Youth Organization Celebrates 50 Years Of Service To North Shore

“So much has changed since 1969 but many of the fundamentals regarding teens remain consistent,” said Christina Gikas, executive director of WYO. “Teens want to be accepted by their peers and they still struggle to be understood. These fundamentals underlie our vision of providing a positive, encouraging environment to junior high and high school youth through adult-to-youth mentoring and opportunities for leadership, citizenship and education.”

Board Treasurer and prominent community supporter John Thomas agrees. “Perhaps the most important thing we’ve done is to be there to listen to teens for 50 years!” noted Thomas. “It’s quite a tribute that we’ve been operating and able to touch so many lives for so long.”

More than 1,200 teens served annually across the North Shore

Gikas says that while the WYO has a strong foundation on the North Shore, many are unfamiliar with the organization or believe it only serves Winnetka.

“Our name might say Winnetka, and we’re proud of that, but we now serve 1,200 teens throughout the North Shore with multi-faceted services and incredible programs,” Gikas shared.

She believes the digital age has increased the need for community support for organizations like Winnetka Youth Organization.

“The digital age has actually escalated the need for social development among our teens,” Gikas explained. “Studies have linked teen use of social media with lower self-esteem, higher levels of anxiety and declines in face-to-face communication outside of school. Our professional staff engage teens in various leadership groups, recreational programs and service opportunities that help build upon their self-esteem and social skills. It’s a free service to teens, which means we need community support!”

WYO programs are diverse and offered six days a week. Programs and facilities include:

• Social service programs are held every weekend, ranging from serving at soup kitchens to holding a community dog wash.
• Music and performance events are routinely hosted, ranging from variety shows and improv nights to battle of the bands.
• Leadership groups allow high school students to discuss current issues, plan for upcoming events, fundraise for the WYO and youth board activities, and coordinate social service projects.
• Teens go beyond their neighborhood to experience new environments in Chicago and engage in experiential learning with their peers.
• An after-school program at Washburne Middle School, known as “The Burne” – provides a recreational outlet for junior high students twice a week.
• Located in the lower level of the Winnetka Community House (620 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, IL 60093), the WYO’s drop-in center is open five days a week and is a great place to hang out with other teens.

April fundraiser aims to bring community together

The non-profit organization’s 50th Anniversary Benefit will be held Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 7:00 pm at Sheridan Shore Yacht Club in Wilmette. Live music, open bar and dinner will be included and awards will be presented to teens for their positive impact on the community. Sponsorship opportunities are available and attendees will have auction opportunities on a variety of items and experiences. Tickets go on sale on March 1st and available for purchase through Eventbrite, limited seats available.

For more information on the event and the WYO, visit www.winnetkayo.org, email info@winnetkayo.org or call 847-446-0443.

About the Winnetka Youth Organization. Located in the lower level of the Winnetka Community House (620 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, IL 60093), the Winnetka Youth Organization has put teens first and created a safe culture and gathering place since 1969. The WYO’s vision is to make all teens feel welcome and accepted for who they are and what they are interested in – and to embrace their talents, in hopes that they lead lives of integrity and service. Uniquely, the WYO serves teens from every social group and maintains relatable programming, six-days a week, which allows teens to build new connections. Follow WYO on Instagram: @theWinnetkaYO.

Photo Caption: The Hindsight Effect from Glenbrook South High School performing at the 49th Annual Benefit at Avli Estiatorio in Winnetka, IL. From the left, Connor Yoon, Erin Kirby, Spencer Peterson, Jack Sunderstrom, and Jack Quinones.