EDGEWATER — A new youth initiative from the 48th Ward is kicking off Saturday with a free "Teen Night" complete with rock climbing, a trapeze, theater and more.
The celebration is from 6-9 p.m. at the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway, and is meant to usher in Ald. Harry Osterman's "Year of the Youth" program.
"Year of the Youth strives to enrich the lives of our young people by providing diverse opportunities for them to work, learn, serve and play across the Uptown, Edgewater and Andersonville communities," Osterman said in an email to residents. "Our goal is to empower youth as well as the extraordinary community that supports them."
Through donations and partnerships with various neighborhood and religious organizations, the Year of the Youth program is meant to help drive community investment in younger residents.
Figures from a variety of businesses and other groups assembled to form the Edgewater Youth Alliance in support of Year of the Youth programs.
As part of the program, Osterman's office established a 48th Ward Youth Council made up of middle and high schoolers who lend their ideas and input on various social and economic issues, as well as coming up with youth programming.
The group also works to help older youth gain access to jobs through internships and other opportunities with hopes of helping teens develop the skills and talents they need for future goals.
Osterman said he'd often ask young residents what their summer plans were only to hear many lament they hadn't been able to get a job, internship, or have something fulfilling to do during their time off.
The group is up and running and has already hosted meetings, resource fairs, and other outings.
As for Saturday, kids between 13-18 are welcome to join in the free event, but anyone under 18 who plans to swing on the trapeze or rock climb must bring a signed permission slip first.
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