CROYA in the News!

"CROYA Keeps Teens Busy," Pioneer Press

"CROYA Celebrates 30 Years," Forest & Bluff, June 2010

"CROYA Fundraiser A Night At the Races," Forest & Bluff, May 2010

"Collaboration Prompts Award for LF Groups," Pioneer Press

"CROYA Vows to Continue to Serve Despite Cuts," Pioneer Press

CROYA Answers Residents' Questions (September, 2010)

What's going on at CROYA?

CROYA is gearing up for another successful school year with middle school and high school students.  As always, CROYA programs include: community service projects, leadership opportunities, retreats, road trips, social programs, mentoring, peer training and more.   Activator Academy operates out of the Student Union, offering music lessons, jams, audio / visual production, tutoring, and live shows on the Student Union stage.  A group of high school students (the Executive Committee) meets monthly to determine the programming and direction for the high school programming.  And the Youth Executive Committees of Deer Path Middle School and Lake Bluff Middle School meet to develop programs for middle school students.  These students work closely with the trained CROYA staff to provide the best programs possible to meet the interests and needs of the youth.

What staff changes have taken place this year?

CROYA has seen several significant staff changes in the past year. In March 2010, CROYA High School Youth Worker Chris Torrance was laid off due to budget cuts from the City of Lake Forest and the Village of Lake Bluff. In August 2010, CROYA Director Kamy Daddono resigned to pursue other opportunities in her life.  Kamy played a significant role in expanding CROYA over the past 23 years and we thank her for her commitment to the youth of our community.  And in November 2010, CROYA Middle School Youth Worker Caroline Hermes will be resigning to begin a new chapter in her life in Colorado.  Even though we will miss her dearly, we wish her all the best.

Will CROYA be replacing some of these staff members?

Yes. CROYA staff will be interviewing candidates this fall to replace Caroline's position.  We anticipate the hiring of a full-time replacement as soon as January 1, 2011. Whether CROYA is able to hire any additional staff will depend heavily on the budget for Fiscal Year 2011.

Because CROYA is a youth-driven organization, it only makes sense that youth should be involved in the hiring process as well. After a thorough interview process by staff, interview candidates will participate in a CROYA program and service project, and CROYA youth will vote on the final candidates to determine who is hired.  CROYA began this hiring process in 1995 because it mirrors our core values --  providing huge opportunities for youth empowerment.    

CROYA will continue its amazing partnership with Lake Forest College, CROYA employs a large number of college students as part-time Building Mentors to augment the full-time staff for after-school and weekend Student Union hours.

Are you cutting any programs or services as a result of budget cuts?

CROYA is a department of The City of Lake Forest.  CROYA also provides services to The Village of Lake Bluff through an Intergovernmental Services Agreement.  CROYA is funded by the two municipalities, as well as the three local school districts (115, 67, and 65).  CROYA also holds fund-raisers throughout the year.  Nearly every organization across the country – whether a business, government or social service – is learning how to provide their services at a lower cost. CROYA is no different.  We will continue to work with and support kids in our community the best ways we know how: by listening to them and helping them become empowered leaders.  We will have to make some tough choices, and most likely will not be able to accommodate every request we receive from the community for youth involvement.

What are CROYA’s priorities for the coming year?

We are excited about the opportunities for CROYA in this coming year, and remain committed to running programs that are designed and run by students.  

  • The backbone of the CROYA programs are the weekly youth-committee meetings held every week. These meetings are open to any and all students. The Middle School meetings are held on Tuesdays from 4:00 – 5:00 pm; the High School meetings are on Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. 
  • The student executive committees are running in full swing already, developing programs, community service opportunities and events for high school and middle school students.
  • The CROYA staff will continue to run close to 300 programs and events at the student union and in the schools focused on empowering teens, enhancing leadership and teamwork skills, building self-esteem, and providing community service projects.
  • As of October 1, the CROYA Student Union will be open every day after school (3:30 - 5:30) and on selected weekend evenings.  It’s a great, safe and fun place to hang out with friends and find ways to get involved.
  • Again this year, Lake Bluff 7th and 8th grade students will have the opportunity to take the bus from Lake Bluff Middle School to and from CROYA on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. (Permission slip required.)
  • We will continue to partner with Activator Academy for music related programming.
  • And we will continue our partnership with CAFDC (The Child, Adolescent, and Family Development Center) to provide youth and family counseling to those seeking help.

Investing in our future…

This year, CROYA celebrates its 30th anniversary.  Come celebrate this wonderful CROYA milestone at CROYA’s 30th Anniversary Open House on Sunday, November 14, 2010 from 3:00 – 6:00pm.  All Lake Forest, Lake Bluff and Knollwood families and community members are welcome to attend.  Thousands of kids have walked through our doors over the past 30 years and became stronger, happier people with more opportunities for personal growth in their lives. CROYA has helped the youth of our community become empowered teens, and we’re looking forward to the next 30 years! 

How can my 7th - 12th grade student get involved in CROYA?

CROYA is open to any student in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood. There is no official “membership” and most programs are free. The easiest way to get involved is to stop by the Student Union after school or at one of the weekend programs. Everyone is welcomed.  Updated events and opportunities are always posted daily on the on the website calendar. Or you can contact a CROYA staff member directly anytime at the emails below.

Middle School: Jessie Urban, urbanj@cityoflakeforest.com

CROYA Program Manager: Joanne Yorro, yorroj@cityoflakeforest.com

Director of CROYA: Todd Nahigian, nahigiat@cityoflakeforest.com

CROYA direct number: 847-810-3980.