Each year, outstanding youth are nominated from each center to receive the Service Award in honor of their contributions to their center and the community. Here are excerpts from their nominating letters.

ABC Polk Bros. -- Javoun Barnes -- "Helped produce summer issues of weekly newsletter about the North Lawndale community that surveyed teens about trends and behaviors concerning topics such as violence, gangs, community improvement, sexual activity, and drug abuse."

Centro Nuestro -- Nicholas Centeno-Trinidad--"Teaches children fundamentals of discipline and stamina as part of the karate Association with the Puerto Rican House and participates in marches regarding anti-violence, peace,and improving our parks."

 Rebecca K. Crown Youth Center -- Matthew Mason -- "Editor of the Teen Newsletter,  collaborator in writing and staging the "College Bound" video for the Believe in Kids annual dinner, and Master of Ceremonies for the Scholarship and Awards banquet."

Elliott Donnelley Youth Center -- Charessia Thomas-- "All-Agency Youth Service Award winner, recipient of numerous service awards, including Heroes in the Hood Award, Urban League Award for Community Service, Yes I Can Award for Education, Gear Up Service Award at DuSable High School, the DuSable Leadership Award, and the Gareda Services Award for Academic Excellence."

Fellowship House -- Whitney Adams -- "Fulfilling many service roles, including custodial assistance, office assistant, the center's local interior decorator, and "junior" youth worker, regularly requested by  the school age children for assistance during activity time.