Nonprofit to Take Over Highland Park's Youth Programming

The following is from the City of Highland Park:

On Monday, August 25, 2014, the Highland Park City Council approved a shared services agreement for youth programming with Family Network and the Community House. The agreement transitions the City’s Firehouse Youth Services to Family Network for operations beginning January 5, 2015. The agreement also relocates youth programming from its current location at 1830 Green Bay Road to the Community House, at 1991 Sheridan Road.

“The City continuously seeks opportunities to collaborate with neighboring agencies to enhance our services as well as to find cost efficiencies through shared services,” Mayor Nancy Rotering stated. “The Firehouse Youth Services program has served many in the Highland Park community, and we are confident that this transition will not only promote the program’s mission, but will also open doors to new opportunities through its programming with Family Network.”

Family Network has been offering high quality community-based programs to children and families in the Highland Park area since 1983. They currently offer an educational and enrichment program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, creating a natural introduction for these students to be part of the middle school youth services program. The Community House offers a spacious area for homework, games and activities; it is centrally located to two schools, and has a nearby playground creating an environment to best serve youth members.

“Family Network is excited to be partnering with the City of Highland Park to provide after school programming to middle school students,” stated Jordan Friedman, Center Director of Family Network. “For 10 years we have offered an after school program to District 112 students many of whom have gone on to attend the Firehouse. We look forward to continuing our high quality services while maintaining all the features that have made the Firehouse such a special place for generations of Highland Parkers.”

The Firehouse youth programming will begin relocation to the Community House the week of November 24 with an expected opening date of December 1, 2014 at the Community House. Family Network will assume operation of youth services on January 5, 2014 with the City providing transitional support. All youth programming staff will be retained by Family Network to ensure a smooth transition. Don Miner, Manager of Youth and Senior Services, will remain a City employee but will provide transitional support to Family Network for the 2015 calendar year. Clubhouse equipment will also be transitioned to the new location.

The city also released the following FAQ:

The City regularly explores shared service opportunities in order to enhance services and decrease costs. The Youth Center (also known as the Firehouse) programming for middle school students has evolved over ever changing needs of the students and community. Over the past year, the City Manager’s Office analyzed all facets of the Youth Center Program. The City explored how to best meet the needs of the 15-20 daily users and encourage program growth in the future via a shared services agreement.

An intergovernmental agreement has been reached between the City of Highland Park, Family Network, and the Community House. Family Network would operate and manage the youth program at the Community House located at 1991 Sheridan Road. Family Network has been offering high quality community based programs to children and families in the Highland Park area since 1983. They currently offer an educational and enrichment program for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade thereby creating a natural transition for these students to be part of the middle school youth services program. The Community House offers a spacious area for homework, games and activities; it is centrally located, and has an adjoining playground creating an environment to best serve youth members.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the timeline of events?
   • Week of November 24, 2014 - City moves Youth Services to the Community House when North Shore School District #112 is closed for conferences, in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The City would continue to operate the youth program at the Community House.
   • December 1, 2014 – Youth Services opens at the Community House.
   • January 5, 2015 – Family Network assumes operation of Youth Services with the City providing transitional support.
2. Is the Firehouse closing? No, the Youth Center programming (also known as the Firehouse) will relocate to the Highland Park Community House located at 1991 Sheridan Road. It is anticipated the relocation will be in effect December 1, 2014. Although programming will no longer be offered at the Firehouse location at 1830 Green Bay Road, seamless programming and the Youth Services mission will continue at the Community House.
3. How was Family Network selected? Family Network was selected as the City’s preferred Youth Services partner based on their experience, budget management, and program approach. Family Network has been offering high quality community based program to children and families in the Highland Park area since 1983. Family Network served more than 400 families and 1,434 participants last year. One of the organization’s initiatives is the After School Activity Program, formed in 2004. This program meets the needs of working families with children in afternoon kindergarten through 5th grade and serves five elementary schools in Highland Park. Similar to the City’s Youth Services program, the Family Network program offers educational and enrichment activities including games, science, music, art and indoor and outdoor play. Family Network’s elementary program is a natural transition to the City’s middle school aged Youth Services program.

1. Why was the Community House selected? The City explored a number of options for locations including School District #112, Highland Park High School and the Park District of Highland Park. The Community House was selected for its adaptability to create a clubhouse for youth, its location, and accessibility and safety.
2. Will the current staff be at the new location? Yes, Youth Workers Jennifer Klein, Eric Seaborg, Zach Franks and Iris Barrios will remain in their roles while employed by Family Network. Don Miner, Manager of Youth and Senior Services, will provide consulting services to Family Network for one year to ensure a smooth transition.
3. Will transportation still be available for my child to get from school to the new location? Yes, transportation will still be available for students from Edgewood and Northwood. As part of the City’s continued support of the program, the City of Highland Park vehicles will used by the Firehouse will continue to be available for Family Network’s use.
4. What will there be an increase in fees? There will be no changes to the fee structure for the 2014-2015 school year.
5. Will the Firehouse be used for other purposes? The City has not made plans to use the Firehouse location for other purposes at this time. Any permanent uses would be required to comply with local zoning laws and code regulations.
6. What will happen to the equipment currently used by Firehouse members? Staff from the Firehouse and Family Network has developed a list of equipment that will be relocated to the new location. This includes all study room supplies and equipment, pool table, air hockey and foosball tables, video and board games, as well as furniture. Family Network will keep a “clubhouse” atmosphere for members.
7. How can we be assured that the quality of the programs and the essence of the Firehouse will continue with a new service provider?
   Family Network has an operation philosophy and mission that is supported by the City and consistent with the City’s values for Youth Services. Youth and Senior Services Manager Don Miner will serve as a consultant to Family Network throughout this transition.

11. Will Family Network provide services on early dismissal days as well as days off school?

Family Network will operate the program on early dismissals days. The Park District of Highland Park will provide programming on select days off school.

12. Does the Firehouse have any historic landmark designations?

Although the Firehouse Youth Center has been a fixture in our community, it does not have any historic landmark designation.