"I like the program because it helps me be calm”
- Mentee
About
Choose to Change (C2C) is a mentoring program that supports and empowers young people impacted by violence and trauma in Little Village. Since launching in 2022, the program has partnered closely with Chicago Public Schools to provide consistent mentorship and support for students across local schools.
At the core of the C2C model is the combination of intensive wraparound services and advocacy, trauma-informed group therapy, and the program’s ability to uniquely serve youth who are disengaged or in the process of disengaging from school. The key components of this model include:
–Relentless Engagement – Advocates do not give up on participants, especially those who are difficult to engage.
–Applied Learning – Advocates attend group therapy and help youth identify contexts where CBT skills can apply.
–Decision-Making – Participants learn tools to disrupt negative thoughts, resolve conflict, and build self-efficacy.
–Strong Relationships – C2C staff bring lived experiences and compassion to build life-long relationships.
Blanca Gomez, Director of Mentoring BlancaG@newlifecenters.org
95
youth being mentored
2
mentors
History
Choose to Change (C2C) was built through a collaborative partnership between Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Children’s Home & Aid, Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), and New Life Centers. Children’s Home & Aid has led the group cognitive behavioral therapy component, while New Life mentors have focused on building trusted relationships and providing mentorship for participating students. In partnership with YAP, we continue working to ensure mentoring and advocacy services remain aligned with the C2C framework while providing strong, ongoing support for young people.