Since 1969, the Winnetka Youth Organization (WYO) has provided a safe, fun, and substance-free space for young people to utilize as a “hang out” spot, and participate in structured recreational programming, like our popular monthly concerts. At a time of economic distress and in a community of teens self-reporting their use of drugs and alcohol at higher levels than their peers in other areas, the importance of the WYO—which is the only organization of its kind in Winnetka—is absolutely clear. Our role is to make kids feel valued, provide positive alternatives to unsafe behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, and encourage positive self-identity through mentorship and promoting individualism. The new staff, in place since the fall of 2010, is dedicated to the mission of the WYO and working hard every day to make sure that the organization is the absolute best it can be. The number of young people who use the space at our drop -in center and attend our programs is the best it has been in years, averaging 75-150 individual contacts with teens every month. With community support and resources, we can not only continue to sustain our organization, but also help it to grow, in order to meet the ever-changing needs of the young people in our community.
The WYO staff and Executive Board are excited to announce our 2011 Spring Benefit on May 5,2011 from 6:30pm-10:30pm at Restaurant Michael in Winnetka. This event will feature a three-course dinner, wine, a live auction, raffle, and an acoustic performance by WYO teen Logan Mounts. Tickets to this event are $80 per person or $250 for a WYO Friend Package, which includes two dinner tickets, two raffle tickets, and a listing as a sponsor. Raffle tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. You do not have to attend this event to participate in our raffle! Prizes include 3-day passes to Lollapalooza, Meet and Greet passes to see Carrie Underwood, Chicago sports team memorabilia , Cubs tickets and gift packages from local restaurants, shops, and salons. You may register and/or by tickets by going to our website, www.winnetkayo.org, or by calling our Executive Director Elizabeth Fales at (847) 446-0443.
Many thanks to those who have already donated items or purchased tickets to this event, and especially to those who support the work of the WYO all year round! We are proud to still have the Winnetka Congregational Church and Christ Church of Winnetka – the churches who were on the council that founded us— as some of our major donors. We would also like extend a thank you to our other major funders: New Trier Township, Village of Wilmette Youth Commission, and Winnetka Park District, as well as those who generously donated to our fund letter this past winter.
If you would like more be more involved with the WYO or would like information on any of our programs, or would like to come see our space and meet with the staff, we can be reached at (847) 446-0443 or through winnetkayo.org!
