Illinois Collaboration On Youth

Executive Leadership as Human Work
2026-04-22 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/kMcY8B_qTRiErfMPmhMZ0g
Executive leadership in the nonprofit sector requires far more than strategic thinking and operational oversight—it calls for the sustained human work of guiding people, navigating uncertainty, and carrying responsibility for mission and community impact. This webinar explores the often-overlooked personal side of executive leadership and the realities leaders face as they balance the expectations of boards, staff, funders, and the communities they serve. Drawing on practical experience from the field, the session will reflect on the habits, perspectives, and approaches that help leaders remain effective and grounded in their roles. It will also address the importance of self-care as a leadership responsibility—recognizing that sustaining one’s own well-being is essential to sustaining the organization and those it serves. Designed for nonprofit executives and senior leaders, this webinar offers space to consider how leaders can navigate the demands of their role while remaining purposeful, resilient, and human in their work.
One and a Half continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/.
Trainer: Paul Hamann

Navigating Grief
2026-04-22 10:00 - 13:00 | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navigating-grief-tickets-1984766471946?aff=oddtdtcreator
This in-person interactive workshop offers a supportive space to explore the experience of grief and loss. Through guided reflection, discussion, and practical exercises, participants will learn about common grief responses and develop tools for coping with and supporting themselves and others through difficult emotions.
Three continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/.
Trainer: Heshima Mance

Disrupting Bias: Bias Impacting Underserved Community Development
2026-04-23 10:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZciirL9kTbmywHn1EIE8-Q
Designed for organizations working in and with under-resourced communities, this session helps participants identify how bias shapes development outcomes for youth. It offers practical tools to advocate for more equitable investment and program design.
Two continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/.
Trainer: Moriah Brewer

Neurodiversity 101
2026-04-23 14:00 - 15:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/LSma1dC8SvKIZg5uyfnJkg
This training will give providers a foundational understanding of what neurodiversity means and methods of accommodation for a spectrum of youth. This session will also help practitioners develop their own plan for their youth that is culturally responsive and non-punitive. In a field where IEPs and 504 are often not shared outside of the school and in populations where diagnoses are either difficult to come by or racially biased, it’s even more important that practitioners be prepared to support all youth through strategies that plan for the margins, as opposed to a cookie cutter approach for the so-called “average” student. A focus of this training will be exploring free or low-cost accommodations that increase accessibility for both neurotypical and neurodivergent students alike.
One and a half continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/.
Trainer: Andrew Hitzhusen

Community Youth Services (CYS) 201
2026-04-28 10:00 - 13:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/i4k7T_fzQZukrji-0p9Rkg
In this training, we will discuss building Area Project Boards, Community Committees, and Youth Committees with an emphasis on member retention. Engaging committees and retaining members is essential to the CYS program. Community engagement and activity implementation are the basis for the 8 objectives that CYS is grounded on. We will also dive into discussing how to engage your communities and implement activities to support delinquency and violence prevention in this training.
Three continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/.
Trainer: Emily Middleton

Managing is Not Enough: Leadership Work Required by Newer Supervisors
2026-04-29 09:00 - 10:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZIkf3vzYRregeqhm616hfw
In many nonprofit organizations, talented staff are promoted into supervisory roles because they excel at their work—yet few receive preparation for the leadership responsibilities that accompany managing others. This webinar explores the critical shift from doing the work to leading people. Participants will examine how effective supervision requires more than managing tasks, schedules, and outcomes; it also calls for intentional leadership that engages, supports, and develops a team. Through practical insights and real-world examples, the session will introduce essential leadership behaviors that new supervisors can begin practicing now—behaviors that help them build trust, navigate the challenges of leading former peers, and foster stronger, more resilient teams. Designed especially for first-time and emerging managers in nonprofit organizations, this webinar will help participants better understand their role, feel less adrift in their leadership responsibilities, and begin developing the habits that will serve them throughout their leadership journey.
One and a Half continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/.
Trainer: Paul Hamann

Public vs. Private Grants: What Agency Leaders Need to Know to Diversify Grant Revenue
2026-04-30 13:00 - 14:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/xuolh-K0R-SUw-wGZlTr5A
Human services organizations rely on government funding for core programs. With mounting uncertainty around the availability of public funds, agency leaders are increasingly interested in a diversified funding model that includes private foundation grants. What do leaders with a track record of securing public funding need to know in order to effectively pursue private grants?
In this 90-minute webinar, the grants experts at Elevate will provide a detailed overview of the key similarities and differences between public and private grants. We’ll walk through each stage of the grant cycle, highlighting the stages in the process where the two types of funding diverge. We’ll discuss the different approaches to consider when researching public vs. private grants, establishing relationships with program officers, writing a successful grant proposal, and post-award management and stewardship. The webinar will focus on building participant knowledge and skills. We’ll provide actionable insights and downloadable resources and templates that participants can use in their organizations right away.
For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Please note CEUs are not available for this training, thank you!
Trainer: Elevate

Child Welfare Coalition Call
2026-05-01 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-15 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-29 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-12 11:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Yp_omhpyRjubXz0_6PtQ4A
Join ICOY and other member organizations on a call to discuss key changes in the child welfare and youth-led arena.
The goal is to create a child welfare system that prepares youth to become successful and self-sufficient. Illinois Collaboration on Youth (ICOY) seeks to focus the attention of Illinois’ elected officials in all branches of government on the systematic challenges facing the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the private agencies that deliver many of the services within their communities.
We work continuously with lawmakers and other stakeholders to educate them about the impact of nearly two decades of neglect of this system, and to advocate for the investments and reforms that are needed to fund and sustain the community-based providers of child welfare services.
These calls will take place twice a month and we are asking that all participants register to join.

LGBTQ+ Learning Community
2026-05-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-01 11:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/bXgD5GkPSPOdD_iB1-BeWw
Join us for our monthly LGBTQ+ Learning Community, facilitated by Marlee Goodman, ICOY’s LGBTQ+ Liaison, HRC, and Manager of Healing-Centered Community Support. These 1-hour conversational and informational sessions will create a space to bring together leaders in the field committed to advancing the rights, safety, and authenticity of queer youth, families, and service providers across the state. Together we will discuss common topics that impact our work and these communities. During these sessions, participants will have the opportunity to collectively share experiences, while crowd-sourcing potential solutions, supports, and resources. Each session will be inclusive and empathetic of ways to support program participants by using a hopeful and non-judgmental approach rooted in collective care and liberation.
Please note that this event is not a training, and as such, no Certificate of Attendance or CEUs will be provided. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Complex Trauma and Human Trafficking
2026-05-06 13:00 - 14:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/t7JthoiGQ2-w3p2JYVIB0A
This training provides an overview of complex trauma and its connection to human trafficking. Participants will gain an understanding of complex trauma and human trafficking, including how prolonged trauma impacts survivors’ emotional and behavioral responses. The session will also explore the signs and symptoms of trauma bonding.
One and a half continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/.
Trainer: Heshima Mance

Community Asset Mapping: Building Partnerships for Sustainable Impact
2026-05-12 09:30 - 11:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/OFaZHiNgRfazqYH0_SEH5Q
This interactive, introductory-level training will explore the fundamentals of Community Asset Mapping as a powerful tool for identifying local strengths, resources, and opportunities to support partnership development and long-term sustainability. Join us to connect, collaborate, and map your way to stronger partnerships and more resilient programs. Over the course of two hours, participants will:– Gain a foundational understanding of community asset mapping, including key concepts and types of assets (individual, institutional, physical, cultural, etc.)
– Explore real-world examples of how asset mapping supports program planning, community engagement, and collaboration
– Engage in hands-on exercises to practice identifying and categorizing community assets using asset mapping tools and frameworks
– Learn strategies to apply asset mapping to partnership development and sustainability planning within their own communities or programs
Two Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy
Trainer: Nikki Gillani

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
2026-05-12 12:00 - 16:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/0aCDEmgbRDmSxloS-Tif4A
This ICOY training provides an overview of motivational interviewing and its key elements for effective practice: Values, Ambivalence, Empathy, the Spirit of MI, O.A.R.S, and Eliciting Change Talk. The main focus of motivational interviewing is to partner with the individual to enhance motivation and utilize ambivalence to build a successful plan for making change. Compared with other non-directive counseling, this method is focused and guiding, allowing for more partnership and collaboration.
Four continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/.
Trainer: Lori Egizio

Understanding Diversity and Inclusion Using Emotional Intelligence
2026-05-13 09:30 - 11:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/U9aWNEdRQNqFVql9vLrPFQ
This training is designed to help individuals enhance their understanding of diversity and inclusion through the application of emotional intelligence (EI). Participants will learn how to use EI to navigate and embrace diversity, foster an inclusive environment, and improve interpersonal relationships within the workplace.
Two continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/.
Trainer: Heshima Mance

Neurodiversity 101
2026-05-13 10:00 - 11:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/GtilG0kAQPyISCtQJ35mJQ

ICOY Monthly Member Call
2026-05-13 12:00 - 13:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/rnBsuXFtSqiNaIICo7AUPg
Register below for ICOY’s monthly member call where we’ll provide updates from state and federal agencies on topics related to your work. If you don’t currently belong to a member organization but would like to participate, reach out to ICOY’s Senior Manager of Communications & Outreach, Conor Van Santen, at cvansanten@icoyouth.org.

RPSA Management Meeting-Greater Illinois
2026-05-14 09:00 - 15:00
Please join us for this in-person quarterly management meeting for RPSA providers! As a reminder, this meeting is mandatory for each program with the purpose of increasing communication across programs and with the state.

Grant Writing 101
2026-05-14 13:00 - 16:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/-9gRRgvzQYSEbT34_CdjFQ
This introductory session is designed for nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers with little or no experience writing a grant proposal. Participants will learn: how to discern if a funding opportunity is a good fit for their organization; about the difference between public- and private-sector grants; about the current trends in grant making; how to structure a grant proposal for a foundation grant; and how to respond to an IDHS request for proposals.
Three continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Kristin Olson

Restorative Justice 201: Practicing the Principles
2026-05-20 10:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/wGbcXl7KQDiXIlvibSRiOQ
Restorative Justice 201: Practicing the Principles is a 2 hour virtual training that builds on RJ 101 by exploring how restorative justice principles come to life in complex, real-world situations. Through interactive discussion and applied scenarios, participants will deepen their understanding of shared power, trauma-informed practice, and the role of restorative justice in systems involving court-involved youth. The session will also introduce transformative justice as a complementary framework that pushes even more beyond systems-based approaches. Designed for practitioners working in schools, community-based programs, and youth-serving systems, this training centers healing, accountability, and community repair. Participants will leave with practical tools and deeper insight into embodying restorative justice with care.
Two continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Karlyn Boens

Relational Data Gathering Strategies
2026-05-21 10:00 - 11:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/QYfaBncoQwS2vGRF1oALcg
Providers are charged with daunting responsibilities. One of the most challenging ones is to gather accurate information from clients that will be used for their treatment plans. This often require clients to divulge sensitive, potentially traumatic experiences. This training helps practitioners develop relational strategies to help clients feel safe and supported thus allowing them to complete these assessments more effectively.
One and a Half continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Seth El-Jamal

Youth Experiencing Housing Instability 101
2026-05-26 10:00 - 2026-05-27 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/uKSzw3y3S9iMX2MvsTTNNw
This two-day webinar provides supervisory and front-line staff working in DHS funded Homeless Youth programs with essential information they need to ensure effective practice and compliance with the program’s regulations. Participants will learn how to best engage homeless youth and create the environments and programs that most effectively meet their needs. During this training we will review some of the unique needs and characteristics of the homeless youth population and provide an introduction to best practices for working with these young people through case studies, group discussions, and linkages to resources. Additionally, the workshop will provide information about DHS requirements for Homeless Youth programs, so staff and supervisors can understand how to ensure their compliance with their contract obligations.
Four continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/

Trainer(s): Sam Sorensen

Casey Life Skills
2026-05-29 10:00 - 13:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/rUwJKeM5SqOFDQlj3kAqfQ
Please join us for this Casey Life Skills training, developed by Casey Family Programs, which teaches youth providers how to use life skills assessments with youth in homeless youth and transitioning youth programs. Casey assessments also have applications in a variety of other youth service programs including basic centers, street outreach programs, educational outreach programs and other positive youth development programs. Participants in this training will learn how to partner with young people to assess and develop appropriate case plans and how to use free life skills resources to point young people toward success.
Three continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer(s): Sam Hall III

CCBYS 101
2026-06-01 09:30 - 13:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/EZDRS2s5RVSY3a0wQhGaGQ
Join us for this webinar to learn what you need to know in order to effectively provide Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services (CCBYS) and comply with program regulations.This training is perfect for crisis workers and new supervisors. Through lectures, case studies, group exercises and role play, participants will learn how to work with youth and their families; how to interact effectively with partners in the community including law enforcement officers, school personnel and child welfare workers; and how to initiate effective case management for clients.
Three and a Half Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Tiana Cody

Building a Culture of Philanthropy to Meet Your Organization’s Needs for Expanded Revenue
2026-06-09 09:00 - 10:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/fB51K8CERSmqAFLPu6Z9qA
Sustaining and expanding the work of nonprofit organizations increasingly requires more than traditional fundraising activities. It calls for developing a true culture of philanthropy—one in which the entire organization understands its role in strengthening relationships with supporters and advancing the mission. This training will explore what it means to build and sustain a culture of philanthropy and how organizations can move beyond transactional fundraising toward deeper, partnership-based relationships with donors. Participants will examine how staff, leadership, and board members can all contribute to donor outreach and engagement, helping supporters feel more meaningfully connected to the organization’s work and impact. Through practical discussion and examples, the session will offer insights into how organizations can cultivate stronger donor relationships while positioning themselves to meet growing revenue needs.
One and a Half Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Paul Hamann

Restorative Justice 101: Understanding the Relation-Based Discipline
2026-06-09 13:00 - 15:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/S58qHc3-QxyxhQVPF8Jhlw
In this session, we will create a baseline definition and understanding of what Restorative Justice is, the various ways it can be employed, and the power of change it incurs, because it is rooted in relational awareness of self and community.
Two Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Christian Simpson

Grant Writing Workshop
2026-06-10 09:30 - 12:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/gfxrKl8pShSWAmpSGxWCYA
The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” No, it isn’t. But there IS a reason why you need funding. We will discuss how to find and use comparative data to demonstrate the need for your grant request. You’ll learn strategies for presenting data and making a compelling case to support your funding request.
Three Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Kristin Olson

Community Youth Services (CYS) Management Meeting
2026-06-11 10:00 - 12:30
Please join us for the quarterly CYS Management Meeting. As a reminder, this meeting is mandatory for each program with the purpose of increasing communication across programs and with the state. Please note: this meeting is only open to organizations that currently receive CYS funding from IDHS.
