An accomplished business leader with over three decades of experience in the store design and merchandising sector, Ted Gladson of Chicago, Illinois, was the president and founder of Gladson Interactive. Dedicated to helping his local community, Ted Gladson supports several organizations in the Chicago area, including 360 Youth Services.One of the many programs maintained by 360 Youth Services is its Transitional Housing Program, which serves men between the ages of 18 and 24 and women and members of the LGBTQ community between the ages of 18 and 21 who are homeless.The initiative consists of housing as well as services to help improve life skills, employment, and education for participants. Most individuals are part of the program for 18 to 24 months, during which time they live at apartments in Naperville and Lisle that are part of 360 Youth Services’ transitional housing options.Individuals in the program are assessed to determine their specific needs and given a contract that details expectations for apartment maintenance, schooling, use of support services, and curfew. During the course of their involvement with the Transitional Housing Program, residents work with trained staff members to improve their life skills and work towards self-sustainability.Since 1971, 360 Youth Services has been helping young individuals navigate life’s challenges through counseling, substance abuse prevention education, and housing options.
With a degree in pharmacy from the University of Illinois in Chicago, Ted Gladson founded the Gladson Interactive company in 1971, where he served as president until the company was sold in 2005. Today, Ted Gladson is a board member and president of the Chicago Drug Club, a board member of the Illinois Pharmaceutical Travelers Association, and a supporter of 360 Youth Services. 360 Youth Services is an organization in DuPage County that provides counseling, substance abuse prevention programs, and transitional housing for homeless youth in the area. One of the organization’s projects is a twice-yearly retreat for high schoolers called Operation Snowball. The name comes from the idea that positive impact can snowball as it’s shared with more and more people. The program helps teens deal with the issues they may be facing, especially drugs and alcohol addiction, and aims to increase their self-confidence, communication, leadership, and coping skills. Teens work in groups with peer leaders and adults to get to know each other, participate in fun activities, and have discussions about serious topics like dealing with grief. The program encourages a drug-and-alcohol-free lifestyle and fosters connections between people who share those values.
Ted Gladson, Chicago-based founder and former president of Gladson Interactive, gives back to his local community. One of the many nonprofits Ted Gladson donates his time to is 360 Youth Services, which helps young people to succeed in education and life in Chicago and beyond. With counseling, mentoring, and housing programs, the organization gives all young people a chance to grow and thrive.Founded in 1971 by concerned educators and parents, 360 Youth Services strives to educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse, while also giving those with poor home situations a safe place to stay and the opportunity to continue their education. The programs offered teach youth how to make life-serving choices regarding substance use. It is also considered a safe place for gay, lesbian, transgender, bi-sexual and questioning youth.Those in the local community who want to be a mentor have the opportunity to volunteer and spend time with young people of ages 18-24. A positive influence in a young person's life can have a lifelong effect. The goal for these youths is for them to become educated, employed and self-sufficient. Volunteers are truly the heart of this committed group.
