Mission and Philosophy

Mission

The mission of the Winnetka Youth Organization (the YO) is to  foster individual development in junior high and high school youth on the North Shore by providing adult-to-youth mentoring,  prevention services, and opportunities for leadership, citizenship, and education within a safe, informal environment.  

History

In 1969, the Winnetka Youth Organization was founded as a not-for-profit organization whose mission was to provide positive alternatives for local teens in New Trier Township.

For 42 years, the WYO has provided a variety of programs, both recreational, educational, and service oriented. Informally known as “The YO”, the WYO is a place where kids can feel at home, meet new friends, and express individuality with their peers and WYO staff mentors.

 For many teens, one of the biggest problems they face, at home and at school, is the feeling that no one understands them. The WYO provides a place where they can have fun and be themselves in an accepting environment. When more serious problems arise, the staff at The WYO works with  parents and within our support network of trained professionals to refer young people to the appropriate community agencies.

 

What is the YO up to now?

As WYO celebrates 42 years as the only agency of its kind dedicated to teens of Winnetka and the surrounding area, we are happy to report the highest number of teen contacts per month as consistently higher than the past five years!  The WYO continues to operate as both a drop-in center for middle and high school youth, as well as offer structured recreational, educational, and philanthropic opportunities to youth with all new staff mentors and multiple new Executive Board members to guide the way. 

We offer a wide range of after-school and weekend activities in our substance-free space, including monthly concerts and open mic shows, ping-pong and pool tournaments, movie and game nights, and much more.  We also include community service and awareness-raising projects whenever possible, including recognizing April as Alcohol Awareness Month and participating in national campaigns such as “Kick Butts! Day,” which is an anti-tobacco  campaign, and “It Gets Better,” which seeks to end bullying against LGBTQ youth.  We also work with the Amnesty International Club at New Trier High School each spring to offer Jamnesty, which is a collaborative fundraising  project to raise funds for international humanitarian causes.

 Our goal is always to provide a safe and fun place for teens to be themselves outside of the home and school all year long.  Even though the organization has greatly evolved over the past year and sees greater numbers of youth than in previous years, our funding sources have diminished with the staggering economy.  We no longer qualify for United Way funds – which previously constituted more than 10% of our annual budget – and local funding sources such as community churches and municipalities face decreased budgets, forcing lesser grant distribution than we have received for years prior. Now more than ever, we need the support of parents and the community at large to sustain The WYO and allow for growth in years to come.