A Look Inside Teen Living Programs

ByAshadee King-Hackney

This slideshow is intended to inform and educate society about programs such as Teen Living Programs that cater to youth in the city of Chicago.

A short clip (link) is attached at the end to give a look into the lives of youths associated with this program and shows how this program has helped them to

overcome obstacles and lead them to a better future.

Overview Residential and support services to ensure that young

people are equipped to live independently

Main goal - prevent and end youth homelessness

Serving Chicago area since 1976 in the Bronzeville neighborhood

Teen Living Programs is the only Chicago agency that solely focus on youth that are homeless

Who TLP Serves

Who TLP Serves Youth ages 13-24

84% African-American 8% Hispanic 5% White 3% Other 45% Male 55% Female

Causes of Youth Homelessness Family Turmoil

Neglect

Violence

Poverty

Options for assistance Serve 350 youths a year with a continuum of resources

Emergency, short-term and long-term support 4 Bed Emergency Shelter

Ages 14-17 24 Bed Transitional Living Shelter (Belfort House)

Ages 17-21 10 Apartment Independent Living Program (Cassa)

Ages 18 to 24 Aftercare program (Shoulder to Shoulder)

Comprehensive services Employment Guidance Educational Support Health Care Outreach Program

Belfort House

Success Stories

Charles-Five years ago, Charles came to TLP feeling like there was no place for him to go and nothing he could do. At Belfort House, he “met a whole family I didn’t even know about, people who embraced me with open arms.” While at TLP, he graduated high school, started college, and landed a job. Today, Charles is a supervisor at the University of Illinois Medical Center and is studying to become a massage therapist.

Theresa- In her two years at TLP, she earned her high school diploma from the AmSeanan School, a correspondence program that enables students to work at their own pace; landed employment; and graduated into TLP’s independent living program, CaSSA. She was recently promoted as a trainer at Potbelly’s, a job that “allows me to shine.”

Associates Affiliated with partners who raise funds, provide capital, and

help provide jobs for youth

Contact InformationMailing Address

Teen Living Programs

162 W. Hubbard St.

Suite 400

Chicago, IL 60654

Contact Information312-568-5700

info@teenliving.orghttp://www.teenliving.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLPo0srgEL0