Naperville's Spring Ahead Race changes teens' lives

Transforming lives.

It's a big goal, a lofty promise. And yet it's a daily job description for the staff and volunteers at 360 Youth Services.

Sometimes it means talking with tweens about their friendships and working with them to boost their self-esteem so they have the strength and confidence to handle problems, drama and peer pressure.

Sometimes it means showing teens they have the power to choose not to drink or use drugs, and that they are far from alone when they make that decision.

And sometimes it means helping those who've made dangerous choices — run away or turned to drugs — by dealing with the root of the problem, arming them with healthy coping strategies, and even providing transitional housing where young adults learn the life skills they'll need to make it on their own.

360 Youth Services, which changed its name last fall from NCO Youth and Family Services, began in Naperville in 1971 as a way to reach out to the community's teens. Over the years, it has grown to offer a range of prevention, education, counseling and housing programs that envelop clients with support.

Youth service programs are available for those in Naperville and the surrounding communities, while transitional housing programs serve DuPage County and the neighboring areas.

Hundreds of 360 Youth volunteers, participants and supporters will run and roll in the agency's annual Spring Ahead Race Sunday, April 15, in Naperville. The event's 10K route takes runners off-road and onto the trails through McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, while the 5K street route is open to runners and wheelchair racers.

Kids can take part in a one-mile fun run. Proceeds support the agency's programs.

Among the runners will be Miguel Caballero of Naperville, who has seen 360 Youth as both a participant and a volunteer. Today, he tells us about his experiences with the Operation Snow events.

Miguel Cabellero

360 Youth Services has played a huge role in my life for many years.

I have participated in and volunteered with Operation Snowflurry, Snowflake and Snowball. These events have helped develop me as a student and as a person growing up in such a populated area.

Although the events alone are a unique experience, I have had the privilege to work alongside my mother, which has been a wonderful experience. 360 Youth Services has allowed my mother and I to build a stronger bond as we both volunteer together with Snowflurry.

During my high school years, I was able to experience Naperville's Operation Snowball, which is run by 360. The three-day retreat is probably my favorite high school experience. It has helped me mature as a son, as a sibling, and as a human being. The Snow events have definitely allowed my mother and I to become closer and I know our communication has improved.

I continued through the different Snow events because I enjoyed the positive atmosphere and the new connections built within the community. Marty Beirne, a personal friend at 360, has been such a great role model and a wonderful resource for me and has continued to help me develop my relationships even further.

I believe 360 Youth has helped me build a great foundation on many issues a teen may face throughout high school and even middle school.

If you go

What: Spring Ahead 10K, 5K and 1-mile kids run

Why: Proceeds support 360 Youth Services programs for children and teens

When: 8 a.m. Sunday, April 15

Where: Calamos Corporate Campus, 2020 Calamos Drive, Naperville

Cost: $35 for 10K; $30 for 5K, either running or wheelchair; $15 kids run

Info: active.com/10k-race/naperville-il/360-spring-ahead-10k-5k-and-kids-fun-run-2012