1. Program and Services

2. THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION PURPOSE..
WHO ARE WE??
THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION is a 501(c )(3) non-for -profit organization that was founded in Our organization focuses on the development of young adults by offering leadership, community service and educational opportunities that will allow our youth to reach their full potential. We believe in assisting youth reach their full potential as they continue to strive for excellence - academically or in athletics. Our foundation is proud to announce we have been selected as an official Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The awards are presented annually. You can find more information pertaining to this award on our website:

3. Leadership within the Community
Middle School Partnerships:
There’s a big disparity in our communities and neighboring communities regarding our Homeless and Children living below the poverty line. As a result, the Foundation has partnered and will continue to seek opportunities to assist our disadvantage families.
The Youth Development Association has partnered and adopted Simmons Middle School which is a Charter One School located in Aurora, IL. This school currently has 25 homeless families that attend this school. In addition, several families with students attend this school with income below the poverty line. The services we provide are as follows but are not limited as we continue to access the needs of the school
School Uniforms & School Supplies:
School uniforms and supplies are donated and purchased to disadvantaged children.
Thanksgiving Food Drive.
The goal is to provide as many families in need a Thanksgiving Dinner. The Foundation purchases and host food drives to create Thanksgiving baskets to these deserving families.
Community Outreach Programs:
The Foundation’s teen liaison works with the school Social Worker to understand what programs the Foundation can put in place to assist young adults with items such as educational goals, self grooming items which result in self esteem- just to name a few. The foundation will purchase and ask for donations to support these initiatives.
Celebration In a Box and Rich Creations, LLC:
The foundation has partnered with a program entitled “Celebration in a Box” which is a product of Rich Creations LLC which is a local baker that provides custom cookies and cakes. The service provided is to provide the necessary supplies for a child that’s unable to afford a “celebration event” such as a birthday party, graduation, or any event requiring a celebration.
Supplies are purchased are mailed that will allow that child to celebrate their special day. The box is shipped as “surprise” to our special guest. The child identified is based on financial need or family distress as communicated by the family.

4. Community Service Programs
Community Service Opportunities  Developing Leadership Skills
Community service opportunities are provided to our Youth that will also allow them to gain and learn leadership skills by leading the services below:
Ronald McDonald House
The Foundation has partnered with Ronald McDonald House on a Quarterly basis to bake cookies for families with children that are hospitalized at Central DuPage Hospital located in Winfield IL that are critically ill. The foundation purchases the supplies that are used to bake cookies along with any additional items required.
Making Strides –Breast Cancer Awareness
The Foundation has partnered with Making Strides Breast Cancer awareness Foundation on an annual basis to volunteer at Cantiny Park located in Winfield IL. The Foundation will provide volunteers to serve as “crowd cheerers”. The foundation will provide and purchase the necessary supplies needed such as clappers, whistles, bottled water, etc. for this event. In addition, we provide our teens the opportunity to lead and organize the events on behalf of our organization.
Phil’s Friends
The foundation has partnered and will provide the volunteers necessary to assist with Phil’s Friends. In addition the Foundation will purchase materials required to create blankets or other items needed to fill the boxes that are mailed/shipped to cancer recipients that are fighting for their lives. The items our organization will donate will include but not limited to include blankets, hand sanitizer, hats, scarfs, etc.

5. Community Service Making Strides –Breast Cancer Awareness
The Foundation has partnered with Making Strides Breast Cancer awareness Foundation on an annual basis to volunteer at Cantiny Park located in Winfield IL. The Foundation will provide volunteers to serve as “crowd cheerers”. The foundation will provide and purchase the necessary supplies needed such as clappers, whistles, bottled water, etc. for this event. In addition, we provide our teens the opportunity to lead and organize the events on behalf of our organization.
Phil’s Friends
The foundation has partnered and will provide the volunteers necessary to assist with Phil’s Friends. In addition the Foundation will purchase materials required to create blankets or other items needed to fill the boxes that are mailed/shipped to cancer recipients that are fighting for their lives. The items our organization will donate will include but not limited to include blankets, hand sanitizer, hats, scarfs, etc.

6. Education
Education:
Education is the Key to Success. Therefore the foundation provides early educational opportunities to our Young Adults preparing them for College and assisting them in High School.
Early College Introduction Programs
The Foundation is providing services to allow deserving young adults to receive college education information “early” as it pertains to college Admissions, scholarship opportunities and college visits. The foundation will purchase miscellaneous items to support the activities listed above such as paper, water, snacks, etc
Tutoring Services:
The Foundation will begin offering tutoring services to those in need. The Foundation will provide the location and tutors free of charge.
Services will be offered in Math and Science at this time.

7. Health/Athletics
THE Youth Development Association partners with young athletes that have financial difficulties pursuing extra curricular activities. The Foundation believes that extra curricular activities tied to sports promote leadership qualities, team work and it leads to a healthy and productive lifestyle.
The Foundation provides a volunteer/mentor to these young athletes. Financial assistance may be awarded to these young individuals to assist with uniforms, shoes or items needed. More information about this program can be found on our website: