The Warming House Youth Center provides a safe, supervised, and substance-free atmosphere where teen ownership and decision-making opportunities thrive. Our trained staff encourages growth and acceptance, promotes communication, and helps develop the skills of high school aged teens.
Warming House staff members provide teen supervision during all open shift hours. They aim primarily to create a welcoming, nurturing and accepting atmosphere so that teens feel at home at the Center. Staff members enforce limits and boundaries, address problem behavior, and de-escalate conflict in order to maintain a safe environment. They also build strong, healthy, trusting relationships with participants so that teens feel comfortable opening up to staff. Additionally, the Center’s confidentiality policy allows teens to talk openly with staff, without the threat of their comments being spread to others. Staff members encourage youth leadership through the Youth Leadership Board, and through ongoing programs and activities. Teens are always enlisted in program planning, implementation, and decision-making processes.
We look for new staff members on an ongoing basis. Staff members must have at least junior standing in college. We prefer that undergraduate and graduate level students have some knowledge of, or academic background in, psychology or social work. At a minimum they should have an interest in working with youth and acting as a supportive counselor. Staff members are asked to stay for one year minimum. Ongoing training and supervision is provided.
WARMING HOUSE YOUTH CENTER
Board Member Responsibilities
Since 1971, The Warming House Youth Center has served local youth as a drop-in Center. Located in Howard Park in Wilmette, the Center offers a safe, supervised, and substance-free hang out to teens in grades 8-12. On Saturday evenings and for some special events, 6th and 7th grade students take part in many types of programming.
The Center has a highly-skilled, 12-person staff with a vested interest in youth. Teens are welcome to discuss any personal issues with staff in a respectful and confidential environment. Our Warming House staff creates a welcoming atmosphere for nearly 700 teens per year, and over 3,200 teen visits!
Warming House Programs
The Warming House offers an array of structured programs at little or no cost, including:
· Recreation, including concerts, barbecues, game tournaments, movie nights, outings | · Multicultural Events
· Volunteer Events Youth Leadership Board |
· Community Service Creative Arts
· Academic Assistance |
Volunteer Board Members Roles and Expectations
To learn more or be considered for Board membership, please contact Cynthia Doucette, Executive Director (cynthia@warminghouse.org ; 847.256.5288) or Joe Feldman, Board President (josfeldman@cs.com; 312.961.2099).
Board Members: Working with our board of directors is a great way to support the youth of our community
Donations to The Volunteer Center are tax-deductible.
DonateBecome a Community PartnerThe Volunteer Center
520 Glendale Avenue, Suite 211
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 441-7665
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