About - Boys Hope Girls Hope of Illinois

One of 16 affiliates across the United States and Latin America, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Illinois helps academically motivated high school students rise above disadvantaged backgrounds and become college-educated, career-ready, community-minded leaders.

Our goal is to graduate young people who are physically, emotionally and academically prepared for post-secondary education and a productive life, breaking the cycle of poverty. BHGH of Illinois utilizes the following elements to achieve our mission:

ACADEMIC FOCUS
We believe in the transformative power of education to develop lifelong learners using:
• Strengths-based, positive youth development approaches
• Practical preparation for careers to sustain one’s self and family
• Exposure to diverse opportunities that enrich one’s life and enhance learning
• Scholarship incentives encouraging and maximizing self-motivated learning
SERVICE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We believe in the Jesuit-inspired, values-centered hallmark of building “persons for others” by:
• Developing character through service learning activities related to social justice and civic responsibility
• Educating those at every level of our organization in cultural competence
• Seeking collaborative partnerships to enhance our mission
FAMILY-LIKE SETTINGS TO CREATE A SENSE OF BELONGING
We believe youth derive their energy and sustenance from exposure to nurturing environments that provide:
• Inclusion in a loving community that meets youth where they are but sets high expectations
• A feeling of “being home,” with residential care as needed
• Strong and supportive developmental relationships with adult mentors and peers
• Stability, structure, and individualized guidance in small settings
• Modeling of positive values
LONG-TERM AND COMPREHENSIVE COMMITMENT
We believe an enduring relationship with youth holds the most promise for attaining positive outcomes by:
• Intervening early to support scholars from adolescence through college graduation and beyond
• Offering a holistic spectrum of programming that evolves with the age and needs of youth
• Providing ample opportunities for youth to develop social and emotional learning skills
FAITH-BASED VALUES
We believe that a loving God cares about the life of every individual and we manifest this belief by:
• Respecting, serving and engaging people from all faith and non-faith traditions
• Focusing on those most in need of our services
• Fostering spirituality and an active spiritual life as essential elements of healthy personal development
• Helping youth develop a moral compass based on universal principles
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT
We believe in the motivational power of self-selection into the BHGH program because:
• Parents and Scholars share a vision for a better future
• Scholars elect to invest in themselves and are empowered to join
• Families value and trust in a working partnership with BHGH
• BHGH serves bright, capable young people who are motivated to overcome obstacles to reach their potential

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1979

Volunteer board developed and Jesuit Program for Living and Learning Incorporated in Illinois.

1980

Home location identified, zoning approved by the City of Evanston, and home is purchased.

1981

First house-parents hired and scholars enter the program.

1982

Second home is purchased in Evanston.

1984

Boys Hope Women’s Board is founded.

1985

First scholars enter college.

1989

First alumnus becomes college graduate.

1990

From this year onward, all scholars who graduate from Boys Hope are accepted at 4-year colleges and universities.

1991

Boys Hope awarded first Northwestern University Evans Scholarship.

1993

Program mission altered to focus on leadership development model.

1994

Board commits to Girls Home in Chicago.

1995

Board authorizes name change and six months later first Girls Hope Scholars enter the program at a temporary facility.

1996

Girls Hope permanent home opens in Evanston.

1998

Boys Hope Girls Hope of Chicago Junior Board is founded

2004

Women’s Board sets funding-raising record and the National office adopts a new mission and values statement.

2006

Began 2006-2007 school year with full houses and staff.

2007

BHGH of Illinois achieves the highest GPA of any affiliate in the country.

2009

First BHGH of Illinois Alumns joins the Junior Board.

2012

Women’s Board Dinner Dance sets funding-raising record.

Twenty-one percent of children in the US live in poverty (Census Bureau, 2014)
Children born into poverty are six times more likely to drop out of school (Cities in Crisis, 2008).
The longer a child lives in poverty, the lower their overall level of academic achievement (Guo and Harris, 2000).
Children from families in the highest income quartile are 8 times as likely to earn a college degree that those from the lowest income quartile (Pell Institute and Penn Ahead, 2015).
In 1980, college graduates earned 29% more than those without. By 2007, that gap grew to 66% (Baum & Ma, 2007).

The costs to United States society are significant in terms of economic productivity, tax revenue, health care over-utilization, parental attention to children’s educational development, civic engagement, and volunteerism (Baum & Ma, 2007).
According to CEOs for Cities, every one percentage point increase in adult four-year college degree attainment adds an additional $763 to per capita income per year (One Student at a Time, 2013).
Cohen and Piquero (2009) monetized the cost to society over the course of a “negative outcome” child’s lifetime as follows: High School Dropout = $390,000 - $580,000, Plus Heavy Drug User = $846,000 – $1.1 Million, Plus Career Criminal = $3.2 - $5.8 Million.

About Boys Hope Girls Hope of Illinois

"We saw evidence of the powerful benefit of a safe environment and mentors who provide both structure and care. These young scholars are fortunate indeed to have the support of parents and the wise counsel of the program's advisors. Bravo, BHGH!"

Rebecca Sykes, President of The Oprah Winfrey Foundation, Dinner Guest

Our Mission

To nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others.

Our Vision

Our Local Impact

BHGH of Illinois History

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Leadership

Karen Croteau

Amy Patterson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE BOARD

CHAIR

VICE CHAIR

TREASURER

SECRETARY

GOVERNING BOARD

ADVISORY BOARD

WOMEN'S BOARD

WOMEN'S BOARD SUSTAINING MEMBERS

JUNIOR BOARD

The Need We Address

Invest in the success of our scholars!