RESOURCES FOR TEENS
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or need someone to talk to, there are people who care and that can help.
Crisis Text Line – Free, 24/7 mental health support via text message: Text “REACH” to 741 741
Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233), Text“START” to 88788
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
Safe 2 Help – Report school safety issues in a confidential environment: Text 72332
The Trevor Project – Suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people: www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help
Connect with local community resources: Call 211
LOCAL RESOURCES
Find mental health resources, group classes, housing assistance, and more in DuPage and Kane County, IL
for teens under the age of 18
DUPAGE COUNTY
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
DuPage County Health Dept. Crisis Line
Linden Oaks Behavioral Health
Youth behavioral and mental health services, including inpatient and outpatient treatment plus recovery programs for depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and more.
https://www.eehealth.org/patients-visitors/linden-oaks/
NAMI DuPage
Free Youth Mental Health Resources and Support Groups.
NAMI DuPage Living Room
Peer-led non-clinical alternative to the traditional emergency room
https://namidupage.org/living-
SamaraCare Counseling
Youth Mental Health Counseling and Resources (reduced cost).
360 Youth Services
Youth substance use prevention education, counseling (reduced cost), and housing.
LGBTQ+ SUPPORT
Elmhurst Pride Collective
The EPC brings together a wide array of local businesses, organizations, and neighbors, who share our goals and are committed to making Elmhurst, Illinois, a welcoming place to live, learn, and grow.
www.elmhurstpridecollective.org
Naper Pride
An organization and local network that assists LGBTQ individuals and families to obtain resources in physical & mental health, academic, and professional development.
Youth Outlook
LGBTQ Youth Local Support Groups and Drop-in Center in Naperville, Downers Grove, and Elmhurst.
360 Youth Services
LGBTQ+ Affirming Housing.
FOOD
School Resources
Reach out to your local school counselors for school meals, snacks, and other resources.
Alive Center Drop-In
Alive offers free after school snacks, and summer lunches. See location for details and availability.
Local Food Pantries (Parent/Guardian Presence Required)
West Suburban Community Pantry
HOUSING
360 Youth Services
Youth substance use prevention education, counseling, and housing.
KANE COUNTY
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Association for Individual Development
In Home Children Support (for 18 and under with Developmental Disabilities).
https://www.aidcares.org/children-services/
Fox Valley Hands of Hope
Free Grief Counseling.
NAMI Kane, Dekalb, Kendall Counties
Free Youth Mental Health Resources and Support Groups.
LGBTQ+ SUPPORT
Aurora Pride
Aurora Pride, founded in 2019, is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to promote LGBTQ+ acceptance and community in Aurora, IL.
Fox Valley Pride
Fox Valley Pride is a grassroots organization working to make the Fox Valley, Illinois and the surrounding communities inclusive and affirming spaces that celebrate the diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions of our community members.
www.facebook.com/FoxValleyPride
LGBTQ+ Affirming Counselors
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/il/kane-county?category=gay
Pride St. Charles
Pride St. Charles is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization benefiting the LGBT+ and allied community of St. Charles.
FOOD
Aurora Food Pantry KID’S POP UP
Nutritious, kid-friendly groceries and occasionally school supplies.
https://www.aurorafoodpantry.org/events/
Community Fridge Project
Take what you need, leave what you can (food).
HOUSING
Hesed House
Youth Housing/Shelter (Must provide proof of residence in Aurora, Oswego, or Montgomery).
Stephanie Casey – 630-897-2156 ext. 570
RESOURCES AT THE ALIVE CENTER
The Alive Center provides resources for FREE to local teens.
Please note of age restrictions, availability, and hours of operation per Alive location
#FREE #JustShowUp
DROP-IN
Teens are welcome to drop-in at any of our Alive locations for FREE during Alive’s Drop-in hours after school and over the summer. Alive Drop-in offers a space for creativity, connection, games, and more. See location hours HERE.
CLUBS
Through our Teen-Led, Teen-Driven™ model, teens can join or lead clubs for free. There are clubs for every interest, from Upcycled Clothing and Come Alive with Pride, or STEM exploration and Dungeons and Dragons. Find our free program schedule .
TEEN LEADERSHIP
Teen Advisory Board (TAB): Our TAB is a working board and leadership program; the TAB is organized into committees to conduct programs and events through from conception to fruition.
Alive Teen Initiate (ATI): Start a new program, class, campaign, nonprofit, or fundraiser at Alive with the support of our Teen Initiate Program.
Click HERE to inquire about teen leadership opportunities.
TUTORING
The Merry Tutors provide free tutoring to K-12th Graders at the Alive Center in Naperville, and Lite Leaders provide tutoring at Alive Aurora. Click HERE to find the schedule.
MENTORING
Pairs comprised of one older teen, and one younger teen, meet weekly to bond and connect at Alive. Let us know HERE if you would like to be a mentor or mentee.
HEALTHY SNACKS
Alive Naperville is equipped with a full kitchen for teens to cook and bake in (with assistance from staff).
All Alive Center locations frequently receive food donations for teens to snack on while at Drop-in. Click HERE for our Drop-in Calendar.
FIND OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Find job postings, internships, volunteer opportunities, events, and more with Alive’s Teen Resource Network for Chicagoland teens
Follow @TRNChicagoland on Facebook and Instagram for community postings on jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities, and events – all for TEENS!
Text ALIVETRN to (833) 308-0860 for realtime opportunities in the Naperville, Aurora, and Hanover Park communities
Community members, organizations, and businesses are invited to share their opportunities on these pages. Alive admins have the right to remove any post that does not adhere to the mission of the page.