Covenant House Illinois

Do you have an Xbox or PlayStation system you no longer use? 🎮 CHIL is seeking donations of gaming systems for our youth! Your contribution can provide hours of entertainment and joy for the young people who live in our new Transitional Living Program. If you can help, please reach out to us!

CHIL CEO Susan Reyna-Guerrero joined Steve Dale on WGN Radio to discuss the worrying trend of LGBTQ+ youth being disproportionately represented among youth facing homelessness. Did you know that LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGTBQ+ peers? That's why safe spaces like CHIL are so crucial in the fight to end the cycle of youth homelessness. You can listen to the 20 minute interview here: https://wgnradio.com/wgn-plus/steve-dales-other-world/lgbtq-members-over-represent-teenage-runaways/

🌬️🌡️ Stay cool, Chicago! Beat the heat by visiting one of the city's cooling centers. Remember to check on your neighbors and stay hydrated!

📚✨ In honor of Juneteenth, our team has come together to share some of our favorite books that celebrate African American history, culture, and the ongoing journey toward freedom and equality. Here are our top picks:

"Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison - A powerful novel addressing social and intellectual issues faced by African Americans in the early 20th century.
"Giovanni's Room" by James Baldwin - A groundbreaking work exploring complex themes of identity, sexuality, and societal norms.
"Hood Feminism" by Mikki Kendall - A compelling call to address the intersectionality often overlooked in mainstream feminism.
"One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia - A touching middle-grade novel set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement.
"The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes" - A comprehensive collection capturing the spirit and struggles of African Americans.
"Citizen: An American Lyric" by Claudia Rankine - A powerful blend of poetry, prose, and visual art examining race and racism in America.
"Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates - An intimate letter exploring the realities of being Black in America.
"Stamped from the Beginning" by Ibram X. Kendi - A definitive history of racist ideas in America.
"Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi - An epic multi-generational saga tracing the legacy of slavery.
"Beloved" by Toni Morrison - A haunting novel about the impact of slavery on a woman’s life.
"Juneteenth for Mazie" by Floyd Cooper - A beautifully illustrated children's book explaining the history and significance of Juneteenth.
"The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson - A gripping account of the migration of African Americans from the South to Northern and Western cities.
"Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson - An exploration of the hidden caste system in America and its impacts.
"The 1619 Project" by Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine - An expanded exploration of the history and legacy of slavery in America.
"On Juneteenth" by Annette Gordon-Reed - A blend of history and memoir providing deep insights into Juneteenth.
These books have deeply moved and educated us, and we hope they will do the same for you. Join us in reading and reflecting on these powerful works as we honor Juneteenth.

What are your favorite books that explore these themes? Share your recommendations in the comments below! ⬇️

Our Transitional Living Program is now OPEN! Check out our Amazon wish list, linked in the comments! 🤍

Today we celebrate Amir*, who recently got an IT internship with The Chicago Urban League! 🎉 Our programs team invited The Urban League to conduct a series of workforce development workshops at CHIL, where youth learned crucial career skills, like how to ace an interview, resume writing tips, and even how to tie a tie! After the series concluded, Amir felt moved by the Urban League's dedication - so they applied for an IT internship and got hired! Congrats, Amir! ⭐

*Resident's name has been changed to protect their identity

We are thrilled to announce the official opening of our new Transitional Living Program: Rights of Passage (ROP)! This milestone marks the completion of the Campaign for Youth Potential, a $12 million fundraising initiative that enabled us to purchase and beautifully renovate our 3-story building in East Garfield Park. With the addition of ROP, we now have the capacity to provide shelter and wrapround supports to 56 young people and, with our slate of comprehensive, trauma-informed, tailored services, the ability to help hundreds more achieve their goals and permanently overcome homelessness. Since moving into this building in 2021, we have created safe spaces for youth to grow and learn while working toward independence. Covenant House International

We still need some supplies to make this space as welcoming as possible for our youth! Visit our Amazon wish list to get items delivered directly to us: https://ow.ly/o1HW50SemqY

This Pride Month, we celebrate Covenant House alumni Nick's journey of self-discovery and advocacy! From overcoming challenges as a transgender youth to becoming a dedicated advocate, Nick's story is inspiring and empowering. Read about his transformative experiences and his ongoing efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community. 🌈✨ Covenant House International Covenant House New Jersey

Check out the full story here: https://www.covenanthouse.org/news/alumni-spotlight-pride-month-nick-talks-self-discovery-and-advocacy

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Bob's Furniture for their generous donation of mattresses to our new Transitional Living Program! Your contribution is making a significant impact, allowing us to provide a comfortable and safe environment for youth every night. We are deeply grateful for your support and commitment to helping our community. Thank you, Bob's Discount Furniture, for being a wonderful partner in our mission to end the cycle of youth homelessness.

We are sending a HUGE congratulations to Elijah Hogan, a resident of Covenant House New Orleans who just graduated from Walter L. Cohen High School as valedictorian!! 💙 Elijah's accomplishment led him to be featured on Good Morning America, ABC News, CNN, The New York Post, and more! In his valedictorian speech, he says, "Wherever you go, go with all your heart."

Understanding the roots of is essential to honoring its legacy. 🏳️‍🌈 Check out this insightful article from them.us on the history of Pride and learn about the journey of resilience, resistance, and celebration within the LGBTQ+ community. Let's continue to support, uplift, and advocate for a brighter, more inclusive future. 🌈✨

https://www.them.us/story/the-complete-history-of-pride

Sneak peak of our new fitness room!

Not only are we adding 19 additional beds to our campus – we're also adding exciting features for youth like a hair dyeing station, a kitchen, and a fitness room! We can't wait to wrap up construction soon!

May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and at Covenant House Illinois, we stand with the thousands of young people who have experienced the foster care system. Did you know that 35% of the youth we serve report a history in foster care? These are not just statistics; they represent the stories, struggles, and resilience of individuals who deserve our unwavering support and understanding.

Foster care can be a complex journey for young people, often marked by instability, uncertainty, and the longing for a place to call home. At Covenant House Illinois, we provide a beacon of hope for those who have walked this path. Our doors are open to every young person, regardless of their past or their circumstances.

During Foster Care Awareness Month, let's come together to shed light on the challenges faced by youth in foster care and to celebrate their strength and courage. Let's amplify their voices, advocate for their needs, and work towards creating a world where every young person feels safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Join us in spreading awareness, fostering empathy, and building a community where every young person knows they are valued and loved. 💙🏠🕊️

We're thrilled to share the incredible success of our recent Community Cleanup Day in East Garfield Park! 🌳 Our dedicated staff and amazing youth hit the streets with one goal in mind: to make our neighborhood shine ✨.

Together, we walked the streets, picked up trash, and showed our neighborhood some much-needed love. It was inspiring to see everyone come together for a common cause, demonstrating the power of unity and community spirit. 💪🏽

From discarded wrappers to forgotten bottles, every piece of trash collected was a step towards a cleaner, greener East Garfield Park. 🚮 Thank you to everyone who joined us and made a difference in our community! Your hard work and commitment are truly appreciated. 🙌🏽

Let's keep the momentum going! Remember, small actions can lead to big change. Together, we can continue to make our neighborhood a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful place for all. 💚

From vibrant begonias to juicy tomatoes, our courtyard garden is bursting with life! 🌿🍅 Our youth and staff planted a variety of greens and produce today in our courtyard to promote responsibility and sustainability!

Construction update! 👷

Windows are being installed on the second floor to prepare for our brand new Transitional Housing Program! Only a few more weeks until we can welcome even more unhoused youth and get them on the path to stability!

This , we are sending love to everyone who needs it. Whether you are stably housing or don't know where your next meal is coming from, we all deserve to be treasured and valued 💙

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! At CHIL, we care for you and your mental wellbeing every day of the year 💙If you or someone you know is in need of shelter or services, please reach out to us at [email protected] 🌟

Every youth deserves a safe space to dream, grow, and thrive. At Covenant House Illinois, we're committed to providing just that. Join us in supporting youth facing homelessness as they journey towards a brighter future. Your kindness can make all the difference. 💙

Which reminder did you need to hear today? ⭐

Meet Jenn, one of our incredible Youth Engagement Specialists (YES)! Our YES staff provide direct care to our youth by supervising the drop-in center and residential program and by manning our welcome desk. Discover how Jenn's unwavering empathy and dedication are making a profound impact on the lives of the youth we serve. Read the full article on our website for an inspiring glimpse into their transformative work: https://ow.ly/ZfRZ50RpfrA

Meet Jasmine, LCSW, our compassionate Director of Clinical and Supportive Services! With 3 years of experience in the social work field and 2 years as a clinical therapist, Jasmine brings dedication and expertise to our team at CHIL. Passionate about empowering young adults facing mental health challenges, she provides a safe space where every voice is heard and valued. Jasmine's commitment to self-care not only nurtures her own well-being but also inspires her colleagues. Beyond work, she enjoys quality time with loved ones and eagerly plans her next adventure. Join us in celebrating Jasmine's unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of those we serve! 🌟

Our Drop-In Center Hours are changing! Effective this Saturday, 4/20, the YDC will be open on Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and will now be closed on Wednesdays.

A mantra for this month: Embrace the blooming possibilities, nurture growth within, and dance with the rhythms of renewal. In April, I am the architect of my own transformation.

Sending a HUGE shoutout to Chicago Urban League 📣

Folks from the CUL team came to our campus and hosted EIGHT DAYS of professional development workshops. We are proud to share that 14 youth attended all 8 days of workshops, which ended with a graduation ceremony!

Thank you to The Chicago Urban League for facilitating these impactful and engaging classes for our youth!!!