Youth & Family Services

Published on April 16, 2026 at 10:57 AM

Youth and family services that service neighborhoods in the 9th district. 

9th DISTRICT CAPS

The Youth Liaison Officer serves as the 9th District’s primary bridge between law enforcement and the next generation. Unlike patrol officers who focus on immediate calls for service, the Youth Officer’s role is proactive and service-oriented, focusing on prevention, intervention, and mentorship.

Here is a breakdown of how a Youth Officer can be of service to families and young people in our community:

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 Educational & Safety Programs

The Youth Officer acts as a safety educator, visiting local schools and community centers to provide age-appropriate guidance:

  • Digital Safety: Presentations on cyberbullying, social media responsibility, and avoiding online predators.

  • Gang & Drug Prevention: Providing honest, reality-based discussions about the risks of street involvement and substance abuse.

  • Conflict Resolution: Teaching de-escalation skills to help students resolve arguments peacefully before they lead to violence.

 Family Resource Navigation

For parents who feel like they are "losing control" or don't know where to turn, the Youth Officer is a confidential resource:

  • Crisis Referrals: If a child is experiencing a mental health crisis or behavioral issues, the officer can fast-track referrals to partners like SGA Youth & Family Services or Gads Hill Center.

  • Runaway Prevention: Working with families to address the root causes of why a child may be leaving home and connecting them with temporary shelter or mediation services.

 Career & Leadership Development

The Youth Officer helps bridge the gap between "the neighborhood" and a professional future:

  • CPD Explorers Program: For teens interested in law enforcement, the Youth Officer leads this program, which includes training, competition, and community service.

  • One Summer Chicago: They often assist local youth in navigating the application process for the city’s massive summer employment initiative.

  • College & Scholarship Info: Many Youth Officers keep updated lists of local scholarships, such as those offered by the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council.

How to Connect with the 9th District Youth Officer

If a family is looking for guidance or a school wants to schedule a presentation, they can reach out through the District Community Policing (CAPS) Office:

  • Location: 3120 S. Halsted St.

  • Requesting Service: You can walk in or call (312) 747-8227 and ask to speak specifically with the Youth Liaison Officer.

  • Purpose: You don't need to report a crime to speak with them; they are available for general advice, resource requests, and mentorship inquiries.

  Youth Officer Contact Email: Nadine.Bahena@chicagopolice.org

 

Gads Hill Center (Beat 921) is one of the oldest and most respected social service organizations in Chicago, focusing heavily on education and family stability. For those in our area, their Brighton Park Early Learning Center (near Archer & Western) is a game-changer for working parents.

Key Programs & Services

  • Early Childhood Education: High-quality, bilingual (English/Spanish) programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. They use the Head Start and Early Head Start frameworks to ensure kids are ready for kindergarten.

     

  • "Building Leaders" (Youth Services): Out-of-school programs for ages 5–18. This includes STEAM-based activities, academic tutoring, and high school/college prep. They focus on helping teens graduate and transition into higher education.

     

  • Mental Health Services: On-site therapy and crisis intervention for children and families. They focus on addressing stressors like community violence and poverty in a culturally competent way.

     

  • Family & Community Wellness: Support for parents including financial empowerment workshops, health and nutrition info, and "PlayStreets" events to create safe outdoor spaces for kids.

     

While Gads Hill was founded in Pilsen, they opened a major hub specifically to address the childcare shortage in Brighton Park.

  • Brighton Park Early Learning Center

    Address: 4255 S. Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60632

    Phone: (773) 893-5877

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    Home-Based Programs: 4234 S. Archer Ave | (773) 269-6595

Building a stronger community often starts with the right support systems. SGA Youth & Family Services (Beat 922), specifically their Brighton Park/McKinley Park office at 3152 W. 47th St., is a vital resource for our neighborhood.

They utilize their "Cycle of Opportunity®" model to help residents at every stage of life. Here is a breakdown of what they provide:

 

 

Services & Resources

  • Workforce Development: Comprehensive job readiness, resume writing, and interview prep. They specifically support "Opportunity Youth" (ages 14–24) with summer jobs and long-term career training.

     

  • Education Supports: Crisis intervention, mentoring, and counseling for K-12 students. They also offer college readiness and retention programs to help students navigate higher education.

     

  • Parenting & Early Childhood: Programs for expectant parents and families with young children, focusing on healthy child development and kindergarten readiness.

     

  • Community & Basic Needs: Assistance with applying for benefits, resource navigation, and access to basic essentials like clothing banks and translation services.

     

Office Information

  • Location: 3152 West 47th Street, Chicago, IL 60632 (near 47th & Kedzie)

     

  • Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Contact: (312) 663-0305

     

Whether you are a young adult looking for a career path, a parent seeking guidance, or someone needing help navigating city resources, SGA is a cornerstone for the 9th District community.

Wic Grocery (Beat 923) For families in the 9th District, finding stores that accept WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits is essential for accessing healthy food. While many major retailers accept WIC, there are specialized WIC Food Centers specifically designed to make shopping with these benefits faster and easier.

 

Dedicated WIC Food Centers

These stores specialize exclusively in WIC-approved items, meaning everything on the shelves is eligible—no more guessing which brand of juice or cereal is covered.

 

  • WIC Food Center - South Western

    Location: 5332 S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

    Phone: (773) 778-1292

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is the city’s largest social service funder and provider. While SGA (the organization mentioned previously) often receives funding from DFSS, the department itself operates several direct-service hubs that act as "one-stop shops" for residents.

 

For those near 47th & Kedzie, the most relevant locations are the Southwest Regional Senior Center and the Garfield Community Service Center.

Core Services Provided

  • Financial & Emergency Assistance: Help with rental assistance, utility bill payments (LIHEAP), and emergency food or clothing.

     

  • Senior Services: The Southwest Center (6117 S. Kedzie) offers "Chicago Fitness Plus" classes, congregate dining (Golden Diners), and information on home-delivered meals and wellness checks.

  • Youth Programs: Coordination for One Summer Chicago, after-school enrichment, and specialized support for "opportunity youth" (ages 14–24).

     

  • Family Wellness: Access to Head Start/Early Head Start for childcare and maternal/child health resources.

     

  • Support for the Vulnerable: Includes homeless outreach, domestic violence intervention, and workforce development for returning residents.

Primary Locations for the 9th District Area

Facility Location 
Southwest Regional Senior Center 
6117 S. Kedzie Ave.
(312) 747-0440
 
Garfield Community Service Center
10 S. Kedzie Ave.
 (312) 746-5400

 

The Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council (Beat 924) is one of the oldest community organizations in the country, serving as a powerful advocate for the residents and businesses of the Back of the Yards and surrounding 9th District communities.

 

 

While they serve the broader neighborhood, their primary offices are located on Ashland and 47th Street. Here is a breakdown of their essential services:

 

 

Youth & Education Services

  • Youth Employment: A major partner for One Summer Chicago, providing hundreds of local youth (ages 16–24) with paid work experience and job readiness training.

     

  • Computer Technology Center: A public computer lab available for youth (afternoons) and adults (mornings) for homework, job applications, and digital literacy classes.

     

  • Scholarship Program: BYNC offers annual college scholarships for local high school seniors and returning students to help offset the cost of higher education.

     

  • Ballet Folklórico: Home to a renowned Mexican Folklore dance troupe, preserving cultural heritage for neighborhood youth.

     

Economic & Business Development

  • Small Business Support: As a Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC), they help local entrepreneurs with city licensing, business planning, and accessing grants or loans.

  • SSA Management: They manage local Special Service Areas (SSAs), which fund neighborhood beautification, street cleaning, and holiday decorations along commercial corridors like 47th Street and Ashland.

     

  • Industrial Retention: Working with the local Stockyards industrial businesses to keep jobs in the neighborhood and coordinate workforce placement for residents.

     

Office Locations & Contact

BYNC operates out of two main locations depending on the service needed:

  • Main Office / Business Services: 4555 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

     

  • Retail & Community Office: 1823 W. 47th St, Chicago, IL 60609

  • Phone: (872) 281-7832

     

  • Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM