Many schools react to conflict instead of transforming it. Alternatives’ Restorative Justice Coaching helps break cycles of harm through accountability and healing. This hands-on coaching strengthens staff well-being and embeds restorative practices into daily culture.

Alternatives will be closed tomorrow, January 30, in solidarity with the nationwide shutdown. We stand with our friends, neighbors, and communities to resist the violence in our streets, schools, and homes. Crisis services will remain in operation today for youth in need.

We’re back! 🍹✨ What is a community of care, and how do we build one? In 2026, Cocktails and Complicity returns with powerful conversations centered on the systems and structures that help youth and families truly thrive. 📅 February 5 ⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM

Alternatives’ Trauma Informed Capacity Building equips educators and youth-serving adults with the skills to identify trauma early and respond with healing-centered practices.

Alternatives' Restorative Justice Coaches lead monthly workshops, helping educators recover from burnout and connect with a community of RJ practitioners across Chicago. Learn more about our work: alternativesyouth.org/restorative-justice

Since 1971, Alternatives has supported young people. Last year: ✨ 74 schools enhanced community ✨ 452 youth received therapy—96% improved ✨ 976 youth built leadership Funding cuts threaten access for 200 youth. We need your support! 💛 Donate: alternativesyouth.org/donate

The Just Us program creates space for middle-school youth to build community, explore social justice, learn history, and support each other through real challenges. It’s youth-led, community-centered, and rooted in restorative justice. Learn more here: 👉 alternativesyouth.org/restorative-justice

Happy Thanksgiving from Alternatives Youth! We’re thankful for our team, our supporters, and the youth who make this work meaningful. #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #AlternativesYouth

Youth mental health matters 💙🌱. Alternatives offers no-cost individual and group counseling for Chicago youth ages 10–24 in schools and community settings. Licensed clinicians. Strength-based care. Real support. Intake form: hipaa.jotform.com/221925004903... #YouthHealth #Chicago #MentalWellness

After careful consideration, we've made the decision to postpone the 2026 launch of the Emerging Leaders Fellowship. Given the current climate and the continuous crises in our communities, we are putting all our efforts into services and support for young people in Chicago.

Applications for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Fellowship (ELF) are OPEN! Gain real-world tools in finance, HR, fundraising, and program development through an anti-racist lens. 📅 Info Sessions: - October 15, 4–5 PM - October 23, 10–11 AM Deadline: Oct 29. Apply now: alternativesyouth.org/fellowship/

🚨 Save the Date! 🚨 Applications for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Fellowship (ELF) open Oct 8. ELF equips leaders of color with real-world tools in finance, HR, fundraising & more—through an anti-racist lens. 📅 Apply by Oct 29: alternativesyouth.org/fellowship/ #ELF2026 #EmergingLeaders

Alternatives and @afsc_org are hosting a youth-only workshop to help fight for the Public Health and Safety campaign demands to reallocate $300M in ghost 👻 cops and overtime abuse into community resources that actually keep us safe! Monday, July 7th, 3-5pm at 306 Sign up! bit.ly/phsyouthprep

RSVP here! bit.ly/TNT-430

We have another round of virtual events for next week!

Join us virtually next week!

Join us for a restorative circle, co-facilitated by our Peace Ambassadors, focused on reconnecting with the strength that lies within our communities, as we reflect on past moments of collective change and healing. Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 Time: 6-7pm Zoom ID: 81301063787 Passcode: VnNAS2

@govpritzker.illinois.gov , investing $550M in EBF in FY26 is the best way for the state to work to address systemic inequities in K-12 education. #FundtheFormula

Tell Congress to oppose H.R. 9495, which would give the executive branch power to strip a U.S. nonprofit of its tax-exempt status without due process, chill nonprofit activity, and endanger any organization that may be targeted by an administration.

The “nonprofit killer” bill is back on track after it was blocked earlier this week.

Restorative justice isn’t just an alternative—it’s the solution to ending the school-to-prison pipeline. Heal, don’t punish. #RestorativeJustice #EndThePipeline

Together, We Heal We provide behavioral health support and restorative justice solutions to young people in Chicago. Be part of the change: alternativesyouth.org #MentalHealthMatters #JusticeForYouth