Give Today, Shape Tomorrow - SUPPORT THE ALIVE CENTER
Alive Center NFP

Give Today, Shape Tomorrow: Empowering Teens and Fostering Mental Wellbeing

"ShapING Tomorrow" Starts with Good Mental Health!

At Alive Teen Centers, we are committed to empowering teens through our four key pillars—Discovery, Belonging, Leadership, and Resiliency—all essential for shaping a brighter future. Our Teen-Led, Teen-Driven™ model foster these pillars while addressing protective factors that promote mental wellness, such as boosting self-esteem, building community connections, encouraging school engagement, improving academic performance, and teaching vital problem-solving skills.

Through Discovery, teens explore their passions and unlock new potential. In Belonging, they find a supportive community that encourages their growth. Leadership allows them to take charge of their future, while Resiliency helps them face life’s challenges with confidence.

As one of our teens shares:

"Alive is sort of like a second home for many of the kids who go. That’s why they always come back. The center gives such a sense of comfort and care that everyone feels safe to openly express themselves and be who they are.

Alive has helped me to open up and really discover myself, whether it be in my social life or my emotional life. I've very much matured and grown after my many years with the place.

Freshman me could hardly talk to a cashier or waitress. Now, I’m working at Alive with kids, working with middle school students over the summer, teaching them about jazz. I even got a hostess job, which requires lots and lots of talking to strangers. AND I’m a section leader for a marching band. Leader is crazy."

Aniesa A., Alive Aurora Teen Lead and Teen Advisory Board (TAB) Member

​Together, we can create lasting change, empowering teens to thrive and make a difference in their communities.

#GiveTodayShapeTomorrow

Thanks to our Match Donors for Helping Us Give Today and Build Tomorrow’s Leaders!


Help us raise $90K this Giving Tuesday! 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Match Donors, your contributions this Giving Tuesday will have doubled!  The first $45,000 in donations will be matched, meaning your support can turn $45,000 into $90,000!  Don't miss this chance to amplify your giving!  


ALIVE CENTER GIVING TUESDAY 2024 MATCH LEVELS
@ $10,000 Jim and Barbi Hayes' match of $10,000 is added
@ $26,800 an Anonymous match of $6,800 is added
@ $38,600 Bill Jacobs Motorclub's match of $5,000 is added
@ $48,600 BBM Inc.'s match of $5,000 is added
@ $58,600 the Pellicano Family Foundation's match of $5,000 is added
@ $67,600 Rick and Carol McNeel's match of $4,000 is added
@ $75,300 Jodi Traub/Fruits of the Spirit's match of $3,700 is added
@ $81,500 Dan Haspert's match of $2,500 is added
@ $85,500 Aurora Alderman Edward J. Bugg's match of $1,500 is added
@ $87,500 Pipeline Research/Predovic Family's match of $500 is added
@ $88,500 Dean's Clothing's match of $500 is added
@ $89,500 the Pundy's Family's match of $500 is added and WE REACH OUR GOAL OF $90K!


For almost a decade, the ALIVE Center has empowered youth to discover their unique gifts and passions, helping them come ALIVE. With over 71,000 youth visits to our locations in Naperville, Aurora, and Hanover Park, we have made a significant impact in our communities. We are also proud to announce our first Alive Teen-Led, Teen-Driven Certified Center at the B.R. Ryall YMCA in Glen Ellyn!

Why Donate to the ALIVE Center?

Our afterschool Drop-In programs provide a safe, inclusive space where youth can explore their potential. At ALIVE, we promote positive youth development by offering a supportive environment that can significantly influence their future.

Your generosity will help local youth:

  • Connect with Caring Adults: Build relationships with responsible mentors who genuinely care.
  • Learn Essential Life Skills: Equip themselves with skills that enhance well-being and prevent mental health issues.
  • Engage and Have Fun: Experience safety and enjoyment while making new friends and discovering their passions for the future.
  • Develop Leadership Abilities: Create and lead clubs, camps, and programs they are passionate about, fostering confidence and leadership skills.

"Every $1 invested in afterschool programs saves at least $3 by increasing youth’s earning potential, improving their school performance, and reducing crime and juvenile delinquency. These benefits collectively contribute to the overall development of youth, preparing them for a successful and brighter future." — youth.gov

Will you help us continue providing programs that build resiliency, encourage discovery, promote leadership, and create a sense of belonging? Donate TODAY and make a lasting impact on our youth!



#GiveTodayShapeTomorrow

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