Zurich North America supports local youth leadership program

Renz Addiction Counseling Center was recently awarded a grant from Zurich North America to help fund the center's Leadership Empowerment And Development program for at-risk youth.

For six weeks this summer, 40 teens will learn evidence-based Safer Choices curriculum with activities that reinforce leadership skills, build self-esteem, and develop decision-making abilities. LEAD concludes with a week-long trip to the Cebrin Goodman Institute in July where teens create a school/community anti-drug campaign.

"Zurich North America is a long-standing, revered community partner," said Renz Center's Executive Director Jerry Skogmo, "and it's with their support that teens in our community can receive alcohol and drug prevention education and youth leadership development."

In an effort to build sustainable communities, Zurich holds a Global Community Week initiative that includes grant giving announcements, employee volunteering, and other company-wide activities. "Our grants program in North America helps nonprofits make tangible changes in the communities where we live and work," said Mike Foley, North America Commercial CEO and Regional Chairman of North America for Zurich Insurance. "Global Community Week is our way to acknowledge and celebrate the time and resources our employees contribute to their local communities."

Renz Center provides a continuum of care dedicated to the prevention, intervention and treatment of addictive behaviors related to alcohol, drugs, and gambling. Services range from prevention programs for youth in the schools to outpatient treatment programs for adolescents and adults. Priority is given to pregnant women and women with dependent children. Offices are located in Elgin, St. Charles, and Streamwood.

Renz Addiction Counseling Center is a nonprofit organization funded in part by the federal government, Central Kane County United Way, Illinois Department of Human Services, Hanover Township, Geneva, and St. Charles 708 boards and other local community organizations. To find out more about Renz Center's programs, call (847) 742-3545 or visit www.renzcenter.org.