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About
About UPWARD COMMUNITY
Upward Community supports and enhances the emotional and social health of adolescents, young adults and their families with an array of innovative prevention and intervention programs and services. We guide, encourage and uplift youth to reach their potential Step by Step.
Working in the Chicago Jewish community as an organization for over ten years, we continue to listen to the community and focus on the needs that are presented to us in order to support our teens, young adults, and families. Over these years, we have seen tremendous growth of the organization as well as growth of the community and its needs.
We view ourselves as partners, be it with families, teens, schools, Rabbanim, or
other community organizations; to help enhance the well-being of our families and community at large. It is our honored duty to ensure that every child and family has an address to turn to when looking for guidance, direction, or simply, support. At Upward Community, we see the great and vast potential of every child. There is no such thing as giving up. In fact, it is the exact opposite. Upward Community is all about providing our children with the support they need to be successful and productive, step by step.
Our role is to service the whole child. We focus on the child, the teen and
young adult. Additionally, we are concerned about the family, to ensure
growth and stability for everyone involved. We attend to the community, to
ensure a strong constant foundation for future generations. Our resolute goal
is to be there for every parent, every family, and every child who comes
through our doors, and to treat them with the love and respect they deserve.
We strongly believe that with a flourishing prevention program and
responsive crisis interventions, we, with your continued partnership and support, can impact our community for generations to come.
The Upward Community "Steps to Healthy Living" is a well-researched Prevention skills program designed for 5th -12th grades. Specially trained teachers work from a 2,500 page, 30 week curriculum teaching Conflict Resolution, Addictions, Communication Skills, Peer Pressure Reversal Skills, Healthy Decision Making, Internet Safety, Body Image, Stress and Anger Management, Bullying Prevention and more.
The Hartman Family Foundation Community Education Division:
Upward Community arranges for renowned and expert guest lecturers to present on a host of topics relevant to all parents in the community.
School Workshops:
Tailor-made workshops for each school, enabling students and parents to learn the same language around topics like substance abuse, building healthy relationships, and stress management.
Upward Community's unique drop-in centers, the Lounge, provides teens with a safe, fun and nurturing environment, under the supervision and guidance of Upward Community's staff. The Lounge is a destination for teens to come play, talk, eat and "chill" in a relaxed and non-judgmental atmosphere.
Basketball Leagues:
The basketball league provides teens with a healthy outlet and allows for learning important life skills such as teamwork, self-esteem, the importance of being active, healthy competition and discipline.
Annual Walder Retreat:
Upward Community offers its teens to join them on an annual retreat which focuses on emotional health. The retreat is designed to enhance self acceptance, inner strength and resiliency.
Upward Expeditions:
Upward Expeditions is a two-week summer experience for children and teens in 6th through 10th grade, with separate camps for boys and girls. Through meaningful activities, teamwork, and leadership opportunities, participants build confidence, strengthen their sense of self, and head into the new school year feeling energized, uplifted, and ready to grow.
The counseling center provides assessments, referrals, and psychotherapy services for pre-teens, teens, and emerging adults in the community. At the Counseling Center, our clients receive the utmost professional care from a licensed clinician who is culturally sensitive and trained to work with our clientele. Additionally, we are paneled with select insurance companies and also provide a sliding scale option to make therapy affordable and attainable for our community.
Parent Support Groups:
Our support groups provide parents with a space to connect with others facing similar challenges and to feel supported throughout their journey. Participants exchange ideas, strategies, and practical tools, while drawing strength and hope from one another's experiences. Led by experienced and compassionate clinicians, these groups foster a safe, accepting environment where parents can feel understood and empowered.
Children and Teens Support Groups:
These small groups provide a nurturing space where students can build important social and emotional skills alongside their peers. Led by trained specialists, the groups focus on age-appropriate communication, healthy friendship-building, positive peer relationships, and the skills needed for greater success in school. With engaging, child-friendly activities and guided support, participants strengthen confidence, learn how to navigate challenges more effectively, and develop tools that help them grow both socially and academically.
Professional Development:
Teachers, principals, Rabbeim, and other community leaders are often the first to recognize social and emotional struggles in children and teens. Upward partners with local schools and organizations to provide training, guidance, and practical resources for educators, administrators, and leaders on the issues impacting students today. We are also proud to offer continuing education and advanced training opportunities for mental health professionals in our community.
