Empowerment Youth Leadership Academy (EYLA) is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to building stronger communities through education, career development, and compassionate family support. Founded and led by Executive Director Samika Baskerville, EYLA operates two core programs: the Workforce Development Program — which provides free career training and certifications for youth and adults — and Embrace Your Little Angel — a stillbirth and infant loss support program that offers grieving families free cremation assistance, grief counseling, memorial keepsakes, and postpartum care. EYLA believes that every person deserves access to opportunity and every family deserves support in their darkest moments.
Losing a baby is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. At EYLA, we believe no parent should have to navigate that grief alone — and no family should be denied a dignified farewell for their child because of financial hardship. Embrace Your Little Angel is our free stillbirth and infant loss support program, offering a full circle of care from the moment of loss through the weeks that follow.
EYLA's Workforce Development Program offers seven FREE career training programs designed to give Chicago youth and adults the skills, certifications, and confidence to enter the workforce and build lasting careers. All programs are open to participants ages 16 and up — with Forklift Certification available for ages 18 and up. No cost. No barriers. Just opportunity.
CORE PROGRAMS
WORKFORCE TRAINING TRACKS
WEEKS OF POSTPARTUM SUPPORT
ALL PROGRAMS - NO COST TO PARTICIPANTS
In the United States, approximately 21,000 babies are stillborn each year, representing a rate of about 1 in every 175 births according to the CDC. However, recent studies suggest the rate may be higher, potentially closer to 1 in 150 births.
When dealing with the sudden loss of a baby, families often face an overwhelming emotional and financial crisis. Limited programs exist to help alleviate the financial burden of funeral or cremation expenses
EYLA is dedicated to uplifting individuals and families through a holistic range of supportive services. We provide compassionate grief and bereavement care for families experiencing stillbirth, which includes cremation funding, death doula support, grief counseling, and memorial items like engraved necklaces and engraved plaques.
