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Charity Contact Information BBB Wise Giving Alliance Comments Programs

Tax Status Governance Fund Raising Financial

Name:	Alternatives, Inc.
Address:	4730 N. Sheridan Rd.
	Chicago, IL 60640
Phone:	773-506-7474
Web Address:	www.alternativesyouth.org

Alternatives, Inc. meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Established in 1971, Alternatives, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization serving 3,000 youth and families each year. As a key player in Chicago’s youth service field for nearly 40 years, we pursue our mission through programs in four focus areas: youth and family counseling, leadership development, academic enrichment, and violence and substance abuse prevention. Alternatives’ programs use an asset-based philosophy to provide youth-driven services and programs that help meet the unique needs of Chicago’s underserved youth. Our programs support youth in succeeding academically, making healthy choices and developing healthy relationships, building strong communication and conflict resolution skills, and contributing to their communities. Collaboration is a major priority for Alternatives; we partner with more than 100 schools, hospitals, police stations, congregations, and other nonprofits. Agency staff also participate actively in numerous state and community-wide committees and task forces. The Youth Court Association Youth Court Award, BP Foundation’s Leader Award, Chicago Council of Urban Affairs Neighborhood Award, and the Chicago Foundation for Women Ripple Effect Award have all recognized Alternatives’ work as a model of excellence.

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, Alternatives, Inc.'s program expenses were:

Clinical Services	430,891
Career and Employment Services	358,222
Family Intervention Services	347,028
Education and Prevention Programs	275,735
Restorvative Justice Program	157,272
Girl World	147,005
Regional Consortium Coordinator	73,949
Total Program Expenses:	$1,790,102

Chief Executive : Judith M. Gall, Executive Director

Compensation*:

$41,664

Highest Paid Executive: Saralyn Peritz,Director of Operations
Compensation*: $70,384

Chair of the Board: David Levine
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation: Sr. Vice President, PPC Worldwide

Board Size: 12

Paid Staff Size: 47

*Compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.

Method(s) Used:

direct mail, telephone, invitations to fund raising events, grant proposals, internet

Fund raising costs were 8% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $2,226,881, are donations received as a result of fund raising activities.)

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.

The following information is based on Alternatives, Inc.'s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.

Source of Funds
Public Support	2,156,542
Donated Services	40,399
Program fees	21,885
Special Events	20,464
Donated Metrerials and rent	9,476
Miscellaneous Income	7,792
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	190
Interest Income	12
Total Income	$2,256,760

Uses of Funds as a % of Total Expenses

Programs: 82%  Fund Raising: 8%  Administrative: 10%

Total income				$2,256,760
	Program expenses			$1,790,102
	Fund raising expenses			185,752
	Administrative expenses			224,254
Total expenses				$2,200,108
Income in Excess of Expenses				56,652
Beginning net assets				591,212
Other Changes in Net Assets				(6)
Ending net assets				647,858
Total liabilities				1,050,015
Total assets				$1,697,873