Alternatives Inc.

Founded in 1971, Alternatives began as a grassroots response to the needs of Chicago’s youth, evolving over five decades into a cornerstone for community support and systemic change. Our mission is to inspire young people to build a just future through practices that heal individuals, restore communities, and transform systems. By blending clinical therapy with restorative justice and leadership development, the organization addresses both immediate individual trauma and the long-term systemic barriers that impact Chicago's neighborhoods.

At the heart of our work is our Restorative Justice programs, a field we have led since 1996 that utilizes peer-led circles and restorative practices to reduce punitive school discipline and empower young people. Our Behavioral Health services provide trauma-informed, strength-based counseling and crisis intervention to hundreds of young people and their families annually, ensuring accessible mental health support through school-based partnerships and community sites. Complementing these direct services, our professional training team, provides adult-focused capacity building for schools and organizations, equipping professionals with practical skills in racial equity, trauma-informed care, and restorative practices to sustainably transform institutional cultures into healing-centered environments.