Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I am thankful for the support Youth Choice has received in the past six months.  It is through your support and donations that Chicago's youth - our youth - will become healthy youth making healthy choices.

Our second fundraiser was a success as it raised awareness about two great organizations: Youth Choice and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.  All of the funds received support our program operations and implementation.  Youth Choice will be participating in AIDS Run & Walk Chicago 2009. Please support our efforts by making a donation or joining our team to get moving against HIV/AIDS at this fun-filled event on Saturday October 3, 2009 in Grant Park. By making a donation to our team, you help support more than 150 Chicagoland organizations whose work is so critical to the fight against HIV/AIDS. You can find instructions on signing up to run or walk with us by visiting the 'Our Events' page and donations can be made on our 'Support Us' page.  Our next fundraiser will be on Wednesday, September 30th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tantrum located at 1023 S. State St. where we will once again raise funds for our participation in the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago 2009.

As founder and executive director of Youth Choice, I have a personal interest in the impact this organization and its programs have on youth.  I was a youth that was faced with many different challenges during my adolescent years.  Fortunately, I was able to make connections with people who were genuinely interested in my development and individuals who provided me with opportunities that allowed me to see the potential within myself.  Those individuals and opportunities gave me insight into the choices I was making and the choices I could make.  I would like to give those same opportunities to youth with the hopes of impacting the choices they make.

I encourage you to get involved in Youth Choice by donating your time or contributing to our operating needs.  Please feel free to contact me for more information on how you can get involved. And again, thank you for you continued support.

Sincerely,

Jennifer M. Blackman

Founder & Executive Director