Latest news with #Henning
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Naperville-based Alive Center for Teens to start franchising
In 2020, Grey Bauer was headed into the eighth grade. At the time, between the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges personally, they weren't in the best headspace, Bauer, now 17, recalled. But then they discovered the Alive Center for Teens in Naperville. The sense of comfort Bauer felt was immediate, they said. 'I completely fell in love with Alive,' said Bauer, who graduated from Metea Valley High School over the weekend. 'You're immediately welcomed with open arms.' Now, Alive is looking to expand its reach. The nonprofit is ready to start franchising, the center has announced. With locations in Naperville, Aurora and Hanover Park, the organization has launched a social franchise model and is hoping to 'significantly expand its proven teen support system statewide,' the release said. 'That's really the message we're (giving) out, that we're here,' said Kandice Henning, CEO of The Alive Center. 'That we have a solution that is proven and works and we are willing to share it. We really want to help more kids and impact more kids in a positive way. (We want to) help more families and more communities ultimately.' The Alive Center opened in 2015. Designed for students in fifth through 12th grade, it offers free school and summer programming spanning a wide range of subjects and focus areas, including leadership, nutrition, stress management, meditation and creative expression, among others. It also offers free tutoring services. At the core of the center's mission is to create the 'confident, impassioned and resilient leaders of tomorrow,' according to its website. As part of that vision, the nonprofit has a 20- to 30-member Teen Advisory Board that gives youth the opportunity to try their hand at leading their own initiatives and projects. On the whole, the aim is 'preventative mental health care,' Henning said. In last year's Illinois Youth Survey, 27% of DuPage County 10th- and 12th-graders said over a 12-month period, they had felt 'so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row' that they stopped doing some usual activities. The Illinois Youth Survey is a self-report survey administered in school settings across the state every other year. The Illinois Department of Human Services has funded the administration of the survey since 1990. 'It's all about protective factors. … (It's about giving them) a space to be safe,' Henning said, 'and to feel where they belong because the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says the number one thing that helps with positive mental health in youth and adults is connection.' Franchising Alive's method has been a long time coming. The idea grew out of the B.R. Ryall YMCA in Glen Ellyn approaching the nonprofit three years ago about wanting to establish a franchise, Henning said. Originally, Alive's intent had been to work with the YMCA to do just that. Ultimately, though, the Glen Ellyn facility instead ended up becoming certified by the Alive Center to take a teen-driven approach to programming rather than building out a full-blown franchise. But by that point, the Alive Center had already started creating the materials necessary to facilitate franchising, Henning said. Initially, the Alive Center plans to focus on potential franchisees in Illinois, specifically the Chicago metropolitan area. Franchisees could include someone wanting to build out a new standalone center or a 'fractional franchise' as part of an already existing entity, Henning said. For the latter, she used the example of a Target offering a Starbucks franchise inside its store. In the case of the Alive Center, a fractional franchise could look like a center integrated into a library or park district, or even a municipal building, she said. Long-term, franchising will allow the Alive Center to grow faster, Henning said. 'If we went (with) the model of satellites … we might be able to do one a year but probably more likely one every two years,' she said. 'A franchise model enables us to do this much more quickly because it's not all on us.' Franchisees will have access to training, consulting, standardized processes and procedures, customizable templates and ongoing collaborative support, according to Alive. Since its inception eight years ago, the Alive Center has recorded more than 85,000 teen visits, serving more than 8,000 teens. If it wasn't for the Alive Center, Bauer said, 'I truly don't think that I would be in a good headspace now.' Post graduation, Bauer plans to attend College of DuPage for the next two years and after that transfer to Illinois State University. They want to be a teacher. tkenny@
Chicago Tribune
27-05-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Naperville-based Alive Center for Teens to start franchising
In 2020, Grey Bauer was headed into the eighth grade. At the time, between the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges personally, they weren't in the best headspace, Bauer, now 17, recalled. But then they discovered the Alive Center for Teens in Naperville. The sense of comfort Bauer felt was immediate, they said. 'I completely fell in love with Alive,' said Bauer, who graduated from Metea Valley High School over the weekend. 'You're immediately welcomed with open arms.' Now, Alive is looking to expand its reach. The nonprofit is ready to start franchising, the center has announced. With locations in Naperville, Aurora and Hanover Park, the organization has launched a social franchise model and is hoping to 'significantly expand its proven teen support system statewide,' the release said. 'That's really the message we're (giving) out, that we're here,' said Kandice Henning, CEO of The Alive Center. 'That we have a solution that is proven and works and we are willing to share it. We really want to help more kids and impact more kids in a positive way. (We want to) help more families and more communities ultimately.' The Alive Center opened in 2015. Designed for students in fifth through 12th grade, it offers free school and summer programming spanning a wide range of subjects and focus areas, including leadership, nutrition, stress management, meditation and creative expression, among others. It also offers free tutoring services. At the core of the center's mission is to create the 'confident, impassioned and resilient leaders of tomorrow,' according to its website. As part of that vision, the nonprofit has a 20- to 30-member Teen Advisory Board that gives youth the opportunity to try their hand at leading their own initiatives and projects. On the whole, the aim is 'preventative mental health care,' Henning said. In last year's Illinois Youth Survey, 27% of DuPage County 10th- and 12th-graders said over a 12-month period, they had felt 'so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row' that they stopped doing some usual activities. The Illinois Youth Survey is a self-report survey administered in school settings across the state every other year. The Illinois Department of Human Services has funded the administration of the survey since 1990. 'It's all about protective factors. … (It's about giving them) a space to be safe,' Henning said, 'and to feel where they belong because the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says the number one thing that helps with positive mental health in youth and adults is connection.' Franchising Alive's method has been a long time coming. The idea grew out of the B.R. Ryall YMCA in Glen Ellyn approaching the nonprofit three years ago about wanting to establish a franchise, Henning said. Originally, Alive's intent had been to work with the YMCA to do just that. Ultimately, though, the Glen Ellyn facility instead ended up becoming certified by the Alive Center to take a teen-driven approach to programming rather than building out a full-blown franchise. But by that point, the Alive Center had already started creating the materials necessary to facilitate franchising, Henning said. Initially, the Alive Center plans to focus on potential franchisees in Illinois, specifically the Chicago metropolitan area. Franchisees could include someone wanting to build out a new standalone center or a 'fractional franchise' as part of an already existing entity, Henning said. For the latter, she used the example of a Target offering a Starbucks franchise inside its store. In the case of the Alive Center, a fractional franchise could look like a center integrated into a library or park district, or even a municipal building, she said. Long-term, franchising will allow the Alive Center to grow faster, Henning said. 'If we went (with) the model of satellites … we might be able to do one a year but probably more likely one every two years,' she said. 'A franchise model enables us to do this much more quickly because it's not all on us.' Franchisees will have access to training, consulting, standardized processes and procedures, customizable templates and ongoing collaborative support, according to Alive. Since its inception eight years ago, the Alive Center has recorded more than 85,000 teen visits, serving more than 8,000 teens. If it wasn't for the Alive Center, Bauer said, 'I truly don't think that I would be in a good headspace now.' Post graduation, Bauer plans to attend College of DuPage for the next two years and after that transfer to Illinois State University. They want to be a teacher.
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Dolphins rookie WR shows off wild amount of swag he received as a newcomer
Dolphins rookie WR shows off wild amount of swag he received as a newcomer Former Michigan and Northwestern wide receiver A.J. Henning didn't hear his name called during the 2025 NFL draft, but he didn't have to wait long to find a home with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted signee. And although he'll have to fight for a spot on the roster in camp, he won't be leaving empty handed, regardless. In a TikTok, Henning showed off the mind-blowing amount of swag that newcomers receive when they sign with the Dolphins: By our count, (and without getting too specific) that's four pairs of shoes, 25 shirts, six sweatshirts, five pairs of pants, two pairs of shorts, and four hats. That's a haul that would cost a fan hundreds. Henning will have his work cut out for him to make the Dolphins' roster. Barring a significant surprise, four roster spots at receiver will be reserved for Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Malik Washington. The battle for the other spot or two will be between Andrew Armstrong, Monaray Baldwin, Tarik Black, Dee Eskridge, Erik Ezukanma, Tahj Washington, Theo Wease Jr., and Henning.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lauren Chan sends a powerful message with her tank top... after posing in a bikini for Sports Illustrated
Lauren Chan made history as the first openly lesbian woman to make the cover of the infamous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. She once again commanded attention in dove grey shorts with a matching loose, long sleeved coverup. What grabbed people's attention on the red carpet of the opening of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Social Club was what her white tank top said. 'Only Respecting Women You're Attracted To Isn't Respecting Women,' the t-shirt said. The Canadian model, 34, may have been referring to the trolls who are slamming SI for putting her on the cover of this year's Swimsuit Issue. The fact is, while many celebrated Lauren's SI cover as a victory for diversity and inclusivity there was still a small but vocal outcry over her sexually orientation and swimsuit size. But someone should tell the trolls that they can whine all they want, Lauren, 34, is more than a swimsuit model. She created an inclusive clothing line called Henning and sold it for a profit. Lauren is also a former fashion journalist who rose through the ranks to become fashion features editor at Glamour. Lauren is one of four women gracing the cover of this year's issue, joining Salma Hayek, gymnast Jordan Chiles, and college athlete Olivia Dunne. 'I'm the first out lesbian on the cover — with her own cover — and how much that means to me makes that surprise feel so overwhelming,' Chan told People of learning about the cover. 'That's where I feel like the tears of joy and celebration and relief and community come from.' Many fans rushed to congratulate her, while others questioned why her sexuality was being discussed at all, posting comments like, 'How is her sex life anybody's business?' and 'It's 2025. Nobody cares'. Chan took to social media after someone left a dismissive comment on a photo from her return to the magazine, which shows her posing on a Bermudan beach in an off-white lace two-piece. The Canadian model, 34, may have been referring to the trolls who are slamming SI for putting her on the cover of this year's Swimsuit Issue She posted a screenshot of the remark, left by an Instagram user named Caiser Hogan, who wrote, 'Who are they even doing this for anymore? Women?? This makes zero sense.' Chan didn't hold back. In the post, she responded, 'This is exactly why I show up in this space with my full chest.' She added that the magazine is meant for women—for representation and inspiration—not as 'an objectifying catalogue of fantasy for patriarchal pawns.' In a second slide, she cheekily added, 'wait 'til he finds out I'm a lesbian.' In the caption, Chan explained the comment 'struck a chord with me' and said she deliberately left it up for everyone to see. 'The inclusion of myself and other folks that represent minorities in SI Swimsuit signifies an evolution in how women are allowed to exist in this society and which women deserve respect,' she wrote. 'This man is insinuating that because I am a size 14, Asian and Middle Eastern, a lesbian, etc., that I am unattractive to him individually and that therefore no man, based on the patriarchal beauty standard, could deem me worthy of being in this publication.' Chan went on to explain that the magazine is helping to redefine beauty 'through the female gaze,' and that every woman should feel seen in its pages. 'It is not an outdated, objectifying catalogue of fantasy for patriarchal pawns. 'If that makes men feel irrelevant and angry enough to throw a tantrum in my comments ... I see no issue publicly and permanently addressing them,' she said. She signed off by throwing her full support behind the magazine's mission, writing that she believes in it 'with [her] whole heart,' and declaring: 'SI Swimsuit 2025 is for the girls.'
Boston Globe
15-05-2025
- General
- Boston Globe
‘He's like us. He's like us.' Over 1,500 attend Mass for Pope Leo XIV at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston
'I wish I could show Pope Leo what's happening here tonight,' Henning said to the diverse congregation. 'It's such a beautiful sight, to look out and see this beautiful cathedral filled with the even more beautiful sight of God's [people].' The Mass Portions of the Mass were said in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Some hymns were backed by the cathedral's pipe organ, others by the soft strumming of a guitar. Advertisement Worshipers of all ages clasped their hands in prayer. '[Pope Leo] has really been a sign of unity these past five days, six days,' said Auxiliary Bishop Cristiano Barbosa, who attended along with more than fifty other clergy. 'Of course, there are many groups within the Church who think differently, but everyone is saying, 'He's like us, he's like us.' He even used the word 'bridge' at least two or three times in his homilies,' Barbosa said after the 90-minute service. 'It brings me a lot of hope, a lot of joy.' Pope Leo XIV will celebrate his inauguration Mass at the Vatican on Sunday. A member of the Order of St. Augustine, he spent much of his career as a missionary in Peru. But the surprise election of Chicago-born pope, son of an educator and librarian, has created a new connection with the papacy. Advertisement 'Him being from America and having gone to Peru, he has this connection,' said Jasmin Barba, 22, of Brockton. 'Just like when Pope Francis was elected, and all the Argentinians and all the Latinos were paying attention… it sparks a new interest. It's like, oh, look — something I can relate to.' Church leaders are noticing the Leo factor too. According to Patrick Krisak, director of Faith Formation & Missionary Discipleship at the archdiocese, there have been 'anecdotal reports of more people showing up to Mass.' 'Just because they're intrigued,' Krisak said. 'And it's so strange and different, for many of us, to hear those [media] interviews in English... to feel close to him, that he knows us and we know him a little bit because of our shared cultural experience.' 'I think there's a fundamentally deep human need to forge connection,' Henning said in an interview before the Mass. 'So I think it's a good thing if Catholics see in him a sense of identification or connection.' 'But being a disciple is not about that,' he continued, emphasizing the importance of unity under a shared faith and the ability to transcend differences. 'I think it's fair to say that at one point or another during this Holy Mass, each of us did not understand something. So we're all equal in that,' Henning said at the Mass's closing. 'But irrespective of words, every one of us shares the same faith in Jesus Christ... and we gather tonight to rejoice in the fact that we have one holy father, Pope Leo, to guide us in the years to come.' Advertisement Some worshippers agreed the new pope brings new hope to the global church. 'I think he's going to be very good for the youth,' said Rosa Flores, 79, of Roslindale. 'And I think he's going to be a pastor not just for the nation, but for the whole world.' 'It's only been a week, but it's already been like a breath of fresh air,' said Emma Cuevas, 20, of Brockton. 'And to see how there's many like, Muslims and atheists and people that are not from the Catholic Church, they're intrigued too... that's because of the mission he has, to be more universal.' Rita Chandler can be reached at
