Youth & Family Services
River Forest Township applications for FY28 (April 1, 2027 - March 31, 2028) funding are due by 5pm January 15, 2027.
Youth and Family Services of River Forest and Oak Park Townships offers programs that serve youth through implementing mental health therapy and resources, restorative justice practices, prevention services and resources, group facilitation, training and education, and collaboration with other community partners and agencies on youth needs. Youth and Family Services is committed to promoting positive opportunities for youth and families and to helping the youth and their families access needed services.
Township Youth & Family Services also contracts with more than 10 local agencies to provide educational, recreational and vocational programs that touch the lives of more than 12,000 young people each year. We believe that young people thrive when they have a strong sense of well-being, belonging, and independence.
The Township Youth & Family Services Committee evaluates youth programs to ensure a safe, healthy and enriching environment for young people in the River Forest and Oak Park communities.
The Committee, made up of River Forest and Oak Park resident volunteers, reviews the grant applications submitted each year from local agencies and makes funding recommendations to the Township Boards of Trustees.
Youth Family Services Committee Meetings Schedule - 130 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park
September 02, 2026
October 14, 2026: Info Session Night for Funding Applications
November 4, 2026
All RFPs due December 15, 2026, by 5 PM
January 6, 2027
February 3, 2027
March 3, 2027
April 7, 2027
No meetings May, June, July, August or December
Youth and Family Services of Oak Park and River Forest Townships are now accepting contract applications for Fiscal Year 2028 (April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028).
Eligible Population: Programs serving Oak Park and/or River Forest youth ages 0–18 years and/or their families
Funding Amount: Max of $15,000 per organization.
We’re seeking proposals that serve the youth residing in River Forest and/or Oak Park in these areas:
Offer educational opportunities, enrichment, resources or other services that are filling an unmet need in Oak Park and/or River Forest.
Provide scholarships or financial assistance to increase access for under-resourced youth and families in Oak Park and/or River Forest.
Support under-resourced youth, families, and populations in Oak Park and/or River Forest.
How to Apply:
Download the Contract Request Form and Funding Spreadsheet
Complete and submit your proposal by email to:
Idalit Zavala
izavala@oakparktownship.org
If you have questions, contact us before submitting your application.
Please join us for an Information Session on October 14, 2026 that will replace the previous years’ “Contractor Night”. Applicants will be encouraged to attend and ask questions. Prospective applicants will not be expected to present their programs to the YFS Committee.
Click here to see how Youth & Family Services serve the community.
Learn more about youth in our community through these external reports
Children in River Forest (2024)
Census Data (2023)
D90 Report on School Age Population Trends (2022)
Early childhood resource directory (2026)
For any questions about River Forest Township Youth & Family Services, please contact Megan Traficano, Director, Township Youth & Family Services Director at 708-445-2727 or via email at mtraficano@oakparktownship.org, or Vanessa Druckman, River Forest Township supervisor at 708.366.2029 or via email at supervisor@riverforesttownship.org
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