Corazón’s Teen REACH after-school program offers a fun way for youth to connect with each other.

Our dedicated team of youth development specialists focus on equipping young Latino/as through robust academic preparation, life and leadership skills, and community service.

Our FUERZA Youth Center serves as a safe haven for youth, where they not only receive help with homework, but also benefit from intensive preparation for college and employment. Our comprehensive program includes STEM and sports, games and gardening, arts and meditation, field trips and summer employment opportunities.

Corazón’s Department of Health Services specializes in delivering sexual health care services in a non-judgmental, sex-positive, and LBGTQ+ affirming setting.

We offer confidential testing and counseling for HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia Monday through Friday (walk-ins always available) and supply free condoms and safer sex kits.

We also provide referrals for other client needs, such as mental health, domestic violence, and much more. In support of our community’s youth, we partner with Morton East High School in Cicero and Heritage Middle School in Berwyn to offer classes on sexual health and teen pregnancy prevention.

Corazón has long had a commitment to the reduction of violence in Cicero through peace-oriented work, such as the Peace Movement; our Break the Violence project, funded through the Town of Cicero; and our monthly gang tattoo removal service.

Additionally, we have been a staple in the community for individuals who need to complete court-mandated community service hours. We are in the process of revitalizing our activities/curricula so that such individuals feel engaged and integrated into our organization as they complete their requirements.

Corazón’s impact is due in part to our many collaborations in the Cicero community.

These include local and state government, health care providers, and nonprofit organizations, such as the Cicero Community Collaborative, a broad coalition of local nonprofits. We have also established partnerships with Howard Brown Health, Cook County Health, and CALOR around sexual health services.

Moreover, the youth in our Teen REACH, Teen Pregnancy Prevention, and Illinois Youth Investment programs have participated in health information canvassing, town clean-up events, service to those experiencing homelessness, and community health events.