Youth Outlook

Youth Outlook is the only stand-alone, not-for-profit agency dedicated to serving LGBTQ youth in DuPage, Kane, DeKalb and Whiteside Counties in IL. National research indicates that LGBT youth are "coming out" at an average age of 13, down from 19 about a decade ago, bringing challenges that were once faced in high school or early college to the level of middle schools. In the direct service arena, the agency draws upon volunteer power to operate numerous afternoon and evening social/recreational programs for LGBTQ youth, ages 12 to 25. Youth Outlook provides a variety of community education workshops to school and mental health professionals, geared toward assisting colleagues and community partners to build safe space. The executive director currently recruits and trains new volunteer staff twice a year, in spring and fall months, to work in the drop in centers and other programs with the youth. Board of directors recruitment is done year-round.