Youth / Students
Youth / Students (General)
Champaign
Alateen (A,L) This fellowship is for young Al-Anon members, usually teenagers, whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Meets Fri., 7:00 p.m., Emmanuel Episcopal Church, State and University, Champaign. Additional local meetings are also available. Contact: Champaign-Urbana Al-Anon/Alateen Answering Service Email: webmaster@siafg.org Phone: (866) 794-8515 Local Website: aa-eci.org Location: Emmanual Episcopal Church, State and University, Champaign National Website: al-anon.alateen.org Schedule: Meets Friday., 7:00 p.m.
*Write: AFG-District 12, P.O. Box 3351, Champaign, IL 61826-3351
ASTEEM (2014 F,L): Breathing H.O.P.E is a comprehensive personal development and universal health program designed to empower individuals to heal, grow, and build successful, purpose driven-lives. The curriculum focuses on improving thinking patterns, emotional resilience, and self-awareness through practical tools such as cognitive skill building, vision boards, affirmations, negative thinking, develop problem-solving skills, and strengthen their mindset to support personal growth and long term success. The program also addresses area that influence mental well-being, including physical health, spirtuality, financial literacy, and family relationships. Lessons explore the connection between diet, exercise, breathing techniques, and mental health, while also providing guidance on managing money, saving, and understanding basic investments. In addition the curriculum offers trauma-informed education that helps participants understand the impact of family stressors such as child abandonment, postpartum depression, and abuse, while teaching coping strategies and emotional healing. Beyond personal healing, Breathing H.O.P.E encourages participants to build strong families and meaningful futures. The program includes modules on parenting, STEM activities for children’s emotional development a business idea, creating a plan, and launching a purpose-driven venture. By empowerment, the program provides a holistic approach to personal transformation and community well-being. Contact: Dayanna Crider Location: Strides Homeless Shelter, 70 E Washington Champaign IL 61820 Phone: 217-516-5797 Schedule: Every Thursday at 1 PM
Parent Wonders (1990 A,P) The Mission of the Parent Wonders program of the Developmental Services Center is to build relationships that positively impact young children’s development so that they are ready to succeed and eager to learn. Parent Wonders provides support and services that promote family strengths and positive parent-child relationships. Parent Wonders partners with families to enhance self-sufficiency within family cultural and community foundations. Parent Wonders employs the ISBE Birth to Three Standards as the guide to essential building blocks of future school and life. Contact Person: Nicole Smith, Director of Family Development Email: nsmith@dsc-illinois.org Local Website: dsc-illinois.org Phone: (217) 356-9176
*Write: 1304 W. Bradley Ave Champaign IL 61821
Rainbows For All Children (1983 A,P/L) This program offers groups to help children who are grieving the loss of a parent or guardian due to death, divorce, deployment or other loss. Contact Rainbows to find groups. Email: info@rainbows.org National Website: rainbows.org Phone: (847)952-1770
*Write: Rainbows for all children, 1007 Church St., Ste, 408 Evanston IL 60201
Speak Out! (2008 F,P/L) This group is for teens and young adults with disabilities. The group helps youth to speak up for their rights, socialize, and have a good time. It meets at the same time as the Parents of Adults with Disabilities support group. The group is sponsored by Community Choices, Inc. Bring snacks and drinks to share. Contact: Community Choices Email: communitychoices1@gmail.com Local Website: communitychoices.org Phone: (217) 621-1090
*Write: Community Choices, Inc., P.O. Box 17551, Urbana, IL 61803
Talk it UP – LGBTQ Youth Support Group (2010 F,P) This peer-run LGBTQ support group is for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) middle- and high-school youth. LGBTQ youth can expect an atmosphere of acceptance and support while meeting other LGBTQ youth. The group is co-facilitated by two adults experienced in working with youth. However, the group is led by youth participants. Topics of conversation include coming out, dating, talking to parents, and other issues relevant to LGBTQ youth. Email(s): info@unitingpride.org and talkitup@unitingpride.org Location: Zoom Local Website: unitingprode.org Schedule: Group meetings are two-hour sessions each Monday 5:00-7:00 PM with one hour of facilitated discussion and one hour of unstructured socialization.
Young Lives Group (Champaign) (2008, A,L) This group offers teen moms support and education, relief from the isolation and struggle of their daily lives, and hope for the future. Each meeting includes transportation, a free meal, child care, and fun activities. In the summer there are weekly play dates and a summer camp in July for moms and their babies. Contact Person: Erin Grace Watson Local Website: unitingpride.org Phone: (217) 493-9537 Schedule: Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday., 6:00-8:00 p.m. during the school year.
College Students / University Life
Champaign
International Hospitality Committee (IHC) (1952 F,L) This group organizes volunteer programs to help support University of Illinois international students, families, faculty, and staff during their stay in the Champaign-Urbana community. The goals of the IHC are to promote an enjoyable cultural and educational experience for international visitors, facilitate their adjustment to their new environment, and encourage understanding and friendship among them and local residents. Programs include free English conversation classes, friendship groups, a host family program, and a lending storeroom. Contact Person: Mary Kruse and Nancy Mcglanthery Email: mary.kruse1@gmail.com and nmcglath@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/13703435633784
Young Adult (18-30 years) NAMI Connections Support Group (2022 est): NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free peer-led support group for any adult who has experience symptoms of a mental health condition. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and success of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who’ve ben there. This support group is for Young Adults 18-39 years of age and occurs during the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Fall and Spring Semesters. Contact: NAMI Champaign Warm Line (answered 3-4 business days) Email: info@namichampaign.org Local Website: namichampaign.org Location: Illini Union, Room 317. 1401 West Green Street in Urbana Illinois National Website: nami.org Phone: (217) 419-5345 Schedule: Spring Semester 2026, 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. 6:30-8:00 pm CST. January 30th-May 8th 2026.
*Write: NAMI Champaign County P.O. Box 3552 Champaign IL 61826-3552
A: Affiliated with a state, national or international group
F: Freestanding group
L: Lay run/organized group
P/L: Professional and lay persons share facilitation/organizational roles in group
P: Professional facilitates and/or organizes group meetings