FSA Youth Programming and Services

07/11/2025

Thank you, Makayla for all of your hard work!!! Youth Programming is grateful to have you on the team 💜💜💜💜

"Students should pursue internship opportunities because internships develop you in a way school and classes couldn’t..."

Meet Makayla, a Political Science major from NIU interning with Family Service Agency of DeKalb County. She's making a real difference in the lives of young students by facilitating social emotional learning and bullying prevention programs!

The Internship Program is a collaboration between the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership, The Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies at NIU, and Career Services at Northern Illinois University, supported by the Douglas C. and Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation.

02/11/2025

When our community comes together, WE can do great things 💜

01/11/2025

We are hiring for our Youth Programming Team! Every day, our staff make a difference through social-emotional learning programs, runaway/lockout services, and our upcoming youth shelter. These programs impact lives and give young people the safe spaces they deserve.

We are looking for passionate professionals to join us as Full and Part-Time Youth Facilitators. Be part of something bigger. Be part of a team that helps shape the future!

Please go to the following link for the most up-to-date open Youth Programming positions: https://fsadekalbcounty.org/employment/

31/10/2025

Even if you’re not into costumes or Halloween decorations, today’s a reminder to face the unknown with courage and curiosity. Whether it’s trying something new, meeting new people, or stepping outside your comfort zone, growth begins the moment you take that first brave step. 💪✨

31/10/2025

October is coming to an end, but we wanted to acknowledge that it's National Bullying Prevention Month in the United States.

We at Family Service Agency of Dekalb County on behalf of the Youth Programming team would like to raise awareness about the impact of bullying along with warning signs to be aware of.

We’re proud to stand for empathy, respect, and inclusion this Bully Prevention Month.

29/10/2025

We’re closer to opening every day 🥰 Check out the comments, so you can see how you can help 💜

We’re almost ready to open the doors of DeKalb County’s FIRST Homeless Youth and Transitional Living Shelter, and we need your help to make it feel like home.

As Shatoya Jackson, Director of Youth Programming, shared:
“Every young person deserves a safe place to rest, dream, and rebuild. Through your generosity, we can fill this space with warmth and comfort—the simple things that make a house feel like home. Every donation is more than an item; it’s a message of love, belonging, and belief in our young people’s futures.”

Every item you give helps transform an empty space into hope and stability for local youth. Bedding, towels, kitchenware, and décor might seem small, but together they tell our youth they are seen, valued, and safe.

🛒 Ways to give in the comments!

Together, we can make sure every young person in DeKalb County has a safe place to call home.

21/10/2025

We’re so proud to congratulate Gracie Chapman on stepping into her new role as Youth Prevention Programming Coordinator! 🎉

From her time as a group facilitator, we’ve seen Gracie’s passion, growth, and deep commitment to helping youth feel seen, supported, and valued. Her new role allows her to expand that impact by strengthening prevention programs and empowering youth to navigate challenges in healthy, lasting ways.

Gracie shared:
“Stepping into the Youth Prevention Programming Coordinator position is an exciting next step as it allows me to expand the impact by strengthening prevention programs, helping youth navigate challenges in more ways, while encouraging positive lasting change in spaces youth feel seen, supported, and valued. The connections with the youth in our community and schools reminds me of how important and needed early prevention truly is. There’s still so much work to be done for our youth, and I’m grateful that FSA is where it begins (maybe with a sugar free Redbull too).

My advice to you: Be the person you needed when you were younger.” 💜

14/10/2025

🌟 Youth Programming is on a Roll! 🌟

We’re beyond excited to share how we’re continuing to make an impact in our community! The secret’s been hard to keep, but the wait is almost over ...November is going to be BIG for our team and the youth we serve!

While our team continues to provide vital support in schools and through our runaway and lockout services, we recognized an even greater need 🏃‍♀️and we ran toward it. 🤩 No youth left behind.

None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication, heart, and hustle of my amazing team. Every day, they show up with passion, purpose, and unwavering belief in our youth.

I’m deeply proud and honored to continue serving the young people of DeKalb County through Family Service Agency’s expanding Youth Programming and Housing Initiatives. Together, we’re building futures, one young person at a time. 💜 Family Service Agency of DeKalb County

— Shatoya

14/10/2025

Check us out 💜

Dai Jana and Gracie from Family Service Agency were our Guest DJs today brought to you by Robin's Nest Bookshoppe. They are with the Youth Programming department and we talked all about their new Homeless Shelter opening in November for youth and transitional ages as well. We also highlighted their Trunk or Treat program coming up as well. Check out the audio here: https://omny.fm/shows/guest-dj/10-13-25-guest-dj-family-service-agency

09/10/2025

Check it out - We’re at the Mitchell Resource Fair!

01/10/2025

🌟 Meet Kiyo! 🌟
We’re thrilled to welcome Kiyo to Youth Programming as our new Bilingual Homeless Youth Coordinator! With her nonprofit experience, compassion, and bilingual skills, she’s already bringing powerful energy to our work with youth and families experiencing homelessness.
We’re lucky to have her on board; welcome to the FSA family, Kiyo!

26/09/2025

🌱 Social-Emotional Learning makes a difference!

Our Youth Programming team is proud to be in 61 classrooms and counseling groups across DeKalb County schools this term. Through SEL, students build resilience, coping skills, confidence, relationships, and problem-solving abilities that last a lifetime.

We are honored to walk alongside students, families, and schools to support growth and well-being in our community💜