News & Press

NAPERVILLE, Ill., August 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Youth Outlook, Illinois’ first and longest-running social services agency dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, announced that Adam Scachette (he/him), Co-Program Leader of Youth Outlook’s Peoria Drop-In Center, has been recognized with the Lucchesi Community Growth Award from River City Pride. The award, created last year in honor of […]

A Pride Night partnership on Sunday, August 9th will bring fans together while directing $5 from every eligible ticket to Youth Outlook.

NAPERVILLE, Ill., July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Youth Outlook, Illinois’ first and longest-running social services agency dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, announced it received a $20,000 grant through DuPage Foundation’s Community Impact grant program. 

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — June 29, 2026 — The Youth Outlook Board of Directors today announced that Carolyn Wahlskog (she/they) has been appointed the organization’s next Executive Director, effective January 31, 2027. Carolyn will succeed founding Executive Director Nancy Mullen (pronouns interchangeable), who will retire after more than 28 years leading the organization.

NAPERVILLE, Ill., June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Youth Outlook, Illinois’ first and longest-running social services agency dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, announced that staff members Bri Cada (they/them) and Elexis Richardson (they/them) have been named to the 2026 Windy City Times 30 Under 30 class. The annual recognition, now in its second decade, honors LGBTQ+ […]

NAPERVILLE, Ill., May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Youth Outlook, Illinois’ first and longest-running social services agency dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, announced it received the 2026 Community Partnership Award from Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI). The award recognizes organizations and donors whose support and involvement have helped GSNI better serve Girl Scouts and volunteers […]

Youth Outlook’s Pride & Performance Ball returns June 9 with youth performances, trivia, prizes, and a welcoming Pride celebration in Naperville.

NAPERVILLE, Ill., April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Youth Outlook, Illinois’ first and longest-running social services agency dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, announced today that national advocates Crispin Torres and Chris Mosier will headline its 2026 Future Outlook Conference, set for April 16-17 in Naperville. The two-day conference will bring together professionals serving LGBTQ+ youth and […]

NAPERVILLE, Ill., March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Youth Outlook, Illinois’ first and longest-running social services agency dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, announced that it received The Friendship Award from the Spanish Community Center at the organization’s Annual Awards Dinner on March 5. The award recognizes community partners whose presence and support reflect the values of […]

NAPERVILLE, Ill., March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Youth Outlook, Illinois’ first and longest-running social services agency dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, announced today it has earned the 2026 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, marking the third consecutive year the organization has received Candid’s highest level of recognition, following awards in 2024 and 2025.

Outspoken LGBTQ Storytelling is back at Skeleton Key Brewery in Woodridge with curated, personal storytelling that supports Youth Outlook.

Future Outlook 2026 Conference returns April 16–17 in Naperville with two days of learning, connection, and practical tools for professionals supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families.

Registration is open now for Youth Outlook’s Rainbow Sprouts series, no-cost, family-friendly sessions for LGBTQ+ children in grades K–6 and their caregivers from January 10 through April 25 in Aurora.

NAPERVILLE, Ill., December 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Youth Outlook, Illinois’ first and longest-running social services agency dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, has been named a 2025 Illinois Human Rights Award recipient by the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). The award was presented today in Chicago during a ceremony commemorating International Human Rights Day, where […]

NAPERVILLE, Ill., December 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Youth Outlook, Illinois’ first and longest-running social services agency dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, has received a 2025 Excellence in Care Award from Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS/Chicago (DIFFA/Chicago), recognizing the agency’s work to strengthen HIV prevention, care connection, and community support in the Chicago region. Youth Outlook […]

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in Naperville, Youth Outlook’s Thrive program brings caregivers together for practical, affirming peer support.

NAPERVILLE, Ill., January 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/  – Youth Outlook, Illinois’ first and longest-running social services agency solely dedicated to the support of LGBTQ+ youth, proudly announces that Nancy Mullen, Executive Director, has been invited to represent the organization at the White House. This invitation is part of the “Communities in Action: Building a Better Illinois […]

NAPERVILLE, Ill., September 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – Youth Outlook, Illinois’ first and longest-running social services agency dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, announced today a historic leadership transition on its Board of Directors, naming Emily S. as board chair and Ceci B. as vice chair. For the first time in the organization’s history, both roles will […]