Evanston Philanthropists Invest Millions in New Center for Youth

We are thrilled to hear about Youth Organizations Umbrella (Y.O.U.)’s received $2.5 million from Col. Jennifer N. Pritzker and the Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation in land value and cash gifts. The funds will be used to develop a new headquarters for the Evanston youth activities. The headquarters at 1911 Church Street will offer transformative learning spaces for youth, office space for Y.O.U. staff, and exciting opportunities for collaboration among youth-serving agencies.

A few words about Y.O.U.;

Each year Y.O.U. serves over 1,000 youth and touch more than 3,000 family members through their services that include after-school enrichment, summer learning, mental health counseling, and mentorship. These services ensure youth success across all of their different environments – in school, at home, in the community, and in moments of crisis. Learn more about our impact at Since 1971, Y.O.U. has provided services and leadership to meet the emerging needs of young people and their families.Each year Y.O.U. serves over 1,000 youth and touch more than 3,000 family members through their services that include after-school enrichment, summer learning, mental health counseling, and mentorship. These services ensure youth success across all of their different environments – in school, at home, in the community, and in moments of crisis. Learn more about our impact at www.youevanston.org

Col. Pritzker is providing a gift valued at $1.5 million in support for the project, including donating the land at 1911 Church Street to Y.O.U. along with making a generous cash gift. The Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation is providing $1 million in additional financial support.

Y.O.U. says its next stage of utilizing these funds will be developing plans for the building and then construction. Y.O.U. is planning an interactive and inclusive process moving forward, including focus groups with youth and staff, collaborative meetings with community stakeholders, and observational visits to peer agencies’ youth spaces as part of its design process. Y.O.U. will also be continuing to fundraise for this project with the hope to occupy the new building by the summer of 2016. This is fantastic news and we wish Y.O.U. the best of luck in making these funds works best for the community. Please get involved with Y.O.U. Evanston —