In 2003, Founder and President Annette Kelly started FOUS Youth Development Services. Annette has always had a passion for youth and decided to develop her own organization that would provide services to at-risk youth between the ages 12-21 who live in high needs communities. As a result, FOUS was developed and founded on the mission of engaging youth in their own development by providing an array of opportunities and supports that promote the development of young people.

I actually believe that one person can make a difference in the life of another. As a youth, I experienced it.

organization History

Annette Kelly

FOUS Youth Development Services

Our founder

One Person Can Make a Difference

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." John Quincy Adams

We make quality programming a priority!

Youth Development...

is a process that prepares a young person to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood and achieve his or her full potential.

2003 - FOUS Youth Development Services became a reality.

2007 - The first afterschool program was offered at Harper High School in the Englewood Community. 4Us Girls Club continued growing to elementary and high schools across the City of Chicago.

2008 - Annette Kelly was honored by Ebony Magazine and the makers of Pine-Sol 'Unsung Heroes Making A Difference" in schools, and communities.

2011 - FOUS continued to add relevant programs and services (The Journey Mentoring Program, and Advancing Youth Development Certification Training).

2018 - Annette Kelly was selected to participate in Force for Good. Funded by U.S. Department of Justice grants since 2011, "Chicago Force for Good (FFG)" is a Chicago Police Department Program to Strengthen Community- and Faith-Based Not-for-Profits (NFPs) that serve in communities of higher than average crime, especially violent crime. Through competitive selection, FFG has provided capacity-building services to NFP applicants, to improve their ability to support community cohesiveness, stability, and public safety throughout Chicago's communities.

2021 - Annette Kelly was selected as a member of the Goldin Institute 2021 Chicago Peace Fellows. She is one of 22 grassroots leaders from 14 community areas on the South and West sides of Chicago dedicated to addressing the root causes of violence.