their well-being and build essential life skills. Our partnership with The Talking Farm been instrumental in providing incredible opportunities for our youth. The relationships formed, especially with Lissa from Talking Farm, create a supportive environment where kids thrive—whether they are at the farm or engaging in activities in Y.O.U.'s backyard. As we celebrate #LightsonAfterschool, we invite you to join us in supporting programs like Y.O.U. Your contributions help keep the lights on and provide transformative experiences for our youth, including: Empowerment: Building confidence and leadership skills. Education: Teaching essential life skills, such as gardening and nutrition. Health: Promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity. Community Building: Fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork. Future Success: Investing in the next generation for brighter futures. 👉 Join us in this mission! Click the link to donate and make a meaningful impact today! https://ow.ly/pAaT50TSQlN Let’s work together to ensure that every young person has access to the resources they need to succeed. #YouthEmpowerment #Community #Gardening #Nutrition #SupportYouth #Evanston #HealthyLiving #FoodEducation #AfterSchoolPrograms #MakeADifference What’s your favorite way to connect with food? Share in the comments! #YouthEmpowerment #Community #Gardening #Nutrition #SupportYouth #Evanston #HealthyLiving #FoodEducation #FarmToTable #YouthPrograms #SustainableLiving #LearnByDoing #HealthyHabits #EvanstonCommunity #AfterSchoolPrograms #MakeADifference

🌟 "My favorite Y.O.U. experience is cooking with Chef Brady!" 🍳✨ This quote from one of our youth highlights the incredible learning happening in our kitchen. Chef Brady is teaching valuable culinary skills that not only promote healthy eating but also foster creativity and confidence among our young people. Being in the kitchen provides opportunities for teamwork and builds lasting memories. However, to continue offering these enriching experiences, we need your support to keep the #LightsonAfterschool shining bright. Engaging in afterschool programs like Y.O.U. is essential for empowering our youth and providing them with the resources they need to thrive. We encourage you to like, comment, and share this post to amplify our message. Let’s celebrate the importance of supporting afterschool programming! If you can, consider donating today—every contribution makes a difference in creating spaces where our youth can grow and succeed. https://lnkd.in/gmgc7jdv 💡❤️ #SupportAfterSchoolPrograms #YouthEmpowerment #CulinarySkills #CommunitySupport

At Y.O.U., our collaboration with TruNU is making a real difference in the lives of our youth. Engaging with young adults through sports not only fosters essential teamwork skills but also creates lasting connections that empower our kids to thrive. Malik recently shared, “My favorite Y.O.U. experience is TruNU.” This sentiment reflects the enthusiasm and joy our kids find in participating in team sports and connecting with mentors who understand their challenges and aspirations. The benefits of teamwork extend far beyond the game. Working alongside peers and young adults teaches our youth valuable lessons in communication, collaboration, and resilience. It’s about building trust, developing leadership skills, and learning to support one another—skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Through our partnership with #TruNU, we’re able to provide an environment where our kids can explore their interests, build confidence, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team. Malik is one of many Y.O.U. youth who emphasize the importance of TruNU. The personal connections they forge remind them that they are valued and supported every step of the way. Together, we’re creating a community where every child has access to enriching experiences that promote personal growth and teamwork. If you believe in the power of mentorship and the importance of safe spaces for our youth, consider supporting Y.O.U. today! Your contributions help us keep the lights on after school, ensuring that programs like these can continue to thrive. Every dollar counts and plays a vital role in providing our youth with the opportunities they deserve. Thank you for being part of our journey! 💪❤️ #LightsOnAfterschool #TruNU #SupportAfterSchoolPrograms

🌟 Today is #LightsonAfterschool and we need your help to keep the lights shining bright! Join us throughout the day as we share heartfelt notes from our amazing youth, showcasing their favorite Y.O.U. experiences. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to safe spaces where they can thrive. "My favorite Y.O.U. experience is when Ms. Cheyenne is here." This sentiment resonates across our school sites, with many students expressing their enthusiasm for Ms. Cheyenne, the staff at Y.O.U. and the positive impact they have on their lives. These connections are essential, fostering a sense of belonging and support that helps our youth flourish. The importance of these relationships is highlighted by our recent survey, revealing that 92% of Y.O.U. youth feel comfortable talking to staff about their interests. This statistic underscores the value of having approachable, caring adults in their lives. When young people can openly communicate with trusted mentors, it boosts their confidence and empowers them to explore their passions. By clicking on the link attached and donating to Y.O.U., you play a crucial role in keeping the #LightsonAfterschool. Your contributions help provide safe, welcoming spaces where youth can build strong, positive relationships with adults like Ms. Cheyenne—relationships that leave a lasting impact. Every dollar helps create opportunities for mentorship and support, ensuring our youth have the resources they need to succeed. https://ow.ly/F1aQ50TSw4f If you’re inspired to make a difference, consider donating early to help us reach our goals. Together, we can create nurturing environments where our youth thrive, knowing they have caring adults by their side. Every donation counts, no matter how small, and your support truly makes a difference! 💡❤️ #Y.O.UandMe #SupportAfterSchoolPrograms

🌟 Y.O.U. & Me: Sneak Peek Alert! 🌟 Tomorrow marks #LightsOnAfterschool, and we are excited to share our Y.O.U. & Me series, where our incredible youth reflect on what Y.O.U. means to them. 💬💙 Today, we highlight a student from Oakton who shared: "My favorite Y.O.U. experience is being with my friends." This sentiment is echoed in many of our cards, underscoring the vital role that friendships play in our youth’s development. These connections not only enrich their experiences but also emphasize the importance of afterschool programs in fostering community and support. Having friends is crucial for our youth, providing them with a sense of belonging and confidence to thrive. We are eager for tomorrow! Our Y.O.U. & Me campaign will run throughout the day, and we look forward to sharing these meaningful experiences with our community. Be sure to check our socials to join in the celebration! 🙌 Let’s come together to recognize the significant impact that afterschool programs have on our youth. 💙✨ 💬 We invite you to share your favorite afterschool memories in the comments below or tag us! #LightsOnAfterschool #YouthVoices #YOUMe #Community #AfterSchoolMatters

⚾ Y.O.U. & Me: Cubs Game Memories! ⚾ Our Y.O.U. youth from King Arts have shared some unforgettable moments, and today we’re highlighting one that stands out: "My favorite Y.O.U. experience is going to a Cubs game." – Y.O.U. youth from King Arts. Thanks to the generous support of The Bill Nelson Memorial Foundation, our youth get to experience the excitement of Chicago Cubs games, creating memories that last a lifetime. In memory of their dear friend, Bill Nelson, the Foundation funds these trips to give our youth the chance to enjoy the game—and the moments that come with it—that many might not otherwise have. We are so grateful for their contribution to making these experiences possible! 🌟 Be sure to follow us this Thursday as we continue our Y.O.U. & Me series! We’ll be sharing more insights from our youth, and you won’t want to miss what they have to say. 💬 What experience has made the biggest impact on you? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us—we’d love to hear from you! #LightsOnAfterschool #YOUMemories #CubsGame #BillNelsonFoundation #YouthEmpowerment #Community #AfterSchoolMatters