Keavon Cooper, 17, was a troubled teen who dropped out of high school, got into some trouble, and ended up in the juvenile justice system.
But two years ago, he was referred to Phalanx Family Services, a 15-year-old nonprofit working in South Side Roseland and Pullman, which provided him with counseling, helped him get back in school and get a job.
“Before I got into this program, I didn’t have the same mindset I do now,” said Cooper, currently working at Wendy’s, with plans to enter a construction training program. “They helped me with my attitude, how I look at life.