Alternatives is a nonprofit organization that started as a local drug abuse prevention program and has evolved into a multi-cultural youth development agency, serving more than 3,000 youth and families in Chicago. It provides counseling, leadership development activities, substance abuse, violence prevention and academic enrichment programs throughout the year. The agency offers its services to Chicagos northeast side and its participants include Latinos, African-Americans, Caucasians, Asians and Middle Eastern peoples. Alternatives partners with more than 100 local schools and organizations, offering programs and services, such as career and employment counseling, clinical services, girl world and youth net, restorative justice and education and prevention.