Youth Outreach Services

Men’s Mental Health Month is observed throughout the month of June each year. During this time, organizations, mental health advocates, and communities come together to raise awareness and support men’s mental health initiatives.

If you’re feeling stressed or need someone to talk to, remember you’re not alone. Text LF999 to 741741 to reach Crisis Text Line. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7 in English and Spanish.

Share your story or read some of the inspiring stories that have been shared. Visit livefree999.org/999stories to learn more.

🌟Happy Mental Health Monday! This month we are breaking down what youth mental health really means and why it matters. 1 in 7 young people around the world experience a mental health condition, yet most never receive the support they need. YOS aims to give youth the support they need in the times they need it most. 💚

Interested in donating to support our mental health efforts? Visit the link in our bio to learn more.

Money matters—and knowledge is power! 💸

April is Financial Literacy Month, a time to build skills that create long-term stability and independence.

Whether it’s budgeting, saving, or planning for the future, small steps today can make a big difference tomorrow.

They came in to check a box. They left ready to lead. 💙

We are so proud of our recent Redeploy Program graduates, young people who defied expectations, found their voices, and proved that with the right support, anything is possible. Read their story at the link.

🔗 yos.org/newsroom/

YOS is proud to partner with JetBrite Car Wash to make giving back simple. From now through May 15, when you purchase a car wash, 50% of every sale goes directly toward supporting at-risk youth through free counseling, outreach services, and life-changing programs. It’s an easy way to make a difference—just by doing something you already do!
📍 Find your nearest location: jetbrite.zipscarwash.com/locations
🧼 Purchase your car wash: https://www.fundraiser.vip/tickets/purchase/2026_YOS

March was Self-Harm Awareness Month. A reminder that the most powerful thing we can offer someone who is struggling is not advice or answers. It is empathy. 🧡

When we create spaces free of judgment, where people feel truly heard and genuinely supported, healing becomes possible. That is where new beginnings take root.

At Youth Outreach Services, we believe in rewriting the narrative around self-harm, moving away from stigma and toward understanding, away from silence and toward connection. Because belonging is not a luxury. For many young people, it is the first step toward healing.

This month and every month, we are committed to showing up with compassion. 🧡

🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE 🚨

Congress and President Trump have made changes to SNAP and some customers will lose benefits on May 1, 2026 if they aren’t meeting new work requirements. Here’s what to do:

📝 1) Complete the screener to see if you are impacted: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

💻2) Customers can meet the new requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/?item=177800

Happy early St. Patrick's Day, Chicago! 🍀 As the city prepares for a weekend of fun, YOS wants to remind our young people: having fun and staying safe aren't mutually exclusive.

Here's what we want you to keep in mind this weekend:

🍀 Stay with people you trust. If something feels off, it is. Never leave a friend behind.
🍀 Alcohol affects developing brains differently — and the risks are real. If you're under 21, the safest choice is to skip it.
🍀 Never get in a car with someone who has been drinking. Use a rideshare, call a parent, or reach out to a trusted adult.
🍀 Know your limits. Peer pressure is real, but so are the consequences. It's always okay to say no.

We care about every single one of you. Have a great weekend — and come home safe. 💚