One of the original three centers to form Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) in 1956, ABC Polk Bros. in North Lawndale offers a Continuum of Caring. Well-trained youth-development specialists give individual attention to youth to help them with academic achievement and social and life skills development. Following the Positive Youth Development model, the goal is to give members the tools, support, and guidance they need to reach their full potential through the following age-specific programs.

• Early Childhood Education

• School-Age After-School Program

• Teen Leadership Development After-School Program

• Summer Fun Day Camp

• Awards and Scholarships

In addition, ABC Polk Bros. has a College and Career Readiness (CCR) Center and counselor, who makes sure youth understand the importance of post-secondary education to their future success. The counselor and CCR center have all the information and resources to help members prepare for and apply to college or vocational training and seek scholarships and financial aid.

 

Volunteer: Join a dedicated group of enthusiastic community volunteers and help our kids achieve a more successful future.  You can learn more at our Volunteers & Mentors page.

You can make a positive and lasting difference in these kids' lives kids simply by making a gift of any size online.

CYC-ABC Polk Bros. Youth Center
3415 W. 13th Place/
Chicago, Illinois 60623
773.762.5655
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About a year ago, the Northern Board began an initiative to provide tutoring support to the children in CYC’s School Age Program. After consultation with Program and Center Staff, they decided to test the idea at ABC Polk Bros.Youth Center in North Lawndale.

Astellas Pharma has an impressive community outreach program—and this year it reached all the way to the Regency Hotel by O’Hare Airport, where a group of associates were told by their CEO that their next assignment was to put together 50 bikes to be given to CYC members. While they were assembling the bikes, they were unaware that in a nearby room sat a group of youth from the ABC Polk Bros. Youth Center, having snacks and wondering what kind of surprise would take them all the way out to the airport. After the volunteers made a few quality assurance test runs in the hall, the two groups were brought together and the bikes were matched to the kids. The expressions on the faces both young and not so young confirmed the project was a phenomenal success.

 
Astellas Pharma volunteers present a bike to a CYC member.