| Donate Now! >> | Home | About Us | Our Programs | Meet Our Youth | Get Involved | News | Events | Related Links |
E-News
Youth News, June 2009
Graduation News for Korvell!
TLP's newest resident of CaSSA, our independent living program, is an extraordinarily motivated young man who has overcome unimaginable setbacks to reach his goals. Ten months into his stay at Belfort House, TLP's transitional living program, Korvell had gained employment and was enrolled in a GED program. Then, life threw him a new challenge, when he became an unintended victim in a shooting. A severe injury forced him to leave his job and his studies, but he never gave up hope. His caseworker calls him "perseverance personified." Recovered from his injury, Korvell now works at KFC, and is continuing to earn and save money. In addition to work and school, he served as president of Belfort House's Youth Council, and has taken the lead in several events to raise funds for Belfort House. Congratulations, Korvell!
Complete June 2009 E-newsletter
Youth News, May 2009
Graduation news for LaTasha, Cherice and Jatara!
With two graduations into CaSSA yesterday and one from CaSSA to independence, there has been much to celebrate at Teen Living Programs! LaTasha, who juggles working at UPS with studying for her GED, graduated from Belfort House into CaSSA, TLP's independent living program. Congratulations, LaTasha! Cherice, one of the five youth who attended President Obama's Inauguration, moved from TLP's Shoulder-to-Shoulder program into CaSSA. Congratulations, Cherice! Jatara, featured in last month's e-newsletter for sharing her story at our Dream a Bigger Dream Gala, graduated from CaSSA into independence. Congratulations, Jatara! Congratulations and best wishes to all of our graduates!
Complete May 2009 E-newsletter
Youth News, April 2009
Eric Graduates from CaSSA!
Eric came all the way through the ranks of TLP, and quickly! Just two years ago, he arrived at TLP's Bronzeville Youth Shelter for minors. A few months later, he moved into TLP's Transitional Living Program, resumed his education at an alternative high school, and graduated with a B average.
With the help of TLP staff, he found a job, and after only nine months, had saved enough money to apply to CaSSA, TLP's Independent Living Program. Eric graduated from CaSSA last month. Now living on his own, his next goal is to become a licensed massage therapist. His words of advice to teens who are homeless or in unworkable home situations: "These hard times are temporary and will make you appreciate life so much more when it is good. Don't let anyone get in the way of your dreams." Way to go, Eric!
Complete April 2009 E-newsletter
Youth News, February 2009
TLP Goes to Washington: Inauguration Reflections
When Crystal learned she was one of five youth to receive tickets to President-elect Obama's Inauguration (with WGN-TV there to capture her reaction), "I thought it was a stunt ... I didn't believe it," she recalls, laughing. Disbelief quickly changed to exultation as she, along with fellow TLP alums Eric, Cherice, Patricia, and Kevin, found out they really were heading to Washington, D.C. to share history in the making. The five youth attended the We Are One concert headlined by Stevie Wonder and Beyonce, in addition to the "People's Pre-Inaugural Ball," co-hosted by Sasha Bruce Youthwork, a sister homeless youth organization in D.C. Responding to President Obama's call to service, youth also volunteered at a local food drive on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. "It was a chance to give back in the same way that people gave to me when I needed help," says Kevin. The highlight, of course, was witnessing the inauguration ceremony of America's 44th president. "My eyes were filled with tears of joy as Mr. Obama took his oath," says Crystal. "It was a reminder that this world is changing. We can all do whatever is in our hearts."
Check the archives for youth photos, video and reflections.
Complete February 2009 E-newsletter
Youth News, December 2008
Peer-to-Peer Outreach
"We are seeing wonderful things happen when TLP youth reach out to young people on the street," says Bina Rubinson, Street and Community Outreach Program Supervisor. "Youth who are homeless may feel vulnerable and are far more comfortable talking with someone their age, a colleague who truly understands what they are going through." As part of TLP's peer outreach program, several TLP youth are hired and receive extensive training to become Peer Educators. They provide information, and in many cases, inspiration, to their peers who are homeless. The program educates and engages young people who may not know where to turn for help. Together, with staff, Peer Educators reach up to 150 young people on Chicago streets each night. These service ambassadors provide a critical link for TLP, and they are passionate about their work. "By reaching out to others, TLP youth have the chance to give back and help," continues Rubinson. "Helping others to change their lives is incredibly empowering, and they rightfully feel very proud." Thank you, TLP Peer Educators and Leaders, for helping us bring support and services to the youth who need them most!
Complete December 2008 E-newsletter
Youth News, November 2008
Back to School in Record Numbers!
Great TLP education news: We are very proud to report that 90% of TLP youth are currently enrolled in programs to further their education, including GED tutoring, high school, college, and other academic/training programs! We attribute this success to many factors, paramount of which is youth motivation! Six TLP youth are currently enrolled at the Youth Connection Leadership Academy, part of the Illinois Institute of Technology. This charter high school offers a college-like atmosphere and a comfortable environment for students. On-site (at Belfort House) GED training has also made it easier for youth to get the preparation they need. Fifteen to 20 youth are slated for programs this fall. Congratulations, students! Keep up the great work!
Complete November 2008 E-newsletter
Youth News, October 2008
Recent High School Graduations!
Hats off - in this case graduation caps - to Sheila and Shantae! Sheila, currently in CaSSA, graduated in May from a Chicago Public School charter high school. She plans to attend college beginning in January or next fall. Shantae is an August graduate from the American School of Correspondence, the only accredited correspondence high school in the country. She completed the program and earned her degree while working full-time! She is investigating college choices and hopes to begin in January. TLP hosted a tribute to the young women (complete with caps, gowns, pomp and circumstance) with friends, family, and TLP staff cheering them on. Congratulations, Shantae and Sheila!
Complete October 2008 E-newsletter
Youth News, July 2008
Belfort House and CaSSA Graduations!
On June 4, TLP community members gathered to offer their congratulations to three new graduates. Shantae and Autumn both graduated from Belfort House into their own CaSSA apartments. Both chose to live in Rogers Park. Victor graduated from the CaSSA program, and now holds the lease to his apartment! Victor's is a familiar name in TLP's ranks, as he's been in the program for five years and spoke at the Dream a Bigger Dream Gala in 2007. He started out in Belfort House in 2003, and then graduated into the CaSSA program in June of 2006. Victor now works at Caribou Coffee, and says his many years with TLP taught him a host of important life skills, like budgeting and managing his own finances. Of moving from Belfort House, through the CaSSA program, and then achieving independence, Victor said, "It feels like an achievement. It feels like a big achievement." This month, two more TLP graduates, Juan and Brandice, are moving from Belfort House into their CaSSA apartments. Congratulations to Autumn, Brandice, Juan, Shantae, and Victor for taking your next step toward independence!