Phalanx Family Services (PFS) Youth Services Department provides mentoring and programming for in-school and out-of school youth. Our mentoring programs are delicately handled with care as we recognize the fragility of our young people. We provide individualized youth services and select the most appropriate resources for youth based on needs, barriers, abilities, and suitability. Our goal is to change the trajectory of youth lives, via social, emotional, mental, and
physical opportunities.
Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
Phalanx’s Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) program works with young people, possessing one of seven barriers to employment and/or education, offering Paid work experience, job training and job placement.
Our WIOA program emphasizes vocational training, employment, and education centered programs for 84 out of school youth providing case management, mentoring, and supportive services.
Requirements:
16-24 years old
Out of School
Low Income
High Risk Criteria
Mentoring and Enrichment
The mentorship program provides services to middle and high school age youth in effort to increase academic performance by way of diminishing socio-emotional challenges that impact academic performance. In addition enrichment provides youth with constructive after school activities.
Currently youth are participating in the Gaming Bootcamp, learning how to create story boards that lead to game creation. Youth also learned about career opportunities in the gaming industry.
Requirements:
7th thru 10th grade
City of Chicago Resident
Currently Enrolled Pre-identified School
International Youth Foundation
The Boss Up program is designed to empower youth ages 16 to 24 on how to manage their lives. This initiative provides best practices on social and emotional development and intense training for employment and careers.
Youth complete the PTS (Passport to Success) curriculum and receive a stipend for completion.
Requirements:
16 – 24 years old
State of Illinois resident
Motivated and Enthusiastic
Employment Services for Emerging Adults
Youth participate in 6 weeks of job readiness to prepare for permanent full or part-time employment. Youth follow a planned curriculum that includes resume development, interviewing skills, soft skill, attire, conflict resolution, and more.
Upon completion, youth are interviewed and screened by an employment coach who recommends/schedules the participant for interviews for permanent employment. Youth are paid $100.00 per week that they successfully complete job readiness classes.
Requirements:
18 to 29 years old
Cook County resident
$100.00 Monetary Stipend weekly
Service Coordination and Navigation
Program for youth at the highest risk violence. Complete wrap-around services for justice involved youth. Primary outcome is to refrain from re-entry back into the justice system. Services include mental health, employment, education, conflict resolution, financial education, digital literacy, and more.
Upon completion, youth are interviewed and screened by an employment coach who recommends/schedules the participant for interviews for permanent employment. Youth are paid $100.00 per week that they successfully complete job readiness classes.
Requirements:
18-21 years old
Cook County resident
Reconnection HUB (Thrive)
The Reconnection Hub, provides student the opportunity to navigate and access the complex systems of social and city services to connect them with jobs, skill training, education and other opportunities.
The primary outcome for a HUB participant is to be connected to services that will resolve their housing, education, employment, mental health, and other needs.
Requirements:
16 – 24 years old
Disconnected from School or Work
Chicago Youth Service Corps
The CYSC is a Department of Family and Support Services program specifically focused to provide youth with opportunity to build relationships, leadership, life skills, and professional skills through activities that will make a positive impact in their communities.
Each youth will engage in programming for 15 hours per week for a 12 week period. Youth earn a wage of $15.00 per hour while negageing in their activity. Youth also learn money mangement and life skills during the process.
Requirements:
16 – 24 years old
Disconnected from School or Work