History

1970s

Alternatives, Inc. is founded by residents concerned about teen drug use who want to provide “alternatives” to dropping out of school, living the street life, and other risky behaviors. Alternatives works with community youth to address substance abuse issues, engage them in building the necessary skills to make healthy choices. Through effective communication, youth learn of the “causal” issues that lead to abusing substances. The approach aims to develop programs that build social skills and encourage success through creative projects such as a coffee shop and a print shop that offer youth employment training and real-world experience.

1980s

Alternatives creates transitional services for Southeast Asian refugee youth. With Americorps VISTA volunteers, the State of Illinois, and the newly established Mutual Assistance Associations, the agency is able to reach hundreds of refugee youth. Beginning in 1985, Alternatives, Inc. becomes the Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) for Illinois Department of Human Services’ (IDHS) planning areas 65 & 66 - Diversey Ave. north to the City limit; Lake to the River / Police Districts 19, 20, 23, 24.

1990s

After School Action Programs (ASAP), an initiative nationally recognized for its unique network structure and design, is launched in 1993. ASAP collaborates with 30 local groups to develop their capacity to offer after-school programming. Two years later, Girl World is founded as an initiative of ASAP. In 1994, EdgeUp is established through a 5-year federal grant as a school-to-work partnership of schools, businesses, trade associations and local social service providers focused on school reform through applied learning opportunities for youth. In 1995, a Mediation Center is established at Senn High School serving young people and their during the after school hours.

2000s

The Alternatives, Inc. Board of Directors decides to purchase a facility for long-term economic viability. To begin the new millennium, Alternatives purchases a building located at 4730 North Sheridan Road, previously owned by Columbia College. With additional space, Alternatives expands programming, adding a circus arts program called CircEsteem through collaboration with Chicago Youth Circus. A partnership also begins with Chicago Public Schools to share the Senn Peer Jury model with over 40 schools citywide in the ensuing 5 years. In 2002, Alternatives staff, in partnership with the organization University of Hip Hop, start a hip hop arts program called “Connect Force”. A year later, Alternatives becomes the manager of Mayor Richard M. Daley’s Region One KidStart YouthNet, serving as youth programming coordinator across the City’s entire North Side. In 2007, the Bricolage project completes the new façade on front of the building.