Skip to content

We moved! Our Aurora office is now located at 1971 West Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506.

 

TriCity Family Services Wilderness Challenge Program Endowment Fund

Established 2015

 

TriCity Family Services Wilderness Challenge Program (WCP) is an annual eight-day canoeing and camping experience for up to thirty teens to prepare them for high school life.

The participation of teens selected for the program is made possible through scholarships subsidized primarily by donations from corporations, foundations and community organizations.

Modeled after the internationally renowned Outward Bound Program, the physical, mental and emotional challenges of the remote wilderness experience provide participants with character-building experiences.

These experiences also enhance the participants’ self-esteem, teach invaluable lessons about working within groups and encourage the development of inner resources needed to accomplish goals.

Teachable moments are ever-present. Whether the learning experiences are included in the daily schedule (e.g., morning and evening meetings at the campsite) or arise spontaneously (e.g. struggling through a difficult portage), staff constantly help participants appreciate how new found skills and confidence can help them function more effectively in their social, academic and family lives.

Annual evaluations of the program’s effectiveness indicate that the program consistently succeeds in helping participating teens: 1) develop their decision-making skills; 2) work cooperatively with others toward a common goal; and 3) learn to face new challenges with greater confidence.

The pre/post tests indicate that the majority of WCP graduates (approximately 90%) report that they have improved relationships with others, are more motivated to achieve in the school setting and are experiencing greater self-esteem.

…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.

Cris Anderson

Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund

A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.

Sharon Stredde

President Emeritus

We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.

Dick Schindel

Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds

Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.

Julia H.

[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!

Moises J.

Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

Install Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

Install this application on your home screen for quick and easy access when you’re on the go.

Just tap then “Add to Home Screen”

Accessibility Toolbar