Alternatives is a comprehensive, multi-cultural youth development agency serving more than 3,000 young people and their families each year. Our programs include counseling, leadership development, substance abuse and violence prevention, and academic enrichment.
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. We provide comprehensive, accessible and affordable programs that increase young people’s opportunities to succeed and grow as individuals and community members.
From our Uptown Youth Center, Alternatives serves youth and families citywide. Our participants reflect the city’s rich diversity: 40% Latino, 37% African American, 10% Caucasian, 8% Asian, 4% biracial/multi-ethnic and 1% Middle Eastern. Two-thirds live in low-income households; one-third live in single-parent homes.
Alternatives Inc. is located at:
4730 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60640
773-506-7474
SAWPS contributions:
• Backpacks and School Supplies: In July and August backpacks and school supplies are collected.
• Financial Support: We support projects by either purchasing items such as snacks, juice boxes, etc. or make a monetary donation of $250
