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 dignity, belonging, and care across Joliet, Lockport, and the broader community.
Spanish Community Center, a Joliet-based nonprofit that provides bilingual social, educational, and immigration services, recognized Youth Outlook for its leadership in helping ensure LGBTQ+ youth in Joliet and Lockport have access to safe, affirming spaces where they can feel supported and connected. The recognition comes at a time when visible support for LGBTQ+ youth matters deeply. Youth Outlook’s Drop-In Centers provide affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 12-24 to connect with peers, access support, and build community. Programs are available at no cost through in-person and virtual offerings.
“Our young people deserve to know they are not alone,” said Nancy Mullen, Executive Director of Youth Outlook. “They deserve places where they can walk in, settle their shoulders, and feel safe enough to be themselves. We’re grateful to the Spanish Community Center for this honor and for recognizing that care, consistency, and community can change what a young person believes is possible.”
Youth Outlook serves LGBTQ+ youth and young adults statewide through direct services, caregiver support, Health and Wellness Navigation, and Community Education and Professional Development. The organization’s virtual and in-person programs serve youth and young adults ages 5-24, with Health and Wellness Navigation available for individuals up to age 30. Across its programs, 87% of youth return weekly, reflecting the value of consistent, affirming support.
Spanish Community Center’s Annual Awards Dinner celebrates individuals and organizations whose work strengthens the region and supports the communities the organization serves. The Friendship Award is one of the center’s recurring honors for a community partner whose relationship with the Spanish Community Center reflects generosity, connection, and shared commitment to the community.
About Youth Outlook
Founded in 1998, Youth Outlook is Illinois’ first and longest-running social services agency dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. We provide the care and community LGBTQ+ young people need to thrive, offering statewide services that include virtual and in-person programs for youth and young adults ages 5-24, caregiver and parent support, health and wellness navigation, and community education and professional development. Youth Outlook is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. youth-outlook.org
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