About GYS
Glencoe Youth Services (GYS) provides recreational, educational, social service and leadership opportunities in a safe and supportive environment to high school and middle school age youth in New Trier Township. GYS also operates the Special Needs Adult Pals (SNAP) and the Young Adult Pals (YAP) programs, which provide social activities and support for people with mental and/or physical disabilities.
Glencoe Youth Services runs:
• After-school activities at our Field House near Glencoe Central School.
• Special Needs Adult Pals (SNAP) dinners every Tuesday.
• Young Adult Pals (YAP) dinners on alternate Thursdays.
• The Daniel Calhoun All-Star Scholarship for students in 5th grade and higher.
• Many other community events and fundraisers in New Trier Township.
GYS relies on volunteer work from good people like you!
GYS Field House
Open weekdays from 3 pm to 6 pm! Kids ages 10 to 18 are welcome to drop in to enjoy recreational and educational opportunities. We offer a safe space for young people to relax, grow, make friends, join a leadership board and more. Every year, hundreds of youth enjoy this nurturing, convenient, and fun environment. Our programs are free, and are always guided by trained professional staff who facilitate meaningful connections among all youth.
Special Needs Adult Pals (SNAP)
SNAP is a weekly dinner and meeting for adults with special needs. SNAP meetings are held n Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8:30 pm in the GYS Field House.
Young Adult Pals (YAP)
YAP meets on alternate Thursdays in the GYS Field House. YAP is similar to SNAP, but for students aged 15 to 22.
Daniel Calhoun Scholarship
GYS established the Daniel Calhoun All-Star Scholarship following the tragic death of one of its longtime supporters.
Students in fifth grade and higher are able to apply for the scholarship and put the money toward an activity of their choosing: summer camp, a new instrument rental, classes for a new hobby, or anything else they are interested in. At least one scholarship of $500-$1000 will be awarded each year.
Meet the Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Kate R.
Executive Director
Kate is the Executive Director of Glencoe Youth Services. She brings a lifelong commitment to social service and a deep passion for working with youth. Before stepping into her current role, Kate served as the Assistant Director at GYS a few years ago, where she supported program development, community partnerships, and day‑to‑day operations. She also worked as a Development Coordinator at a different local nonprofit, strengthening fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
Kate is currently completing her Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Cornell University.
She was raised on the North Shore, where she continues to live and stay closely connected to the community she serves.
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Sammi Lynn W.
Assistant Director
Sammi is the GYS assistant director. Hailing from the Winnetka/Glencoe area herself she comes armed with a special knowledge of what it's like to be a middle-school aged youth in our little corner of the world. Bright and bubbly she creates a safe space for everyone around using her ability to connect with souls of all ages. She began volunteering at a young age through Am Shalom, her local temple, and began doing more and more work through many different organizations over the course of her life. Her work planning events, coordinating large numbers of people, and social media marketing to name a few come from her years in the music industry leading up to finding her home at GYS.
GYS Directory
Glencoe Youth Services Board 2025-2026
Kristen Jorgensen, President
Walter Calhoun, Scholarships
Megan Gray, Central Parent
Elissa Hindin, Central Parent
Debbie Jha, Treasurer and Secretary
Katie Palay, Central Parent
Ryan Radke, Central Parent
Jeanne Reed, SNAP Resources and Events
Sara Wu, Teen Board and Cultural Programs (Central and NT parent)
Staff:
Kate Revord, Exec. Director
director@glencoeyouthservices.org
224-216-8234
Evanston
Samantha Wolfberg, Assist. Director
gys.assistantdirector@gmail.com
(847) 287-6544
Winnetka
GYS
Youth Leadership Board
Join the Youth Leadership Board
Interested in gaining valuable leadership experience and giving back to GYS? The Youth Leadership Board empowers adolescents to become more active community members and leaders, and gives them opportunities to develop confidence in their own talents and skills. Please email director@glenceyouthservices.org if you would like to learn more.