WITH GRATITUDE

We are incredibly grateful to Oak Foundation's generous support of $1,400,000 for our Safe Repatriation Program. Through their continued funding, our staff will be able to support and advocate for children in government custody who are contemplating or facing a potential return to their home country; gather additional information about their safety, family, identity, and culture to inform key decision makers of a child’s best interest and provide children with the care and support they need throughout the duration of this process.

“This work is a critical part of our mission to keep families together, give agency back to children, and use culturally responsive approaches to advocate on behalf of a child’s wishes,” said Safe Repatriation Manager Estrellita Alvarado. “The Oak Foundation's support will also help immeasurably in ensuring children who go back home can do so safely, and with the care and resources they deserve."

On November 2, Young Center Founder Maria Woltjen will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bright Promises Foundation. It is truly an honor for our founder to be receiving this award. For more than 150 years, the Bright Promises Foundation has empowered Chicagoland children and youth to reach their full potential. We are excited to celebrate Maria and other inspirational community leaders on their very special night, and look forward to increasing the depth and breadth of our partnership!

IN THE NEWS

In a new episode on Why Philanthropy Matters, our Young Center Grants Manager Lorena Gonzalez and Grants Writer Jes Olvera talk about their work supporting unaccompanied child migrants in the US, and what it means to put justice at the heart of their approach to philanthropy.

SAVE THE DATE

TIme is almost up! The Young Center is excited to host global literary icon Isabel Allende as she discusses her new book "The Wind Knows my Name" in conversation with Executive Director Gladis Molina Alt. 

This is a free virtual event, but registration will be required. Donations are welcome. You can purchase a signed copy exclusively from The Book Stall and 20% will be donated to the Young Center.

RACE DAY IS ALMOST HERE!

For many, walking is a spiritual journey. It’s a reflection of living. For immigrant children, and their families, walking is a necessity. A life-or-death choice, that moves them across multiple countries towards home and away from harm.

Our choice is to walk in someone else’s shoes and act in solidarity. To say that immigrant children are first and foremost children. To Be Waymakers.

Race day is almost here. This September 15 to October 1st, #BeAWaymaker. Join us in our third Virtual Waymakers race.

JOIN THE TEAM 

We have several Volunteer Child Advocate Trainings coming up in Phoenix, Houston, New Jersey, New York, Harlingen, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Chicago. Stay tuned to our social media pages for all the latest training and info session dates!