Advocacy & Systemic Change
ForGirlsLikeMe doesn't just serve girls and young women—we fight to transform the systems that fail them. Through advocacy and strategic partnerships, we raise awareness about the real challenges facing girls and young women in our communities. The statistics are stark: 1 in 5 girls experiences child sexual abuse, 26% of young women aged 16-24 have a common mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression—almost three times more than young men, and 53% of women with mental health issues have also experienced abuse.
We partner with agencies, schools, and organizations throughout Illinois' 2nd Congressional District to ensure that girls and young women receive comprehensive, trauma-informed support—not fragmented services that leave families navigating multiple systems alone. Through our signature Pathways to Promises Project, we serve 120 at-risk youth ages 12-17 annually through two core pathways:

• Transitional Housing Pathway (60 youth): Provides safe, stable housing with intensive wraparound services

• Supportive Services Pathway (60 youth): Delivers comprehensive case management and support while youth remain in their communities

We're demonstrating what integrated care looks like. Join us in building coordinated approaches to youth empowerment that actually work.


Building a Coordinated Care Network
ForGirlsLikeMe is building a robust network of partner organizations committed to comprehensive, trauma-informed support for girls and young women. From mental health providers and educational institutions to legal advocates, housing services, and workforce development programs, we're creating an integrated system where young women can access everything they need without falling through the cracks.
Through our Pathways to Promises Project, we serve 120 at-risk youth ages 12-17 and their families annually with coordinated case management, mental health services, educational support, family counseling, and career readiness training—all working together rather than in silos:

• 60 youth receive intensive support through our Transitional Housing Pathway with safe, stable living environments

• 60 youth access comprehensive services through our Supportive Services Pathway while remaining in their communities

Both pathways provide the same high-quality, trauma-informed care tailored to each young person's unique needs and circumstances.
If your organization is ready to invest in true systems change that centers the voices and needs of girls and young women in Illinois' 2nd Congressional District, let's talk about collaboration.


Career Readiness & Life Skills Programming
ForGirlsLikeMe provides career development and educational programming for girls and young women at every stage of their journey. Our age-appropriate curriculum includes resume writing, interview skills, workplace readiness, financial literacy, professional communication, and life skills development.
Through our Pathways to Promises Project, 120 youth ages 12-17 annually participate in career readiness programming integrated with trauma-informed case management, mental health services, and family support that addresses barriers like housing instability and family challenges:

• Transitional Housing Pathway participants (60 youth) receive career training alongside stable housing and intensive wraparound services

• Supportive Services Pathway participants (60 youth) access the same career development resources while remaining in their home communities

Our mentors provide individualized, trauma-informed coaching that helps participants identify their strengths, set realistic goals, and envision futures beyond their current circumstances. We're not just teaching job skills—we're removing obstacles and creating pathways to economic stability and professional growth for at-risk youth throughout Illinois' 2nd Congressional District.


Meeting Girls and Young Women Where They Are
ForGirlsLikeMe brings services directly to the girls and young women who need them. Through partnerships with schools, community centers, youth programs, and neighborhood organizations throughout Illinois' 2nd Congressional District, we connect participants with mentorship, advocacy, and comprehensive support. Our outreach team builds relationships with trusted community institutions and creates accessible entry points to our services.
Through our Pathways to Promises Project, 120 at-risk youth ages 12-17 and their families annually access intensive, integrated support through two comprehensive pathways:

• Transitional Housing Pathway (60 youth): Safe housing combined with trauma-informed case management, mental health services, educational assistance, family counseling, and career readiness training

• Supportive Services Pathway (60 youth): The same comprehensive, wraparound services delivered while youth remain in their communities

Whether through a school counselor, community center director, peer advocate, or family referral, our outreach ensures girls and young women can access the support they need without navigating complicated systems alone. We meet youth where they are—whether that's providing housing or supporting them in their current living situations—and wrap services around their unique needs.