EXCERPT: Crime, violence and teens are a common trifecta in Chicago news with a rare focus on the “What’s next?” But the mission of a center in Ravenswood Manor is to focus on the “next.” The repair and the future for these Chicago youths.

Lawrence Hall Youth Services building located at 4833 N Francisco Ave (photo courtesy of Lawrence Hall)

Lawrence Hall Youth Services, with its main facility just off Lawrence Ave. near the Chicago River, 4833 N. Francisco Ave., works with over 1,000 children, adolescents and families in Chicago. The provide services and support for children and teens who have been traumatized by violence. “They aren’t victims. They have voices,” says Jill Watson, Director of Communications and Marketing. “They just need the support to learn.”

That support comes in a variety of services.

Lawrence Hall works with After School Matters to provide after school programs for Chicago Public School students. Foster Care, child and family treatment programs, and independent living programs for older teens are also among the programs they provide to the community.

The building on Fransisco also houses a therapeutic day school and residential treatment facility. According to their site, Lawrence Hall cares for 10% of the state’s child welfare recipients in Cook County residential programs. By the time they arrive at Lawrence Hall, residents have lived in an average of 12 different places.

FULL ARTICLE HERE:  A Peek Into Neighborhood Home For Troubled Youth | The Center Square Journal.