Barrington residents support Youth Guidance annual benefit May 12
Youth Guidance, Chicago's longest-serving social service agency with a daily presence in Chicago Public Schools, raised nearly $300,000 with more than 350 people at the benefit. The evening dinner-dance, at the Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile Hotel, awarded ComEd as Organization of the Year and celebrated the introduction of Youth Guidance's newest program, W.O. W. (Working on Womanhood).
Guests at the program were presented with a heart-warming video titled "W.O.W.: Working on Womanhood which highlighted the transformational impact it has had in the lives of female participants ages 12-18.
A live testimonial and powerful singing performance was given by the naturally gifted high school student, Courtney Johnson. As a school-based counseling/female character development program, W.O.W. is designed to prevent drug use and increase school attendance, connection and graduation rates by building character, increasing developmental assets, supporting self-esteem and improving social and interpersonal skills among at-risk female youth. The program, modeled after B.A.M (Becoming A Man) for male youth, will begin in September 2012, due to the success of its pilot in seven Chicago public schools.
"Youth Guidance delivers a wide range of school-based programs and services to Chicago's at-risk youth and we can't do it without the continued support of our generous benefactors," said Youth Guidance CEO, Michelle Adler Morrison. Proceeds will support Youth Guidance's counseling, community and after school and youth workforce development programs. "Our W.O.W program helps girls understand the importance of valuing themselves and teaches them how to become successful at overcoming devastating challenges."
To learn more about Youth Guidance, W.O.W, or other outcomes-driven, school-based programs contact Karina Rosado, marketing & communications manager, at (312) 994-8118 or krosado@youth-guidance.org, visit www.youth-guidance.org, or www.facebook.com/youthguidance.chicago.