Metropolitan's Child and Youth Development programs and services promote academic achievement and social and emotional development among children, youth and families to foster their success in life.
To find out if you're eligible for programs, call Metropolitan Family Services at 312-986-4000.
Programs and Services Include
African American Initiative
Is a community-based prevention model for African American males ages 10-16 and their families. Developmentally focused as well as strength and empowerment based, AAI holds weekly support groups for parents and children to facilitate caregiver involvement, involve larger system issues, and provide information and experiences to enrich youths' lives. home visits, supportive counseling and case management are also provided to meet families' needs.
Community Schools
Focus on improving academic grades and standardized test scores in reading, math and language. Community Schools operates during non-school hours to expand positive choices and opportunities for youth while achieving academic success. Activities include tutoring, homework help, recreation, cultural opportunities, life skills and case management services.
I Can Problem Solve
Teaches elementary school students nonviolent problem-solving skills in class. Teachers and staff are trained and supported in this nationally recognized program. "Raising a Thinking Child," an educational series for parents, teaches parents to use the same problem-solving approach at home.
MetroMentors
A youth mentoring program provided in partnership with schools and community organizations. Screened and trained adult mentors are matched one-to-one with at-risk youth ages 7-14, with whom they meet at selected neighborhood locations supervised by program staff. Occasional group activities are held to facilitate social skills development for youth.
Project STRIVE
Assists at several public schools with stabilizing at-risk students who are wards of the state; by reducing truancy, suspensions and expulsions; improving academic performance; addressing emotional/behavior problems, and increasing parental and caseworker involvement. Project STRIVE is a collaboration between MFS, DCFS and Chicago Public Schools.
School-Based Services
Provides classroom workshops for students, teachers and parents to enhance skills such as conflict resolution, violence prevention and communication. School-Based services may include individual and group counseling.
The Children's Center (Midway)
Provide half-day Head Start and fullday childcare and early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in the Chicago Lawn and West Englewood communities. Activities that engage children’s thinking skills such as art, blocks, computers and group time combine with play to cultivate children’s development. Parents participate in workshops, classes and family events to enhance their supportive and nurturing abilities. The Center offers Head Start programming for children ages 3-5.
The Children's Center (North)
Provides full day childcare and early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in the Belmont Cragin and Portage Park communities. Activities that engage children’s thinking skills such as art, blocks, computers and group time combine with play to cultivate children’s development. Parents participate in workshops, classes and family events to enhance their supportive and nurturing abilities. The Center offers Head Start programming for children ages 3-5.
Upward Bound
Recruits eligible students at Corliss High School based on US Department of Education standards and provides educational and supportive services with the goals of helping first generation, college-bound students successfully complete high school and enter college. Partnership involves the U.S. Department of Education, Metropolitan Family Services Calumet and Corliss High School.
Youth Center
Offers after-school and summer youth development and violence prevention programs to youth ages 6 to 17. Activities including tutoring, team sports, drama and peer mediation to build academic, social, physical and creative skills.
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