Youth Outreach Services – Empowering Youth Through Comprehensive Support
Community-Based Solutions for Substance Use Challenges
Youth Outreach Services (YOS) is a dedicated organization that has been supporting young people and their families in Chicago since 1959. Their mission centers on empowering all youth to confidently navigate life’s challenges, including addressing critical issues like substance use. YOS recognizes that overcoming addiction requires a holistic, community-based approach tailored to the unique needs of adolescents and young adults.
A Focus on Holistic Recovery and Well-being
The substance use support at Youth Outreach Services – Central (located at 3445 North Central Avenue) is integrated into a broader framework of care designed to preempt and confront obstacles to success. The organization is committed to helping individuals manage and overcome substance abuse, focusing not just on the addiction itself but on the underlying causes and co-occurring challenges such as homelessness or family instability. Their recovery options prioritize individual progress and long-term stability.
Key components of the support services include:
- Family & Group Therapy: Offering structured environments for communication, healing, and skill-building among peers and family members.
- Outreach & Mentoring: Connecting youth with supportive resources and guidance outside of a clinical setting.
- Youth Compass Initiative: Providing comprehensive case management and linkage to essential services.
- ReDeploy Program: Focusing on intervention and support for justice-involved youth.
- Family Reunification: Working toward safe and stable living situations for youth in crisis.
By emphasizing prevention, intervention, and sustained community support, YOS aims to equip young people with the competence and dignity needed for a successful future free from dependency.
Frequently Asked Questions About YOS Services
- What age group does Youth Outreach Services primarily assist?
- YOS primarily serves youth and adolescents, along with their families, who are facing challenges such as abuse, substance use, and instability.
- Does the Central location offer both outpatient and inpatient treatment?
- The core services provided by YOS are community-based, focusing on comprehensive outreach, mentoring, and various forms of therapy (group and family counseling) to support recovery in an ambulatory setting, rather than full-time inpatient rehabilitation.
- How long do young people typically receive services from YOS?
- The duration of support varies significantly based on the individual needs of the youth and family. Services are designed to be intensive and comprehensive, ensuring the young person is well-equipped to maintain their recovery and stability.

