Embedded Files
How we show up for each other at The Center.
How we show up for each other at The Center.
At South Side Help Center, our youth programs are built on one promise: providing people with healthy alternatives. That promise only works when everyone in the room — young people, families, and staff — agrees on how we treat each other.
Our Community Agreement was written by the young people of The Center. They decided together what it takes to make our space safe, fun, and worth coming back to. Every youth member signs it with a parent or guardian, and staff sign on too — so the whole community is holding the same promise.
Created by The Center's youth. Short explanations added for families.
What youth also agree to
What youth also agree to
Along with our 10 agreements, every member of The Center agrees to:
• Show up on time and ready to participate, with phones put away during activities unless staff say otherwise.
• Stay with my group and check in with staff before leaving any room or the building.
• Keep what happens in our space off social media unless everyone involved says it's okay.
• Leave drugs, alcohol, vapes, and weapons outside our programs. Always.
• Speak up and ask staff for help if I see someone being hurt or left out.
• Represent The Center with pride on trips, at community events, and during Give Back Fridays.
Respect people and the space. We treat each other, our staff, and The Center with care.
Use appropriate language. Our words build people up — no cursing, slurs, or put-downs.
Follow directions so everyone stays safe. When staff give a direction, it's about keeping the whole group safe.
Learn from mistakes. Everyone messes up. We own it, make it right, and grow from it.
Hands to yourself. No hitting, pushing, or play-fighting. Everyone's body and personal space is respected.
Stay open-minded. We try new activities, listen to new ideas, and give people a fair chance.
Don't yuck someone else's yum. We don't knock what someone else likes, wears, or enjoys.
Be responsible for your stuff. We keep track of our belongings and clean up after ourselves.
Communicate thoughtfully and directly. We say what we mean, kindly, to the person we mean it for — not behind their back.
Lift each other up. We encourage, celebrate, and show up for one another.
What families agree to
What families agree to
Parents and guardians are our first partners. As a family, we agree to:
• Keep our contact information current so staff can reach us quickly.
• Pick up on time, or let staff know in advance who is authorized to pick up our child.
• Let staff know about absences, schedule changes, or anything at home that might affect how our child shows up.
• Talk with our young person about this agreement and support it at home.
• Bring questions or concerns directly to program staff so we can solve them together.
• Treat staff, volunteers, and other families with the same respect we expect for our child.
• Show up when we can — for showcases, open mics, family nights, and end-of-session celebrations.
What SSHC staff agree to
What SSHC staff agree to
This agreement goes both ways. Our staff commit to:
• Create a safe, welcoming space where every young person is known by name.
• Run programs that are planned, purposeful, and build toward something real by the end of each session.
• Communicate with families regularly — the wins, not just the problems.
• Respond to concerns fairly, privately, and without shaming anyone.
• Model the same respect, punctuality, and accountability we ask of our youth.
• Follow all safety, supervision, and mandated-reporter responsibilities.
• Keep growing as professionals so our young people get our best.
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