Above / The Administrative Office for 360 Youth Services is located at 1305 W. Oswego Road, adjacent to the Naperville Public Safety Center.
360 Youth Services and the Naperville Police Department have created a unique partnership in which the Naperville-based, nonprofit agency will receive up to $36,000 in drug seizure funds collected by the police department.
The department’s drug seizure funds are generated through successful drug investigations that result in the appropriation of cash or assets deemed to be profits of illegal drug activity. Use of the funds by the department is earmarked for drug enforcement and education.
“This is an innovative partnership that will strengthen our community’s efforts to educate our youth about the dangers of illegal drugs by funding established programs aimed at preventing and ending substance abuse,” said Police Chief Robert Marshall in a written statement. “This opportunity aligns directly with our department’s mission and values and allows us to provide much-needed funding to an organization that is working toward the common goal of preventing substance abuse.”
According to 360 CEO Harley Jones, the new agreement validates the agency’s role as an important educational resource for young people in the field of prevention education.
“We are delighted to team up with the Naperville Police Department,” noted Jones. “These funds represent an important resource for our agency and the work we perform every day with young people about the dangers of using illegal substances.”
Seven Challenges Counseling Curriculum
360 Youth Services will use funds to implement the Seven Challenges program in conjunction with the agency’s transitional housing apartments. Seven Challenges is a comprehensive counseling curriculum for youth, addressing drug use and mental health concerns while highlighting the importance of life skills. Each year, 360 Youth Services provides housing for up to 60 homeless youth who reside in three types of apartments dedicated for men, women, and LGBTQ youth.
“360 Youth Services has enjoyed a long relationship with the Naperville Police Department.” according to Debbie Robertson, Executive Director of Child Welfare Residential Programming, for 360 Youth Services. “The grant will be able to help our housing staff engage residents who continue to struggle with substance abuse, which is quite common for young people experiencing homelessness.”
Community Alliance for Prevention
Remaining funds from the grant will support 360’s work with the Community Alliance for Prevention, significantly enhancing an evidence-based communication campaign focused on safe prescription medication use and disposal for adults and parents.
“These funds give the Alliance greater reach and effectiveness serving a large geographic area, Naperville and the Far East Region of Aurora,” Robinson added. “We greatly appreciate Naperville Police Departments’ use of drug seizure funds as a local investment in prevention.”
For online information regarding community resources, transitional housing located in Naperville and Lisle, volunteer mentor programs and other services provided by 360 Youth Services, visit www.360youthservices.org.
For more info, contact Robertson at (630) 717-9408 ext. 1148.
Story submitted by Louis Cammiso, Commander, Public Information Officer, Naperville Police Department. PN File Photos.
