Stay Connected with Oak Park Township!
Our online newsletter has the latest news, events, and updates.
Youth & Family Services
Youth & Family Services provides programs and services that address youth through implementing mental health therapy and resources, restorative justice practices, prevention services and resources, group facilitation, training and education, and collaboration with other community partners and agencies on youth needs. Youth & Family Services is committed to promoting positive opportunities for youth and families and to helping the youth and their families access needed services.
Join the Youth & Family Services Advisory Committee
Oak Park Township is seeking community members interested in supporting programs that promote the health and well-being of youth and families. The Youth & Family Services Committee serves in an advisory role to the Township, helping guide funding recommendations, outreach efforts, and initiatives that impact local youth.
Committee members:
- Serve as ambassadors for Youth & Family Services
- Participate in monthly meetings (excluding summer months)
- Contribute to strategic planning, community outreach, and special projects
- Serve a three-year term
We welcome applicants who are passionate about supporting youth and families and who bring a range of experiences and perspectives.
Submit completed applications to: khenry@oakparktownship.org
Have questions? Contact Youth & Family Services at (708) 445-2727
Become a Volunteer Advisory Committee Member!
Everyone needs help, support, guidance, and connection at different times in their lives, including our youth. The Youth & Family Services Advisory Committee releases an RFP every year and maks funding recommendation to other youth serving programs to the Township Board of Trustees.
See the Youth & Family Services Advisory Committee Information Flyer to learn how you can become a volunteer committee member and help us support youth and their families in Oak Park and River Forest.
Every Youth Needs An Advocate
Youth and Family Services for Oak Park and River Forest Township provides free confidential and customized access to a variety of programs and resources.
- Free Individual and Group Counseling
- Free Family Support
- Financial Assistance for After-School and Summer Programs
- Referrals and Resources
- Free Personal Products and School Supplies
- Volunteer Opportunities.
See the Youth & Family Services Brochure to learn more about how we support youth and their families in Oak Park and River Forest.
Youth & Family Services Annual Report
April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024
Youth & Family Services for Oak Park and River Forest Township provides a variety of programs and resources. Some highlights include:
- 1,181 Youth Engagement Client Session
- 151 Girls Enrolled in the Girls on the Rise Program
- 136.5 lbs of Prescription Medication Collected
- 52 Scholarships Awarded
- 1,548 Youth Serviced in Contracted Programs
- 261 School Supply Backpacks Distributed
See the Youth & Family Services FY2024 Annual Report to learn more about how we supported youth and their families in Oak Park and River Forest.
Youth and Family Services Contract Applications — Fiscal Year 2028
Youth and Family Services of Oak Park and River Forest Townships are now accepting contract applications for Fiscal Year 2028 (April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028).
We’re seeking proposals in these areas:
- Social Emotional Learning
- Community and Civic Awareness
- Social Justice
- Career and Future Planning
How to Apply:
Download the Contract Request Form and Funding Spreadsheet
Complete and submit your proposal by email to:
Idalit Zavala
izavala@oakparktownship.org
Deadline:
All contract requests must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2026.
Youth Engagement Program
The Youth Engagement Program offers various free services to support the mental health and wellness of youth ages 6-18. If you've experienced a crisis or trauma, are feeling anxious or depressed, and/or aren't sure where to start, our Youth Engagement staff are trained to assist you. The Youth Engagement Team provides individual counseling and group counseling to assist if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Anxiety/Depression
- Behavioral Changes
- Crisis/Trauma
- Gang Involvement
- Other Stressors
We also have a mentoring program designed to support you in identifying and achieving your goals.
To get started, you can use the Youth Engagement Program Referral Form in English or the Youth Engagement Program Referral Form in Spanish.
Girls on the Rise Program
Girls on the Rise is a unique and innovative program designed specifically for girls of color in grades 3rd through 8th. The program aims to empower girls and provide them with tools to improve self-esteem, celebrate their cultural heritage, learn self-awareness, and strengthen interpersonal relationships to prepare them for a successful transition to high school and adulthood.
Girls on the Rise is available and free to those currently attending:
- Percy Julian Middle School
- Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School
- Roosevelt Middle School
- Willard Elementary School
To learn more about the program, please contact Girls on the Rise Manager Dominique Hickman at dhickman@oakparktownship.org.
Community Justice Program
The Community Justice Program works closely with the Villages' of Oak Park and River Forest's local adjudication divisions.
We provide a community engagement program that helps youth complete engagement hours at local organizations and businesses.
The Township provides specialized programming for youth and families addressing factors that may contribute to involvement in the adjudication process. Services include restorative circles, peer mediation, and group classes designed to strengthen communication skills and support positive outcomes. Additionally, the Prevention Coordinator offers free substance use counseling at the Township, providing individualized support and connections to resources for long-term success.
To make a referral, please complete our Youth Services Referral Form.
In FY 2024, the Community Justice Program:
- Assisted 30 Youth
- Provided 4 Specialized Programming Education Sessions
- Attended 24 Adjudication Hearings
- Collected 136.5 lbs. of Prescription Medication
- Attended 6 Opioid Taskforce Meetings
To learn more about the program, please contact Youth & Family Services at (708) 445-2727.
Job Skills & Readiness Program
The Community Justice Program offers a free service for High School-aged Youth from Oak Park and River Forest.
Learn how to format a clean professional resume:
- Job search techniques
- One-on-one assistance and support
- Mock interviews
- Professional technical support
See the Job Skills & Readiness Program Flyer to learn more or contact Jacob Matson, MPP Community Justice Manager, at (708)-445-2727 x2120 or jmatson@oakparktownship.org.
Prescription Collection Site
Safe Prescription and Sharps Disposal
Oak Park Township Prevention Services in the Youth and Family Services Department is pleased to announce its partnership with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office offers a convenient prescription take-back box located in the Township parking lot. Community members can safely dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted medications at any time.
In addition, the Township now has a sharps disposal box mounted next to the prescription drop box. This secure container accepts both used and unused sharps products, providing a safe and responsible way to dispose of them at your convenience.
Please remember that liquids CAN NOT be collected.
Both drop boxes are located at 105 S. Oak Park Avenue, in the back left corner of the parking lot.
Youth Hygiene Closet
Oak Park and River Forest Youth Services Committee created the Youth Hygiene Closet to provide youth in need with essential personal care items to help manage their hygiene and health.
Donated personal care products are distributed free-of-charge to youth in the community who request items.
You can donate by ordering new products through the Youth & Family Services Hygiene Closet Amazon Wishlist. The products will be directly shipped to Oak Park Township at 105 S. Oak Park Avenue.
If you prefer to drop off items, please take them to the Oak Park Township Office at 105 S. Oak Park Avenue any weekday between 9 am and 5 pm.
All donated products must be new, sealed, or unopened.
New regular-sized or travel-sized items in the following categories are needed:
- Hair and Face Care
- Body Hygiene Care
- Dental Hygiene
- Feminine Care
To learn more about the program, please contact Youth & Family Services at (708) 445-2727 or youth@oakparktownship.org.
Financial Assistance Scholarships (FAS)
Youth & Family Services offer Financial Assistance Scholarships (FAS) for youth, to assist them in participating in activities and/or programs they are financially unable to access.
Funds can be used for costs relating directly to registration and participant fees only.
The following eligibility requirements are needed to apply:
- The family must reside in, or the child must attend school in, either Oak Park or River Forest
- For Oak Park, the child must be 6 to 17 years of age at the start of the program
- For River Forest, the child must be 5 to 17 years of age at the start of the program
- The family's income should not exceed FAS Income Guidelines
- The family must contribute to the program costs
See the FY 2027 Financial Assistance Scholarship Forms for the application, guidelines, and income verification forms.
See the Park District of Oak Park Financial Assistance Program page for more information about their scholarships and childcare discount memberships.
See the Oak Park and River Forest High School Summer Sports Camps page for the latest camp listings and to register.
Youth & Family Services Contractors
In an effort to facilitate positive experiences for the youth of Oak Park and River Forest, Oak Park and River Forest Townships contract with agencies annually, offering educational, recreational and vocational programs that engage young residents 0-18 years old.
Opportunities include::
- Social Emotional Learning
- Community and Civic Awareness
- Social Justice
- Career and Future Planning
- Intergenerational Programs
Our all-volunteer Youth and Family Services Committee, consisting of Oak Park and River Forest residents, advises the Township Board with funding recommendations based on available funds.
Grants will be awarded up to $15,000.
See the FY 2026 Youth & Family Services Contracts to see organizations, programs, and grant amounts that were awarded for Fiscal Year 2025 (April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025).
Our Community Partners
River Forest Township
River Forest Township enhances the health and well-being of residents through the funding and delivery of human and assessor services, which provide a sense of caring, connection, and community.
Visit the River Forest Township website to learn more about their programs, events, and resources.
Village of River Forest
The Village of River Forest provides essential local services like managing streets, water and sewer systems, refuse and recycling collection, public safety through a police department, community tree care (including planting, trimming, and removal), and overseeing construction and engineering projects within the village boundaries.
Visit the Village of River Forest Park website to learn more about its services and events.
River Forest Park District
The River Forest Park District is committed to enriching the community through acquisition, development, management, and preservation of parks and open space, while providing fun, meaningful, and safe recreation opportunities for the residents of River Forest.
Visit the River Forest Park District website to learn more about its resources, programs, and events.
Village of Oak Park
The Village of Oak Park provides a wide range of services, from public safety programs like fire and police protection to support for housing, historic preservation, and neighborhood relations.
Visit the Village of Oak Park website to learn more about their programs, events, and resources.
Oak Park and River Forest High School - OPRF School District 200
Oak Park and River Forest High School provides a dynamic, supportive learning environment that cultivates knowledge, skills, and character and strives for equity and excellence for all students.
Visit the Oak Park and River Forest High School website to learn more about their programs, events, and resources.
Oak Park Elementary School District 97
Oak Park Elementary School District 97 creates a positive learning environment for all District 97 students that is equitable, inclusive, and focused on the whole child.
Visit the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 website to learn more about the district, its schools, and its events.
River Forest School District 90
River Forest School District 90 inspires and empowers all learners to achieve their personal best by providing a rigorous and robust learning experience within a nurturing environment for all students.
Visit the River Forest School District 90 website to learn more about its schools, school board, and resources.
Oak Park Public Library
As a public library in a Book Sanctuary Community, Oak Park Public Library's mission is to share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations. Their vision to empower every voice in their community.
Visit the Oak Park Public Library website to learn more about its resources, programs, and events.
River Forest Public Library
The River Forest Public Library is committed to providing value and excellent service to the Village of River Forest. RFPL is regarded as an important information, entertainment, and community resource for people of all ages.
Visit the River Forest Public Library website to learn more about its resources, programs, and events.
All Engagement Reports can be found in the Youth and Family Services archives.
All Approved Minutes can be found in the Youth and Family Services archives.