Youth Services

Welcome to Youth Services, a department committed to supporting children and families’ social, emotional, and mental health since 1972. We provide a variety of high-quality programs and run groups on-site and in the community for Township youth and their families. All of our programs are designed with the Social Emotional Learning Goals of the Illinois State Learning Standards, and can be modified for multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), or other specific school group needs.

All programs are designed for the purpose of enhancing learning and transferring acquired skills to achieve success: at school, at home, with friends, or with family. Contact Youth Services at (847) 981-0375 or youthservices@elkgrovetownship.com to discuss your group’s unique needs. We can create a customized experiential program for your team or group. Visit any of the links below for further information on our core programs. Please don’t hesitate to call us for any help with programming. We are full of ideas and passionate about what we do!

Fees are waived for Elk Grove Township Residents. Please reach out to determine resident eligibility.

Department Directory

Renee Dorn, Youth Services Director

Jenn Hahn, Program Coordinator

Danny LaRosa, Program Specialist

Jennifer Solis, Facilitator

Want to know more about what Youth Services has to offer?

Watch the video below to learn how to access and make the most of the Youth Services resources available to you!

Community Engagement Programs

Challenge Program

The Challenge Program features a low-ropes course and initiatives. The goal is to offer a unique environment for youth to explore their strengths, work collaboratively, and overcome challenges. The Challenge Program empowers youth to build confidence, foster collaboration, and develop critical life skills through experiential learning and teamwork. By engaging in hands-on activities and challenges, participants gain self-awareness, improve communication, and strengthen their ability to work effectively with others.

Building Social and Emotional Skills
Promoting Teamwork and Communication
Fostering Resilience and Problem-Solving
Creating Community Connection
Youth Leadership Development

Bicycle Safety Program

The Bicycle Safety Program empowers youth with the knowledge and skills to navigate their communities safely on two wheels through interactive presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and engaging activities.

Covers essential biking safety topics, including helmet fitting, hand signals, and traffic rules.
Offers interactive, hands-on learning experiences for grades K-5.
Provides flexible class options in schools or at the township.
Hosts open rides to practice skills and connect with fellow riders.
Promotes safety, responsibility, and environmental awareness through biking.

School Based Services

The Youth Services Department of Elk Grove Township partners with local schools to provide engaging, enriching group programs for students. Our school-based services focus on social-emotional growth, building confidence, and fostering healthy relationships to support the development of essential life skills.

Future Leaders – Building confidence, leadership, and positive peer connections
Newcomers Group – Supporting youth who are new to the U.S. in learning life skills and how to navigate school culture
Social Skills Groups – Providing tools to help youth build friendships and manage everyday social situations
Life Skills Programs – Teaching skills to post-high school students to support integration into the community.
Custom Programs – Tailored sessions addressing topics like bullying prevention, managing emotions, and problem-solving

On-Site Group Programs

Girls Empowerment

The Girls Empowerment Group is a multi-session program that helps young girls develop confidence, resilience, and strong friendships in a supportive environment. Through engaging activities and discussions, participants strengthen their social and emotional skills while discovering their unique voices.

Builds confidence and resilience in everyday challenges
Encourages positive self-expression and self-awareness
Fosters meaningful friendships and a strong support network
Provides a safe and welcoming space for personal growth

Social Skills

The Social Skills Group helps children develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive peer interactions. Through engaging activities like games, role-playing, and discussions, participants learn effective communication, empathy, conflict resolution, and how to read social cues. This supportive environment encourages perspective-taking, confidence, and social growth, preparing them for successful relationships in school and beyond.

Builds self-awareness and self-management skills
Enhances communication and peer relationships
Encourages positive decision-making and conflict resolution

Co-Ed Social Empowerment Group

Our Co-Ed Social Empowerment Group fosters inclusivity, self-awareness, and positive peer connections for Junior High Students. Through engaging activities and discussions, participants build confidence, improve communication, and develop essential life skills to help them thrive socially and emotionally. This is a multi-session group.

Understanding emotions, strengths, and personal identity
Encouraging respect, empathy, and acceptance of others
Building healthy friendships and teamwork skills
Strengthening problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities

30

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

My 9-year-old daughter has continued to learn new social skills and grows emotionally with each session attended. She is challenged to think about how other people might feel or perceive any given situation. Every session helps her mature into a more emotionally intelligent individual.

We love Renee and her staff at the Youth Groups! I love how Renee is relatable and cares for all the kids.

I found out about the groups after my son was diagnosed with ADHD. I'm very thankful we have something like this in our Township. Mrs. Renee and the whole team are awesome, and the kids love to participate in the meetings. We really appreciate what the team is doing for our kids. Thank you so much!!

Thank you for your kindness and inclusion.

Our family is very thankful for the township's program!