All kids in the foster care system are in need of a loving home, whether on a temporary or permanent basis. Statistics show teens are more likely to have a difficult time finding that home than any other age group, but they’re eligible for state help only through age 21. So what happens then? Let It Be Us, an agency in the northwest suburbs, is working hard to help those young people survive and thrive.
% >>> ALL KIDS IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM ARE IN NEED OF A LOVING HOME WITH HER ON A TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT BASIS. STATISTICS SHOW TEENS ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME TIME FINDING THAT ON MANY OF THE OTHER GREAT AGE GROUP BUT THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR HELP ONLY THROUGH THE AGE OF 21. AN AGENCY IS WORKING HARD TO HELP THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE SURVIVE AND THRIVE. >> ALEX IS ON HER WAY TO A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION AND IT IS HER DREAM JOB BUT SHE WILL TELL YOU DREAMS DON'T ALWAYS COME TRUE. >> I TECHNICALLY DON'T HAVE PARENTS. I DON'T HAVE LIKE A FAMILY. >> WHEN IT WAS TIME TO LEAVE THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM SHE FELT LOST. >> I WAS AGING OUT OF THE SYSTEM. THEY CAN REALLY HELP YOU ANYMORE. YOU ARE OFFICIALLY ON YOUR OWN. YOU REALIZE I NEED A PLACE TO LIVE. I NEED TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE.
I NEED A JOB. I NEED TO BE ABLE TO HANDLE ALL THIS PRESSURE. >> ALEX DID NOT HAVE TO FACE THAT PRESSURE ALONE THANKS TO PS, A CHILD WELFARE AGENCY. THE PROGRAM HELPS FOSTER YOUTH GET OUT ON THEIR OWN, EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY AND FINANCIALLY. IT ALSO HELPS THEM GET ON A CAREER PATH, ATTEND COLLEGE AND FIND HELPING. >> WE PAY FOR THEIR BOOKS FOR SCHOOL. WE HELP THEM PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS, WE HELP THEM FIND THOSE JOBS. >> I PREFER LIVING ALONE AND THEY SAID WE CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR RENT IF YOU CAN BE IN THIS PROGRAM AND PROVE TO US YOU WERE, YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF IN YOUR HOME, YOU CAN COOK, PAY YOUR BILLS, SIMPLE ENOUGH THINGS. >> A KEY COMPONENT IS MENTORSHIP FROM ADULTS WHO HELP THEM MANAGE THEIR MONEY, FIND JOBS AND MORE. ALEX'S HELPERS ARE DOUG AND NANCY LOCKE. >> WHEN I HAVE EMOTIONAL THINGS TO HANDLE THEY ARE THERE.
WHEN I HAVE PHYSICAL THINGS I'M LIKE I GOT MYSELF IN A LITTLE MORE THERE LIKE LET'S FIGURE THIS OUT. DOES ANYTHING HONESTLY I CAN TELL THEM AND THEY ARE ABLE TO HELP ME THROUGH IT. >> I FEEL GOOD WE CAN BE SUPPORTIVE OF HER. SHE KNOWS WE CARE ABOUT HER AND REDO. WE FIND THAT WHEN WE ATTACH A FAMILY OR A FAMILY -LIKE STRUCTURE TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE THEY CAN BE SUCCESSFUL AND THEY CAN HELP MY STRONG LIVES. >> WE ARE MAKING SURE THEY HAVE THOSE SKILLS IN ORDER TO CONQUER THE WORLD AS IT IS AND BE ABLE TO BE INDEPENDENT AS A WHOLE. >> Reporter: ALEX SAYS THAT MEANS THE WORLD TO HER. >> IT HAS BEEN LIKE MY PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS AUNT, UNCLE, THEY HAVE BEEN LIKE MY FAMILY. >> IS PRIVATELY FUNDED AND ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MENTORS. WE WERE TOLD IT DOESN'T COST YOU ANYTHING TO
The Chicago News Sports Events Culture
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The Chicago News Sports Events Culture
The Chicago News Sports Events Culture is no doubt a big part of the city’s renaissance. Whether it’s the coolest new sports bar in town or the sexiest new hotel a block away, sports are a big deal in this great city. Not only are they a great way to spend a weekend or two, but they can also help boost your local economy. Some of the best sports teams in the game are the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, and Blackhawks. A number of these organizations have even gone the extra mile by donating a little cash to local initiatives.
It’s no secret that the Chicago Bears have won more games than their rivals over the past three decades. As for the Cubs, they have also played a major role in funding a number of other sports programs for kids. These include Nerf football, baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and more. This means that your next visit to the Windy City is bound to be one for the books.
The best part is that they aren’t the only ones in town. The city is home to numerous high quality colleges and universities, many of which boast a robust athletic program. These schools have contributed to the sports fun factor by attracting fans of all ages. Moreover, the city is no stranger to big league football, as well, with a handful of NFL clubs calling the Windy City home. With a growing roster of pro athletes, it’s no surprise that the city is on the forefront of the national football buzz.