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about the warming house Mission The Warming House 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. "Power Points" Programming By participating in the free and fun programs below, teens have the opportunity to earn "Power Points." Power Points qualify the teens for our quarterly raffle prize of a $100 gift certificate to a local merchant. They can also be used to "pay" for center outings like Great America. Ongoing Power Points programs include.... Supportive Counseling Services The Warming House provides ongoing group and individual support counseling services to teens. These services offer teens the opportunity to learn how to develop personal character, improve behavioral skills, analyze situations, solve problems, build healthy relationships, and identify new opportunities for growth and change. Youth Leadership Board Weekly meetings are held to help develop leadership skills as teens make decisions, problem-solve, and help with Center programs and fundraising projects. Teens perform community service hours in order to maintain our commitment to volunteerism while increasing community awareness of the Warming House and its programs. Chat Sessions These group discussions provide the teens with accurate information, resources and support on issues of substance use, health, diversity, social development, and more. Discussions remain focused on encouraging teens to make healthy, informed decisions, with goals including prevention, provision of referrals, and education. Music Mentoring/Band Concerts Music mentoring programs led by a Chicago musician focus on aspects of songwriting, performing and band organization. Teens help organize concerts and events to further showcase their talents and provide a forum for current outreach efforts. Through band concerts, staff has the opportunity to begin relationships with new teens, inform teens of ongoing support, and encourage participation in Center programs. Creative Arts Program The Warming House has an ongoing mural project, using the walls of the Center as the canvas. The mural highlights teens' individual artistic expression and encourages teens to leave their mark on the Center. Art supplies are always available for sketching, painting, beading, tye-dye etc. Recreation Program These events encourage teens to kick back and relax. They are always available, offering a variety of fun, safe, and supervised programs. Volunteer Activities Throughout the year, teens earn points by contributing service hours to the Center and the surrounding community. Programs include weekly Center projects, and events such as canned food and clothing drives, the Wilmette Holiday Parade, helping at soup kitchens and Habitat for Humanity. Peer Jury/ Community Service The Warming House serves as a site for teens referred from the Peer Jury Program in New Trier Township and the Cook County Juvenile Court. In addition to helping teens complete their hours, staff members work to establish a connection with the teens, to encourage ongoing involvement at the Center. Study Nights The Warming House assigns one night a week as a study night. Teens are encouraged to bring in study materials and work while staff remains available for homework help. Snacks are provided, as well as a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. ACT, SAT, and vocational guide books are available at the center for teens focused on the next step after high school. |