Initiatives Update for Youth Services in 2020
Contact: Megan Traficano, Youth Services Director
Oak Park Township
mtraficano@oakparktownship.org; 708-383-8005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2020
OAK PARK TOWNSHIP YOUTH SERVICES UPDATES FOR 2020
Oak Park and River Forest Townships Youth Services Department is pleased to provide an update on our exciting upcoming initiatives. First, we have Financial Assistance Scholarship funds available for youth in Oak Park and River Forest ages 6-18 to participate in extracurricular activities throughout the community. We also have a new database, KaleidaCare, that was implemented and went live on December 1, 2019. KaleidaCare will help us track our data and interventions used in the Youth Interventionist Program.
Youth Interventionist Dominique Hickman has started the winter session of “Girls on the Rise,” a program for 8th Grade girls at Gwendolyn Brooks and Percy Julian Middle Schools. Girls on the Rise offers a custom curriculum that focuses on helping girls improve self-esteem, self-worth, build leadership skills like self-reflection, critical thinking, sound decision making, goal setting, clear communication, and personal accountability. All of these skills are needed in transitioning into high school as well as being a productive citizen.
Finally, we are pleased to announce that Raheem Young, DBA will be joining Dominique Hickman, Laura Devitt and Supervisor Sara Marx, as a Youth Interventionist. Raheem has vast experience working with youth and families, facilitating groups, and has already worked in the Oak Park and River Forest communities for several years. We are very pleased and excited to have Raheem join our Youth Services Team!
If you have any questions about programming or would like to get involved, please contact the Youth Services Department at 708-445-2727 or visit our website at www.oakparktownship.org.
Oak Park Township Youth Services supports programs and services that address youth through the implementation of prevention techniques, crisis intervention, restorative justice, therapeutic involvement, case management and coordination of wraparound services with other community partners and agencies. Youth Services also advocates for programs and services which enhance the social/emotional development of youth and their families. Youth Services is committed to promoting positive opportunities for youth and families and to helping the youth and their families access needed services.