For TC, joining Covenant House Illinois (CHIL) was not only a career choice but a continuation of a lifelong passion for helping others. Four months ago, TC was referred to CHIL by a friend and made the transition from working at the Night Ministry, a role that had already honed his skills in supporting vulnerable communities. Having worked as a peer advocate at Howard Brown Health, TC was deeply familiar with the challenges young people face. In that role, he provided critical resources to those in need.
TC’s motivation to work with youth is deeply personal. “Helping people makes my day,” he says. "When I was younger, I never got this help, so it’s important to me now.” This desire to give young people the kind of support he never received is what drives TC to show up every day, ready to listen, engage, and guide.
As a Youth Engagement Specialist at CHIL, TC’s role emphasizes building relationships with the young people he serves. “A typical day for me involves talking to the youth, playing games, making sure their basic needs are met, helping out with field trips, and more,” TC explains. His primary focus is ensuring that the youth remain engaged, whether through conversation or activities, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
One surprising aspect of his job, he says, is the number of chances given to the young people who come through the doors of Covenant House. “This place is different—we give people a lot of chances because we know youth make mistakes. I wish I had a place like this that gave you so many opportunities when I was younger.”
TC feels the overall environment at Covenant House has had a lasting impact on him. “Youth come here and say it’s very welcoming. The energy is right, and they keep coming back,” he shares. It’s moments like these, where he sees young people thrive in a positive environment, that affirm the importance of his work.
But the job is not without its challenges. TC recalls a difficult moment when a youth became physically violent. "I have to dig deep and remind myself why I do this. I take a breath and remember that I’m here for the other 20 youth who need me."
One of the most rewarding parts of TC’s role, aside from helping the youth, is the support he receives from his co-workers and supervisors. “They have my back,” he says. “Having a good support system here helps me stay grounded and continue the work I’m doing.”
In his time at CHIL, TC has experienced both personal and professional growth. He’s learned the importance of patience and resilience, essential skills when working in youth support. His advice for anyone experiencing homelessness: “Just keep going. When I was younger, I didn’t see myself being successful. I never had a plan for who I wanted to be. But it gets better.”
When asked if there’s something his colleagues might not know about him, TC smiles. “I like to dance,” he shares. It’s clear that whether through work or personal passions, TC is always focused on connection—whether it’s with friends, youth, music, or movement.
His work at Covenant House Illinois is more than just a job; it's a way of making a difference, one meaningful interaction at a time.