Our Impact

Why We Exist

At Ascend Youth Services, we recognize that while we’re a new organization, the challenges we face aren’t new — and neither is the need for real, lasting solutions. Our impact is grounded in bold, achievable targets designed to bring tangible benefits to the communities we serve

Community Needs We’re Addressing

24.9% of Black residents live in poverty, compared to a countywide average of 13.3%

Over 34% of households with children are led by single parents

Youth violence rates are devastatingly high, with young Black residents 22 times more likely to be killed than their White counterparts

Communities on the South and West sides have a median net worth under $5,000 compared to nearly $1 million on the North Side

We were founded to change this

We’ve set clear, measurable goals to drive meaningful change:

By Year 1:

Engage 150+ youth in mentorship and life skills programs.
Provide transitional housing and support services for at least 75 youth.
Deliver community outreach and violence prevention programs in 3 target neighborhoods.

By Year 3:

Reduce risky behavior incidents (e.g., substance use, delinquency) by 25% among participating youth.
Achieve a 90% graduation or GED completion rate for youth in our mentorship program.
Improve conflict resolution skills by 25% among participants.

By Year 5:

Lower recidivism rates by 30% for justice-involved youth participating in our housing program.
Increase employment readiness and job placement success by 40%.
Expand mental health services and trauma-informed care access to 300+ youth annually.

Why This Matters

When young people feel safe, supported, and empowered, they build futures that break cycles of poverty, violence, and instability. Through early intervention, stable housing, mentorship, and life-changing education, Ascend Youth Services aims to reduce community violence, improve graduation rates, and uplift families.

Our long-term vision is a safer, healthier, and more equitable Cook County — where every young person is seen, valued, and supported.

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Our Impact

Community Needs We’re Addressing

We were founded to change this

Why This Matters

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