Why Give?

Your gift to YJC allows us to continue and expand our proven programs. The need for Youth Job Center services—and your generous support—has never been more critical.

The work of helping young people overcome their challenges to employment continues through your support. During our 25-year history, the Youth Job Center of Evanston has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of youth. We understand that “Willing is not enough.” We must roll up our sleeves, get to work, and make sure that every youth in our community has the tools for success.

According to KIDS COUNT, a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, in Illinois:

32 percent of children live in families where no parent has full-time, year-round employment.

19 percent of children live in poverty.

15 percent of persons age 18-24 are not attending school, not working and have no degree beyond high school.

63 percent of teens ages 16 to 19 are unemployed.

These statistics are alarming and further validate the critical need for the YJC. During this past year, our programs, job placement, training and counseling services, reached more than 1,300 young people. We organized two community job fairs and launched aggressive employer outreach and community awareness campaigns. Our work allowed us to expand our employment options for our young job seekers, including partnerships with additional schools and our first recruitment event at Evanston Township High School (read more here). In a time when resources and support are shrinking, the YJC continues to provide quality based programming to the community and the hundreds of youth who so desperately need it.

The Youth Job Center is willing to do the work. Will you join us?

Click here to go to our secure Donation page.

Click here to download our Annual Report

Click here to read our Annual Appeal.