parent's faq

What is the Warming House?

The Warming House provides a safe, supervised, and substance-free atmosphere for teens in the area. Trained staff are always on site during open hours and they encourage growth and acceptance, promote communication, and help develop the skills of 8th graders - high school aged teens. We have been serving North Shore youth for almost 40 years!

Is the Warming House Supervised?

Yes! We have a mix of paid staff and volunteers from Northwestern University (who are pursuing degrees in psychology or social work) who staff the Center during open hours and chaperone trips.

What does it cost for my teen to attend?

There is no cost for teens to attend the Warming Center. We rely on grants and donations to continue to provide our services and hope that parents will support our efforts through private donations. Click here for information on how to donate to the Warming House.

Where is the Warming House?

The Warming House is located in a park district facility by the football fields in Howard Park in Wilmette. Howard Park is located off of Ridge Road, between the Police Department and St. Joseph Church. Pull into the parking lot and walk towards the green buildings by the football fields.

Who attends the Warming House?

We have a mixture of kids from Wilmette and the surrounding suburbs. Artists, musicians, kids who just want a fun place to hang out. Teens must be in 8th grade or high school.

What do teens do at the Warming House?

Most of all, they have fun. There is a lot to do - we offer study nights, movie nights, trips to theatres, counseling services, cultural nights, service projects, creative art programs - and, well, just having fun with games and chatting with other teens and counselors. Check out our events page for current programs and activities. By participating in the free and fun programs, 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.

Who runs the Warming House?

We have staff and board members from reputable institutions including Northwestern University, Loyola University, Kellogg School of Business Management, Price, Waterhouse, Coopers, UBS and the Options Clearing Corporation, who specialize in social work, psychology, education, nursing, business and finance, consulting and nonprofit work. Our board members are also parents - moms, dads and grandparents. See more about our staff and board members in the About section of this site.

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