Alternatives, Inc. supports and empowers Chicago youth to build safer and more vibrant communities through a combination of youth development programs and behavioral health services. Alternatives is a comprehensive, multi-cultural youth development organization that operates as a support system for more than 4,000 of Chicago’s young people and their families each year. Our mission is to facilitate personal development, strengthen family relationships, and enhance the community’s well-being. Alternatives’ programs and services use an asset-based model that focuses on enriching young people’s lives by building upon individual strengths within the context of their family and community. Alternatives serves youth between the ages of 10 and 24 and their families citywide through various Chicago public schools, our Uptown Youth Center, and our interim South Side office. We are currently coordinating with existing agencies to open a permanent South Side center. Our participants reflect the city’s rich diversity and they live in 70 different Chicago communities – 48% on the south and west sides of the City.
