Youth
If you or someone else is being hurt, call 9-1-1.
If you’re a teen in McLean or Livingston counties, there are a lot of things we can do for you. There is no fee for any youth service at Project Oz
"I was feeling guilty, but there was no judgement from the caseworker."
"I like being able to talk. I think it releases stress."
Running Away or Parents Won’t Let You Stay at Home?
We respond to crisis calls from youth 24/7. If you have run away or are considering running away, we can offer temporary shelter, counseling, and aid. Call 2-1-1 for non-emergency help.
Emergency Shelter
We have emergency shelter if you find yourself without a place to stay. Call 2-1-1 to connect with us.
Outreach Services
We can offer survival aid, safety planning, education and career counseling, and we can teach you some really great independent living skills.
Housing
We have a limited number of subsidized apartments. There is an application process and a waiting list, but if you’re 17 to 23 years old and homeless, even if you have children, you can apply to the program and get help while you wait.
"My caseworker has helped me sort out many personal and business problems. Oz helped me learn how to manage money…and gave me support when I didn’t quite know how to handle things."
School Support
If you want to improve your school performance, we can help. We have counselors who can help you solve personal problems, solve conflicts, help with college admissions and financial aid applications, and take you on college campus visits and cultural trips. We’ll help you move from where you are, to where you want to be.
Avoiding Drugs
The good news is that most teens do NOT use drugs. Alcohol and other drugs have deep consequences. There are great strategies to resist the pressure to use drugs, and we can teach them to you. We have classroom courses and after-school activities. You might even want to join the Youth Action Board to make friends and have fun in drug-free activities. Teens on the Youth Action Board design billboards, make radio announcements, teach adults, and more.
Youth Groups
You can make new friends, design media messages, and help adults understand teens better. Consider joining a HYPE group at BHS, Normal West, or Normal Community, and bring education and activities (like Safe Prom) to fellow students. Or, design billboards, go Reverse Trick-or-Treating, and take part in Your Actions Matter with the Youth Action Board. You’ll be glad you did.
Resources for Teens
Live Above the Influence: Stay Original, Be Yourself
Internet safety
https://www.netsmartz.org/Home/
LGBTQ info & hotline
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Laws & options for homeless youth
http://homelessyouth.org/us/illinois
For job seekers
https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/ada/r/
Homeless youths’ educational rights
http://center.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/reauthorization.pdf
Homework & study tips
http://homeworktips.about.com/
Ten Tips for Preventing Drug Abuse
https://www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/underage-issues/ten-tips-for-prevention-for-youth
Facts About Spice
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/spice
The Truth About Heroin
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/heroin.html
