Phone: (309) 827-0377

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