Naperville – This September, the nonprofit KidsMatter commemorated a quarter‑century of service to the city’s youth. Founded in 1995 after Edward Hospital’s emergency‑room staff observed rising self‑harm and substance‑use among local teens, the organization grew from a community health assessment into a broad coalition dedicated to preventing destructive behavior.
Roots in Community Collaboration
Mayor George Pradel, Edward Hospital and a group of volunteers recognized early on that health care and law enforcement alone could not solve the problem. Their joint effort birthed the Naperville Youth Development Coalition, which earned nonprofit status in 2001 and later rebranded as KidsMatter. The founders insisted that schools, families, health providers, law‑enforcement, businesses, faith communities and youth‑serving groups must work together rather than in isolated silos.
Asset‑Based Framework
KidsMatter adopted the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets® as its guiding framework. The assets are split into 20 external factors—relationships, support and opportunities provided by families, schools and neighborhoods—and 20 internal factors such as positive values, social‑emotional skills, a commitment to learning and a healthy sense of identity. Research shows that young people who possess more of these assets are more likely to thrive and less likely to engage in high‑risk behavior.
Programs That Reach Families and Schools
Today the organization delivers a suite of programs that reflect its original collaborative vision. These include school‑based initiatives, parent‑education workshops, youth‑leadership training, mental‑health resources, volunteer and job fairs, and career‑exploration events. By convening partners, KidsMatter listens to the concerns of teens and their families, shares expertise, and adapts to emerging needs.
How Residents Can Join the Effort
Community members are invited to become part of the KidsMatter legacy. Opportunities range from mentoring a teenager, hiring a young person or intern, attending a public forum, volunteering at events, or forming a partnership with the nonprofit. The organization emphasizes that every adult can help young people discover their purpose, recognize their value and chart a positive pathway.
Looking Ahead
As KidsMatter looks to the future, its mission remains rooted in the belief that a coordinated, faith‑affirming, family‑centered approach is essential for the next generation. The nonprofit encourages all Naperville residents to support its work, reinforcing the city’s tradition of strong families, community faith and individual liberty.
For more information, visit kidsmatter2us.org.
Original reporting: Positively Naperville (Aurora area) — read the source article.
