4-H Kane County

4-H is a community where youth learn by doing hands-on activities that teach skills for now and in the future. In 4-H, you can make friends, have fun, give back, and try new things with the help of caring adults. Whatever your interests or goals, there’s a 4-H experience for you. Attend a workshop to learn something new. Join a local 4-H club to find a place where you belong. Plan service projects to support your community. Build leadership skills to help you succeed in life. Sign up for projects to explore your interests. You make 4-H what you want it to be.​


Website: https://extension.illinois.edu/dkk/4-h-kane-county
Address: 535 South Randall Road St. Charles, IL 60174-1591
Phone: 630-584-6166
Eligibility: Youth and families
Insurance: Fee, waiver applications available
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African American Men of Unity (AAMOU)

​Provides mentoring, rite of passage, leadership development, cultural connection, manhood/womanhood (adulthood) training, life skills, job/career readiness and social and emotional well-being to at risk youth ages 7-21.​ 

​Member of Project Safe Aurora. More information about Project Safe Aurora is available here: https://kanehealth.com/Pages/Violence-Prevention.aspx​​

Free gun locks available for pick-up: To schedule a pick-up, email ricky1rodgers@aamou.org or call 630-606-1910

Website: https://aamou.org/
Address: 712 S. River Street, Suite H, Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: 630-606-1910
Eligibility: Youth of all Racial/Ethnic backgrounds that desire positive role modeling and mentorship
Insurance: Services funded through grants, school districts, or private foundation and/or sliding fee scale
Language: English
Alive Aurora Teen Center

Free drop-in hours serve all teens 5-12th grade with free tutoring for grades 5-12, Teen Advisory Board, Teen-led programs and clubs. Free meals served at drop-in with the Northern Illinois Food Bank for 18 and under, Free Summer Camps.​

Website: https://www.alivecenter.org/alive-aurora/
Address: 406 W. Galena Boulevard, Aurora, IL
Phone: 630-332-3187
Eligibility: Must be in 5th-12th grade. We are not a clinical setting; we are more preventative, safe after-school programming. We welcome 4th graders who have completed their school year to join us at the teen center during the summer.
Insurance: All services are free.
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Awana St. Charles

​Offers faith-based youth groups

Website: https://www.newcbc.org/awana
Address: 4N780 Randall Rd. St. Charles, IL 60175
Phone: 630-584-2611
Eligibility: Youth
Insurance:
Language: English
Boys & Girls Club of Elgin

​The Boys & Girls Club of Elgin is an after-school and out-of-school based youth enrichment program with elementary, middle, and high school locations across Kane County. We provide full meals, safe spaces, and caring adults who deliver programming rooted in the arts, sports, recreation, health & wellness, academic success, social emotional learning, social justice, service & leadership, and college & career readiness.​

Website: https://www.bgcelgin.org/
Address: 355 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: (847) 608-5017
Eligibility: We serve our youth and their families in Kane County from Kindergarten through High School in Channing, McKinley, Ronald O'Neal, Garfield, Harriet Gifford, Huff, Lowrie, Century Oaks, Coleman, Highland, Hillcrest, and Washington Elementary Schools; Abbott
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Bucket of Love

Dance-African & Liturgical (Praise Dance), Education-Reading & Math Tutoring/ African American History, Mentorship- Meals, Field Trips, Group Discussions, Volunteerism, Galas, Outreach 




Website: https://www.bucketoflove.org/
Address: P.O. Box 7831, Aurora, IL 60507
Phone: 815-508-8933
Eligibility: Dance- Youth ages 5-15 Education-Grades K-6 Mentorship- Youth ages 8-15  Youth
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Changing Children's Worlds Foundation

Parent/Caregiver Learning, Support Groups, SEL@Home support for Parent-Child Interactions on Social/ Emotional, Resilience-Building, and Self-Regulation Skills, Community-Based Facilitated Learning Groups for Teens/Young Adults (12-24 years old). ​ Youth program exploring personal strngths, unique qualities, and relationships.

Website: https://www.changingchildrensworlds.org/
Address: 411 Stevens Street, Geneva, IL 60134
Phone: 630-909-9411
Eligibility: These programs are offered to caregivers and youth of all ages.
Insurance: No insurance, Sliding Scale $0- $140
Language: English and Spanish
Cities in Schools Aurora

​After school programs, homework help, mental health services for youth​

Website: https://www.citiesinschools.org/
Address: 444 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: 630-692-9524
Eligibility: Youth, grades K-12
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Defy Ventures

​Defy Ventures is a nonprofit with a vision to cut recidivism in half by leveraging entrepreneurship to increase economic opportunity and transform lives. Defy's programs are helping currently and formerly incarcerated people defy the odds by providing pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and a successful reentry.  Defy has free Entrepreneurship Bootcamp classes that provide the educational foundation to start a small business. We couple the academic content with access to our executive volunteers who provide free mentoring and coaching. We also have a a free Business Accelerator for justice impacted individuals who complete the Bootcamp and desire to scale their business. At the end of the Business Accelerator, individuals can pitch their idea for start-up funding from Defy.


Website: https://defyventures.org/
Address:
Phone: 1-800-680-6343
Eligibility: The Bootcamp is for individuals 18+ who are justice impacted and have achieved reentry stability (housed and working).
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Elgin Police Department

​Outreach and engagement, liaison and case management services, resistant clients, limited free counseling, and victim services ​​

Website: https://www.cityofelgin.org/1361/Community-Assistance
Address: 151 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: 847-289-2700
Eligibility: Reside in or frequent the City of Elgin
Insurance: N/A We do not charge for any assistance offered
Language: English, Spanish, Sign Language
Family Service Association of Greater Elgin

​Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Area provides a full array of comprehensive, outpatient mental health services.​

Website: https://fsaelgin.org/index.php
Address: 1140 North McLean Blvd, Ste 1, Elgin, IL 60123
Phone: 847-695-3680
Eligibility: There are different eligibility requirements for different services and programs.
Insurance: Sliding Scale Fee available, accepts Medicaid and MCO's.​​
Language: Spanish, English
Fostering Success

​Founded in 2021 to address the needs of youth in the foster system and other families with teens in crisis (facing homelessness, food scarcity, lack of parental guidance, etc.) in order to provide them with the best chance of becoming independent and successful adults. Youth aged 13-24 are paired with an adult mentor for assistance in gaining life skills, confidence building, school attendance, and access to services that the family may need to maintain adequate housing, utilities and food. ​

Website: https://fosteringsuccess21.org/
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Fox Valley Girl's Coding Club

While we believe that everyone, not only girls, should have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of software development, we also recognize that there is a long-standing marked imbalance in the ratio of men/women in technology. With a team of seasoned software developers as instructors, the Fox Valley Girls Coding Club aims to provide an environment in which girls can explore not only the tenets of well-written code, but the real-world process required to deliver software projects as well as an understanding of computer hardware.

Website: https://foxvalleygirlscodingclub.com/
Address: 25 N. River Ln., Geneva IL 60134
Phone: No Phone
Eligibility: High School girls ages 14-18 years old
Insurance:  40+ hours of free computer coding education each school year.
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Girls Run the World Aurora

​Support, encourage, uplift girls in personal and professional endeavors​​

Website: https://girlsruntheworldaurora.org/
Address:
Phone: 331-454-9341
Eligibility: Female Youth
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Kane County Sheriff's Office

​The Kane County Sheriff's Office special victims unit serves the unincorporated area of Kane County. The special victims unit umbrellas senior services, serious crimes against minors, domestic violence and sexual assault victims. The SVU focuses on investigating crimes, as well as offers social work support for community members in need of services. These services include: mental health support, substance use, juvenile complaints, hoarding, homelessness, veteran assistance, and any case requiring social services. ​​

The KCSO also offers the A Way Out program, which provides substance abuse assessment 24/7 to anyone in Kane County that wishes to seek recovery. Appropriate inpatient or outpatient referral and placement are determined by assessment and based on availability. If you are unable to pay for treatment due to a lack of insurance or financial resources, you will not be turned away from participation in the program. Kane County works with providers that are able to accept a number of different insurance plans and accommodate those without insurance.

Website: https://www.kanesheriff.com/
Address: 37W755 IL Route 38, St. Charles, IL 60175
Phone: 630-444-3374
Eligibility:  Citizens of Kane County
Insurance:
Language: English, Spanish
Leaders in Transformational Education (LITE)

Opportunity Youth are ages 16 - 24 who face challenges in completing school and gaining a foothold into employment. During high rates of unemployment, youth employment takes the longest to recover with slow growth in jobs offering advancement. 

LITE creates experiential learning sessions for youth to gain skills and knowledge necessary to achieve self-sufficiency and upwardly mobile careers. Collaboration with partners ensures a comprehensive approach to meet needs and strengthen support networks.​​



Website: https://liteleaders.org/
Address: 31 W Downer Pl STE 101, Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: 331-256-5483
Eligibility: Ages 16-24+, resident of Kane County, attending school or dropout, working or not, parenting, ability to participate in program activities. Registration required on website.
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Luna Behavioral Health Center

​Las Lunitas is offered to self-identified Latina adolescents between the ages of 13 to 18. The aim of Las Lunitas is to provide a non-judgmental safe place for adolescent Latinas to explore, process and cope with stressors stemming from home, school and friends, developing empowerment through support, education, community mentorship and resources. Behavioral health services for adults. 

At this time, we only take private insurance. However, when available, we do offer services at a lower rate. It is advised that the center be called to confirm the availability of these discounted services.​​

Website: https://www.lunabehavioralhealthcenter.com
Address: 164 Division St., Suite 607, Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: 847-217-9797
Eligibility: Ages 13-18 years old, actively participate in parogram, submit email of interest to Luna Behavioral Health Center, eligibility dependent on meeting requirements and program availability
Insurance: Private Insurance, possibility of discounted rates
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On the Move (OTM) Aurora

Aurora OTM coordinates an annual Back to School Celebration with free school supplies and backpacks, wellness checks, inspirational speakers and motivational sessions. 

​Their Mother's Touch Kitchen provides free food to families and individuals in need. 

Sons of Tomorrow mentoring program connects youth and adults with mentors to guide, support, and inspire personal and professional growth. 

Website:
Address: Aurora, Illinois
Phone: 630-405-8383
Eligibility:
Insurance: All services are free.
Language: English
Quad County Urban League

​Academic achievement, job placement and training, equal access to employment, housing and cultural enrichment for low-income and displaced citizens. Help securing equal opportunities for all disadvantaged persons and people of color, including African Americans, women and disabled persons. Programs: Workforce development works by preparing workers with the skills necessary for a specific type of job. Home ownership; financial literacy workshops Specialized skills (i.e.: computer literacy) Small business navigation, Youth and Education programs focuses on empowering youth to earn their degree and certification to become employable.

Website: https://www.qcul.org/
Address: 1685 North Farnsworth Ave, Aurora, IL 60505
Phone: 630-851-2203
Eligibility: Vary based on program
Insurance:
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Salvation Army Tri-City Empower Youth

​Faith-based support, homework help, healthy snacks, mentoring, social, recreation

Website: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/tricity/empower-youth/
Address: St. Charles
Phone: 630-377-2769
Eligibility: Preschool age children through teenage
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Simply Destinee

Empowering Youth through the Arts: A safe and inclusive space that harnesses the transformative power of the arts, including dance and life skill workshops. Our center aims to uplift and support the mental wellness of youth from diverse backgrounds through peer support. By fostering creativity, providing essential life skills, and openly addressing mental health challenges, we aim to dissolve the stigma surrounding these issues and offer a beacon of hope for all young individuals facing silent struggles. ​There is no fee to participate in programming.​​​​​​

Website: https://simplydestinee.com/
Address: 122 W. Downer Pl. #124, Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: 331-643-6001
Eligibility: Ages 7+
Insurance: All programs are free
Language: English, Spanish
START Program

​Equips youth for life success. ​​START Program's vision is to be catapults for change, to be a constant hub and network for our youth.  They will be able to work well in a group, but not be afraid to stand alone when necessary.  They will be better equipped mentally.  They will make conscious decisions and better choices throughout life.  They will become more emotionally sound, learning to communicate constructively and effectively by having a platform to vent and release without being judged.  They will also become physically fit.  Exercise has been proven to relieve stress, to promote respect among peers, and also attack obesity head on.  We focus on community and youth development, violence prevention, building bridges for success, maintaining family structure and support systems, and more. 

Free gun locks available for pick-up.  To schedule a pick-up, email: info@STARTprograms.org or call: 312-838-5200.

Website: https://startprograms.org/
Address: 550 2nd Ave., Aurora, IL 60505
Phone: 312-838-5200
Eligibility: Youth and families
Insurance: All programs are offered at no cost unless otherwise stated and all costs or fees are subject to be waived for families who cannot afford to pay.
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Talented Tenth Social Services, Inc.

​WE PROVIDE ACCESS TO FOOD, TOILETRIES, HOUSEHOLD GOODS, AND BABY ITEMS. WE ALSO DO REFERRALS.​

Website: https://www.talentedtenthss.org/
Address: 213 N. Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: 312-945-6202
Eligibility: NO ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
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Young Life Kane County

Offers teens opportunities to build friendchips and recreate together in a faith-based context.

Website: https://kanecounty.younglife.org/
Address: 1745 Kaneville Rd. Geneva, IL 60134
Phone: 630-262-3939
Eligibility: Teens
Insurance:
Language: English
Youth Leadership Academy- Judson University

​Leadership development and college readiness services.​

Website: https://www.ylacademy.org/
Address: 1151 North State Street, Creekside South Office 113, Elgin, IL 60123
Phone: (847) 628-1102
Eligibility: Middle and High School Students (Illinois school districts U-46, D300, D301, D303)
Insurance: Not for profit organization
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YouthBuild Elgin

​Job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth ages 16-24 who have previously dropped out of high school or may have graduated and would benefit from the programs. Youth learn vocational skills in construction, (onsite training, industry certifications, and career readiness skills, education; academic skills, GED Certification, and college readiness, leadership, coaching, community service, and Youth Voice and input. Youth also provide community service through the required construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods. YouthBuild Elgin is part of the Illinois YouthBuild Coalition, which works on behalf of Illinois’ YouthBuild programs to serve young adults across the state. Youth Build Elgin is also funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s YouthBuild program, which prepares workers for quality jobs and promotes the attainment of skills and knowledge necessary for success in a knowledge-based economy. ​

Website: https://haelgin.org/tag/youth-build/
Address: 130 S. State  Street, Elgin, IL 60123
Phone: 847-742-3853
Eligibility: Ages 16-24 on the date of enrollment, school dropout in need of high school diploma or equivalency, low-income, youth in foster care/youth offender/disabled youth/child of incarcerated parent/migrant youth, willing/able to participate in program
Insurance:
Language: English
YouthOutlook

​Services support LGBTQ+ youth and their parents, drop-in center provides a space for sharing, support, and education.

Website: https://youth-outlook.org/about-us/
Address: 1828 Old Naperville Rd., Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: 815-754-5331
Eligibility: Youth and their families
Insurance: This organization is funded by other area organizations and businesses
Language: English