ABOUT YOUTH OUTLOOK
Youth Outlook is the first and longest-running social service agency in Illinois solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. They work in seven counties in northern Illinois, offering drop-in centers for youth, caregiver, and parent support, plus community education and professional development.
Programming available for LGBTQ+ Youth and Families at Youth Outlook:
🌈 Drop-In Centers
- Drop-in centers for LGBTQ+ youth, ages 12–20, continue to meet weekly with locations in DeKalb, Peoria, Ottawa, Joliet, Naperville, Palatine, Downers Grove, Bolingbrook, Elmhurst and Sterling.
- Can’t attend in person? They offer virtual drop-in programs on Zoom on Tuesdays (for ages 12–20) and Wednesdays (for ages 18–24).
- They also facilitate weekly chats through a QChat Space partnership. QChat Space is a unique text-based support group for young people across the country. No video or voice is used. Check out QChatSpace.org for more info.
- Need support when a drop-in center isn’t available? Be sure to check out Imi, a resource created by and for LGBTQ+ youth.
🌈 Rainbow Sprouts
- Rainbow Sprouts, geared towards LGBTQ+ youth and siblings, ages Kindergarten–6th grade continues to meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month in Aurora.
- First-time attendees can register here or email rainbowsprouts@youth-outlook.org.
🌈 Parent/Caregiver Programs
- Their Thrive Parent and Caregiver group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays in Naperville and is geared towards caregivers actively parenting LGBTQ+ teens.
- Stay tuned for news later this fall for a Thrive Group for Spanish speakers!
🌈 Health and Wellness Navigation
- They launched their free navigation services early this year. Their health and wellness navigators can support LGBTQ+ youth and families to find doctors, therapists and other care from vetted, affirming providers. Email hwn@youth-outlook.org to get started!
🌈 Community Education and Professional Development
- They just revamped the Community Education page on their website, complete with all of the trainings that they offer. Check it out!
- Click here for a full catalog of their offerings.
🌈 Stay in the Know
- To stay up to date with Community Events and Resources from Youth Outlook and our partners, bookmark and share their virtual bulletin board.
- Join them at their annual Dare to Dream Gala on October 19 in Geneva!
Inclusion Team Co-Chairs
Rachel Shaw Callahan, Co-Chair
Alex Onion, Co-Chair
Please join us every Sunday for worship at 8:45AM & 10AM in the Sanctuary. The 10AM service is live-streamed on our YouTube channel.