CYC helps make community voices heard

CYC-Crown helps to make voter registration more accessible to South Shore community members.

CYC-Crown is making sure everyone’s voice is heard in this election. CYC joined forces with Blocks 2 Cities and the NAACP to set up a voter registration table outside our South Shore Center on September 29. First-time voters as well as individuals needing to update their records had the opportunity to register to vote.

Crown Child Care Director Monique King who helped organize the event shared, “Everyone who is of age should understand how important it is to vote. It's a good way for everyone to voice their opinion."

CYC’s programs instill the importance of community engagement in our young people and one important form of making a difference is exercising the right to vote. Providing a registration table outside of our Center was a safe way to make voter registration more accessible to community members. At least two CYC parents registered at the event, as well as additional South Shore community members.

Congratulations to the newly registered voters! Don’t forget to make your voice heard by voting in the election on November 3.

CYC teaches advocacy and service

Two students at CYC-Crown work on the WE curriculum with a CYC intern.

Throughout the year, CYC Centers participate in WE Schools, a year-long service learning program that works to teach compassion and civic engagement to students. Last year, youth helped provide clean water for families in Tanzania, raised money for a local homeless shelter, and more. Students in the program are required to pick a local and global issue to focus on.

 This year’s WE Schools curriculum has already kicked off at CYC-Rebecca K. Crown Youth Center in South Shore. Takara Rose, an intern at the Center who is studying social work, is helping to guide the student-led program.

 “WE is about service learning and teaching kids about being more aware of the world outside of yourself, and why it is important to be aware of more than just your immediate circle,” Takara said.

 Angel, 9, said she learned a new word in this process: “Advocacy.”

 “Advocacy is about speaking up for people,” Angel said. “You can help out the community, and you can help out people who do not have the same things as you.”

 We are so excited to see where the WE programs take CYC kids this year and what projects they come up with!

CYC participates in another fun year of Lights on Afterschool

A CYC-Fellowship House student works with his dad on a project during Lights on Afterschool.

CYC was proud to participate in the 20th Lights on Afterschool this year! Lights on Afterschool is an annual nationwide event, organized by The Afterschool Alliance, that celebrates afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities.

Officer Friendly poses with a group of CYC-Epstein teens during Lights on Afterschool.

At CYC-Rebecca K. Crown Youth Center in South Shore and CYC-Fellowship House in Bridgeport, youth made playdough, got crafty, decorated bags for Halloween, dressed up in costumes, and got their faces painted.

At CYC-Sidney Epstein Youth Center in North Lawndale, youth painted pumpkins, did crafts, played games, and received an "Officer Friendly" visit from the Chicago Police Department. Center Director Clarence Hogan said that he appreciates how Lights on Afterschool shines the light on the importance of afterschool programming.

“Learning does not stop after the school bell rings,” Clarence said.