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Alternatives started out as a local drug abuse prevention program, and today it is a comprehensive, multi-cultural youth development agency serving more than 3,000 youth and families each year. The
agency provides counseling, leadership development activities, substance abuse and violence prevention, and academic enrichment programs. Our mission is to facilitate personal development, strengthen family relationships and enhance the community well being. Alternatives’ programs and services use an asset-based model that focuses on enriching a youth's life by building upon individual strengths within the context of the their family and community. We
provide comprehensive, accessible and affordable programs that increase young peoples’ opportunities to succeed and grow as individuals and community members.
Alternatives serves Chicago's multi-ethnic northeast side and our participants reflect the community's rich diversity: 40% Latino, 37% African American, 10% Caucasian, 8% Asian, and 4% bi-racial/multi-ethnic and Middle Eastern. Two-thirds live in low-income households; one-third live in single-parent homes. Alternatives values the rich diversity of the communities we serve and partner with over 100 local organizations and schools. Our long-term strategy is to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in the community in order to remain responsive to needs identified by youth and their families. Established when the community identified substance abuse as a key issue affecting local teens, Alternatives is northeast Chicago's largest agency dedicated to at-risk youth and their families. Alternatives By Decade The 70's
Alternatives, Inc. was founded in 1971 by local community members to address the increased use of drugs and alcohol by teens in the neighborhood. The agency created a coffee shop and print shop to teach youth skills while holding them accountable to the requirements of a job and serve as
income generating projects. The 80's
Alternatives was the only youth agency in Illinois with transitional services for the growing numbers of Southeast Asian refugee youth. The agency worked with ethnic organizations to develop youth programming which continues today. The 90's
Alternatives expanded services to 3,000 local youth by partnering with community organizations, businesses, and schools. New initiatives included expanded after school programs, gender specific programs, school reform, school-based violence prevention, and community advocacy. 2000-Present
In 2000 Alternatives purchased a new home at 4730 North Sheridan Road, just south of Lawrence Avenue. The new 17,000 square foot facility is located right in the heart of the Uptown community.
With a staff of more than 50 employees and nearly 175 volunteers, Alternatives' services to the community and our exemplary programs have been recognized by the City of Chicago, funding organizations and other service organizations. Today, Alternatives' programs and services meet the need of area youth in four core areas:
Leadership Development
Academic Enrichment
Counseling Services
Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention Alternatives is just a 15 minute drive north of Chicago’s Loop - in Uptown - one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. Uptown’s multi-cultural heritage reflects its long history as a point of entry for immigrants. From Chinese and Vietnamese grocers to Nigerian import stores to Haitian churches and Mexican restaurants, Uptown is a vibrant and varied community.
Alternatives successfully meets the needs of those at-risk youth in the communities of:
- Uptown
- Edgewater
- Rogers Park
- Lakeview
- North Center
- Lincoln Square
- West Ridge In 2006, we successfully completed a 5 year capacity campaign that has resulted in increased staffing, an expanded technology center, a Resource Training Center, additional counseling rooms, a new van, and a community garden. What Makes Us Unique:
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