Renovated facility expands safe, supportive housing for youth transitioning to adulthood

CHICAGO, IL — August 7, 2026 — Youth Outreach Services (YOS) celebrated the grand re-opening of its newly renovated Transitional Living Program (TLP) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 22, 2026.

The event brought together community leaders, partners, supporters, staff, and other stakeholders to mark the completion of renovations designed to provide young people experiencing housing instability with a safe, welcoming environment as they prepare for independent adulthood. Guests toured the renovated facility and joined YOS in celebrating the collective investment that made the project possible.

Federal Funding Expands Housing Capacity

A $750,000 federal Community Project Funding grant enabled YOS to renovate its apartment building, which includes seven supervised apartments and can provide housing for up to 14 young people. The investment allowed YOS to expand the transitional living component of the program from five to 14 residents while making significant improvements throughout the facility.

YOS’s Transitional Living Program serves young people who need stable housing and support as they work toward independence. YOS staff provide 24-hour supervision and help participants develop the skills needed to complete their education, pursue employment and higher education opportunities, and successfully transition into adulthood.

The program combines safe housing with individualized support, including life-skills training, career planning, job-search assistance, conflict resolution, financial and household management, nutrition and meal planning, stress management, transportation assistance, and connections to community resources. When appropriate, participants also receive trauma-informed care and evidence-based mental health services. Residents may also receive transportation assistance, living stipends, and essential supplies such as hygiene products, bedding, clothing, towels, and room furnishings.

Creating a Place That Feels Like Home

The renovation transformed both the appearance and functionality of the residence, creating spaces where young people can feel comfortable, supported, and proud of their surroundings. With Community Project Funding, YOS and its partners completed major improvements, including:

A new roof and energy-efficient windows
Exterior wall insulation
Plumbing improvements
Upgraded information technology
Enhanced alarm and security systems, including cameras in common areas and around the building
Renovated apartment units with new countertops and cabinets
New flooring and carpeting
Fresh interior paint
New furniture and household essentials
Artwork and décor designed to create a more welcoming residential environment

RES Construction completed the building renovations, while Henriksen provided new residential-grade furniture to replace worn, secondhand furnishings. YOS staff also selected artwork, décor, and household items to help transform the renovated building into a home.

Residents immediately responded positively to the changes. One young man, after seeing his renovated room, shared that it was now a place where he wanted to spend time. For YOS, that response reflected one of the project’s central goals: creating comfortable shared spaces where residents can gather, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging.

“This grant was so significant because it allowed us to update the apartments in a way that made them feel more like homes,” said Jamie Noto, Executive Director of Youth Outreach Services. “We want these kids to know that we believe they are worthy of investment — and this funding made that very clear.”

The Impact of Transitional Living

Each year, the Transitional Living Program helps young people from Chicago and surrounding communities move toward stable, independent lives. Many participants have experienced homelessness, involvement with the justice or child welfare systems, poverty, and significant trauma.

Beyond providing a safe place to live, TLP helps participants build the practical and personal skills necessary for long-term stability. Through consistent support from resident advisors, outreach workers, clinicians, and other YOS staff, young people have opportunities to continue their education, pursue careers, strengthen relationships, and develop the confidence needed to live independently.

By expanding this facility, YOS can provide more young people with the stability and resources they need to build positive, purposeful futures.

Community Partnerships Make the Transformation Possible

For more than 65 years, Youth Outreach Services has partnered with local, county, and state agencies and community organizations to provide comprehensive services to young people and families throughout the Chicago area.

YOS extends its gratitude to the elected officials, community leaders, donors, board members, contractors, staff, and partners who helped make this renovation possible. Special thanks go to Congressman Danny K. Davis, Michelle Menconi (Henriksen), Jim Swicionis (RES Construction), Mario Hardiman, Yotl Ramirez, the Village of Bellwood, Proviso Township Mental Health Commission, and the Youth Outreach Properties Board of Directors. Their collective support helped YOS create more than a renovated facility — it helped create a safe, stable, and welcoming home where young people can prepare for the next chapter of their lives.

About Youth Outreach Services

Youth Outreach Services is a Chicago-area nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people and families achieve their full potential. Through community-based behavioral health, prevention, juvenile justice, child welfare, and housing services, YOS provides young people with the support and resources they need to build healthier, more stable futures.

For more information about Youth Outreach Services and the Transitional Living Program, visit yos.org.

YOS Celebrates Grand Re-Opening of Transitional Living Program