In a move to boldly reshape the future of incarcerated youth, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) has launched a new facility aimed at equipping high school graduates with crucial life and vocational skills. The Phoenix Emerging Adults Career & Education (PEACE) Center, hosted at the repurposed site of the former Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles, aims to serve as a beacon of hope for young adults between the ages of 17 to 20, providing them with a chance to reintegrate into society with a stronger foundation for success.
The center was inaugurated with promises of smaller, community-based support that includes a range of programs from construction and manufacturing certifications to substance use treatment. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton heralded the opening, saying "We're not just reimagining justice for young people, we're acting upon that vision." As reported by illinois.gov, the PEACE Center is part of Illinois' 21st Century Transformation Plan and is structured to afford individualized care assisting with the challenges faced by these young adults.
Those wishing to become part of the PEACE Center must go through an application and interview process. Post-transfer, individuals are required to sign a personalized contract mandating participation in the program, as noted by the Interim Director of IDJJ, Robert Vickery. The curriculum is focused on helping its participants graduate not just with educational qualifications, but with the ability to navigate life's tribulations.
Participants will collaborate with a diverse support team to design their personal success pathway. This team features educational, vocational, and mental health professionals, among others, and continues to provide guidance throughout the young adult's tenure at the center. The IDJJ emphasizes accountability and progress, said Rayeshundra Henderson, Assistant Superintendent of Programs at the PEACE Center. Moreover, Illinois Senator Rachel Ventura has lent support by creating an internship program to help bridge the gap between legislation and the needs of the community.
The PEACE Center's namesake, the phoenix, captures the essence of the center's goal: renewal and the start of a better chapter in life. The decision to use this mythic symbol was influenced by the youths themselves, advocating for an identity that conveys hope and the promise of a new beginning. "Those who have made bad choices as youth and who desire education and job training need support and guidance so they can become productive citizens as they enter adulthood,” stated State Senator Don DeWitte.
Funded through the IDJJ's current budget and grants without any increase in allocation, the PEACE Center has operated a facility on this historical campus since 1904. With plans for the center to expand its program offerings throughout the year, the staff has worked to ensure a seamless transition in both resources and manpower. Through a partnership with community members and local institutions, the PEACE Center stands as a testament to Illinois' commitment to nurturing success and safety, both for its young adults and the communities they will one day rejoin.
