Coming Home

Since 1956, Chicago Youth Centers has delivered hands-on programming to children and families in the city’s most high-need communities. CYC’s Centers and school partnerships have provided a space for kids to learn and grow, a place where they can connect with caring and nurturing mentors, and a place where they can explore future possibilities with creativity and confidence. 

 For generations of families, CYC is a place of discovery, learning, and growth. For Hope, it was home. Hope entered CYC’s programs when she was just three years old. She and her 14 siblings lived right behind CYC-Fellowship House, and her grandmother enrolled her in CYC’s Head Start program. Hope and her siblings (as well as her nieces, nephews, and cousins, eventually), made their way through CYC’s clubs, and Hope really found her stride in the afterschool program. Here Hope was introduced to photography and eventually learned how to make custom shirts.  

 One of her most treasured CYC memories was when she and 200 students and staff broke the world record for the largest assist with the Chicago Bulls in 2009. Through the support of her youth workers, Hope excelled in school and at CYC. She especially connected with the Senior Director of Programs and Operations, Tina Ayala. Eventually, Hope set two ambitious goals for herself: she would either become the first Hispanic female president or the next Tina. 

 During a rougher patch in her life, Hope dropped out of school just a few months before graduation. Tina, her mentor, talked for hours and reminded Hope of all the talent and potential she had inside her. Thanks to motivation and love from her CYC family, Hope returned to school, graduated, and continued to participate in CYC’s programs. 

Today, Hope has children of her own that attend CYC, and she has made her way back home in an extraordinary way. Hope serves as a Youth Care Worker with CYC’s 21st AVE program, where she guides, supports, and teaches youth. She delivers the same compassionate care she received over the years as a CYC student, clearly becoming the leader she always dreamed of being. 

“I can recognize what that kind of love looks like: when someone pushes you, and holds you accountable because they believe in you,” Hope said. “These are the values I will share with the children I work with, as well as my own.” 

We are so proud to welcome Hope home. We know that with her guidance and passion, CYC spaces will become a home for many others, too. Thank you for everything you do, we are so proud to have you in our family!