The Youth Empowerment & Economic Resilience Initiative (YEER) is a workforce development program of TaskForce Prevention & Community Services, a Chicago-based organization advancing health equity, opportunity, and access for youth and the West Side community.
YEER is designed to support young people as they explore their next steps toward employment, education, or certification. Whether you’re actively job searching, thinking about school, or still figuring out what comes next, YEER offers practical tools, guidance, and support to help you move forward with confidence.
YEER provides goal-aligned workshops focused on building real-world skills youth can use right away. Workshops are designed to be accessible, supportive, and relevant to today’s job and education landscape, including:
Participants can access optional one-on-one support and follow-up check-ins tailored to their goals. YEER staff help youth navigate next steps, connect to opportunities, and stay on track as plans evolve.
YEER recognizes that economic stability is connected to more than just work or school. Participants may also be connected to additional TaskForce services and trusted community resources, including food access, housing navigation, healthcare referrals, and other essential supports.
There’s no one-size-fits-all path. Youth can participate in workshops and supports that align with their interests, needs, and readiness — making YEER accessible at any stage of the journey.
YEER is open to youth ages 14–24 in Chicago, especially young people facing barriers to employment, education, or economic stability. You do not need prior work experience or a clear career plan to participate.
You don’t have to have everything figured out to take the first step. YEER is here to help you explore your options, build skills, and move toward your goals — at your pace.
Apply now by completing the YEER screener form below. Our team will review your information and follow up with next steps.
(He/Him)
Social Program Coordinator
Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out—we’d love to connect with you!
| Mon | 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM |
| Tue | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Wed | 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM |
| Thu | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Fri | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Sat - Sun | Closed |
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