John* had earned only six high school credits. He was a high-ranking gang member and the main provider for his younger brother and mother. The weight of responsibility left him frustrated and unsure of how to move forward. He wanted change, but school felt out of reach.

When John connected with SGA Youth & Family Services, he found a support system that believed in his persistence. His mentor helped John improve his self-efficacy by teaching him how to set small, achievable goals, and break large projects into smaller tasks making them more manageable. John learned how to handle negative thoughts and emotions to build confidence and resilience. This combined with his mentor’s positive feedback made a huge difference. With the encouragement of his mentor, John enrolled in an alternative high school. 

With that stability in place, he began engaging with classmates and even joined an after school leadership club—something he never imagined doing. Step by step, he built momentum.

John went on to graduate from high school. He is continuing his education with community college, and set his sights on becoming a veterinarian. His dream is to one day serve his community in a new way.

Chicago has more than 200,000 “Opportunity Youth”—young people ages 16 to 24 who are out of school and out of work. Without support, they face higher risks of unemployment, poverty, substance abuse, and criminal behavior. SGA’s workforce development programs tackle these barriers with mentoring, education, and behavioral health services.

John’s journey shows the difference this approach can make. With SGA’s guidance and his own determination, he helped his family find a better path, discovered his potential, and began building a future that once seemed impossible.

*Name changed to protect privacy