EMPOWERING YOUTH. TRANSFORMING LIVES.
Self Edit Experience, Inc. (Self Edit), serves as a steadfast pillar of support for the youth and young mothers in Chicago and the South Suburban area. We wholeheartedly believe in the intrinsic brilliance that resides within each individual we connect with. Our nonprofit organization is a dedicated force for positive change, providing essential community-based resources such as housing, food, workshops, crisis care, and educational support to empower our youth to overcome challenges, recognize their strengths, and make informed decisions.
Through tailored services in prevention, counseling, juvenile justice, and child welfare whether in schools, homes, or our offices and some cases virtually, Self Edit is committed to meeting the unique needs of each individual, with the inclusion of specialized services, we serve. We maintain a steadfast belief in the potential of every young person to lead healthy, fulfilling lives, and we are resolute in our dedication to championing their growth and success.
Mission Statement
At Self Edit, our mission is to nurture the well-being and development of youth and families by offering a comprehensive range of services. From prevention programs to counseling services, juvenile justice initiatives to child welfare support, substance use, and prevention programs, we are unwavering in our commitment to helping youth unlock their full potential and embrace their destinies despite any obstacles experienced.
Vision Statement
For years, Self Edit has been a steadfast ally for adolescents facing challenges in their homes, schools, and communities. We are a beacon of hope, extending a helping hand to those in need and creating opportunities for youth to flourish and lead purposeful lives. Helping to put an end to unhoused youth and young moms, food insecurity, lack of education and build financially stable communities.
Purpose Statement
Recognizing the significant obstacles many of our clients encounter, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, Self Edit Experience is dedicated to sparking positive transformations and providing ongoing support to empower our youth and young moms not only to survive but to thrive.
Our Founder
ABOUT DR. MONICA MONIQUE, FOUNDER
Dr. Monica Monique is a dedicated educator, psychologist, college and career counselor, school leader, author, curriculum specialist, foster parent, and creative individual, who spent the bulk of her career working with students. With a profound passion for guiding individuals on a path of self-discovery and personal growth, Dr. Mo strives to help them uncover their unique gifts and talents. Her ambitious nature is evident in her mission to revolutionize the perception of mental health, particularly in the management of anxious conditions and behavior management that are at the root of the crisis.
Drawing from her expertise in working with issues such as low motivation, self-esteem, life adjustments, trauma, anxiety, depression, youth with specialized needs, academic issues, and personality disorders, Dr. Mo utilizes a diverse range of therapeutic interventions. These include Solution Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy with Choice Theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, all rooted in a strength-based and holistic approach to wellness.
Her counseling philosophy centers on holistic well-being, addressing aspects of mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, nutritional, and relational health to foster a comprehensive healing journey. By integrating choice theory into her practice, Dr. Mo empowers individuals to explore their intrinsic motivations and fundamental needs for love, power, freedom, fun, and survival.
Through her innovative approach called Self Edit, Dr. Mo encourages collaborative exploration between the individual and therapist, facilitating personal growth and self-improvement. She advocates for the importance of taking ownership of one's choices and perceptions, guiding individuals towards a wholeness-focused perspective on life.
As a Chicago resident and educator, Dr. Monica Monique not only imparts knowledge but also supports others in their self-editing journey, promoting empowerment and transformation at the individual level. Her commitment to holistic well-being and personal development makes her a beacon of inspiration and guidance in the fields of counseling, education, and mental health advocacy.
Board of Directors & Volunteers
Self Edit is guided by a dedicated team of executive leadership and a board of directors who bring diverse skills and expertise to our mission. Together, they are united in their steadfast commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening communities.
Investing in Our Community
Community Focus
In the communities we serve, there is a pressing need for inclusive support systems that empower individuals to overcome challenges and thrive. At Self Edit, we believe in providing everyone, especially youth, young mothers, domestic violence survivors, and women with chronic illnesses, with the necessary resources and opportunities to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
Community-Centric Approach
Rooted in the Chicago, South Suburban Chicagoland areas, and a virtual community, Self Edit is dedicated to inspiring positive change on a global scale. Founded in this diverse ecosystem, our organization serves as a beacon of support and empowerment for individuals seeking growth and transformation from specifically Minority/BIPOC and underserved communities.
Driving Positive Community Change
At Self Edit, our unwavering commitment lies in catalyzing impactful change within the community. Each day, we dedicate ourselves to creating a positive influence on individuals, families, and communities through comprehensive initiatives focused on housing the unhoused, youth development, promoting wellness through healthy living, harnessing inner power and fostering social responsibility.
Universal Diversity
At Self Edit, diversity is our strength. Our inclusive community embraces individuals from all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life. Together, we unite to empower each person, irrespective of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race, or sexual orientation, to achieve their full potential with dignity.