In March 2023, Brookfield became home to a space for teenagers unlike anything else existing in the western suburbs — The Loft at Eight Corners, a community mental health drop-in center open daily to provide holistic mental health support for teens ages 12 through 18.
In joint partnership with The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Metro Suburban and Pillars Community Health, over the last two years, The Loft has served dozens of teens and their families from a wide range of suburbs through free services ranging from mental wellness screenings and one-on-one support from peers, to mental health education groups, art therapy and crisis intervention.
To celebrate two successful years in Brookfield and continue building bridges with its neighbors, The Loft hosted a block party on Saturday, June 14 throughout the afternoon outside the center, featuring live music from Oak Park’s School of Rock, art stations, free food and an open house for visitors to see firsthand what The Loft is all about.
Yaritsa Carrasco, a lead clinician at The Loft, said the center is proud of its service to nearly 400 teens and families thus far, proving itself as a vital local resource to support the growing need for safe, inclusive spaces where teens and their families can access mental health resources and peer support.
“At The Loft, we work hard every day to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and to create a space where teens feel safe to be themselves,” she said. “Our mission is to promote inclusion and understanding, and open dialogue. We focus on the needs of our teens, giving them a voice to share their experiences and struggles without fear of judgment.”
Since opening, Carrasco says the Brookfield community has warmly welcomed The Loft, with local organizations and businesses having shown strong interest in partnering with events which helps recognize the importance of having a safe space in the neighborhood for teens.
“Our teens are excited not only to be part of The Loft, but also to give back to their community,” she said. “Members of our Teen Advisory Board participated in the ‘Beautify Brookfield’ event, helping plant flowers throughout the town. [And] we’ve also built strong connections with schools in Brookfield and nearby neighborhoods. This year, we partnered with Proviso District’s night school program to offer our ‘Mind Matters’ program — a six-week group that promotes mental wellness, teaches self-care tools, builds community, and helps reduce stigma around mental health.”
Carrasco says one of the most popular and impactful services at The Loft has been group programming, where teens can learn new skills and explore topics that matter to them led by the center’s clinical and recovery support staff — a team which she says has the goal of helping teens better understand not just their mental health, but physical health, too.
“Group topics are often inspired by the teens themselves and include areas like healthy relationships, coping skills, expressive arts and mindfulness,” she said. “Some of our most successful events have been topic-specific groups and presentations, such as when Pillars Community Health’s Domestic Violence team visits to speak about healthy relationships. These sessions spark great conversations and meaningful engagement.”
Members of the School of Rock House Band perform during the The Loft block party Saturday June 14, 2025. The Loft staff teaches teenagers and parents learn how to manage their mental health concerns including their relationships, anxiety and mindfulness. (Erica Benson) 
Ben and Penelope Perez of Brookfield enjoy playing a basketball game during The Loft block party held Saturday June 14, 2025. The Loft staff teaches teenagers and parents learn how to manage their mental health including their relationships, anxiety and mindfulness. 
The Loft block party included a food truck for families to enjoy Saturday June 14, 2025. The Loft staff teaches teenagers and parents learn how to manage their mental health concerns including their relationships, anxiety and mindfulness. 
The Loft one on one getting rooms during their block party held Saturday June 14, 2025. The Loft assists teenagers manage their mental health including their relationships, anxiety and mindfulness. 
Lucy Ericksen of Brookfield draws with sidewalk chalk during The Loft block party held Saturday June 14, 2025. The Loft staff teaches teenagers and parents learn how to manage their mental health concerns including their relationships, anxiety and mindfulness. 
Art Therapist at The Loft Mickella Duffy-Webb paints children’s faces including (left-right) Amari, Naruto and Alfred Davis of Brookfield during the block party Saturday June 14, 2025. The Loft staff teaches teenagers and parents learn how to manage their mental health concerns including their relationships, anxiety and mindfulness. 
Sandra, Alyana and Mark Rocha of Bridgview play Jenga and build with the blocks during The Loft block party Saturday June 14, 2025. The Loft staff teaches teenagers and parents learn how to manage their mental health concerns including their relationships, anxiety and mindfulness.
Carrasco adds that one of The Loft’s greatest ways of empowering teens has been through the center’s Teen Advisory — a group of teens who regularly participate in The Loft’s programs and share input on how to help shape future events at the center.
“[Participants] provide feedback, suggest new group ideas, and let us know what additional support or resources they’d like to see,” she said. “Their insight is vital in making sure The Loft continues to grow in a way that truly reflects their needs.”
In Carrasco’s opinion, the overwhelming reaction of teens who come to The Loft or learn about it through community events can be summed up in an oft-heard quote: “We’re so glad something like this exists.”
“Teens say The Loft is a place where they feel heard, supported and truly connected,” she said. “It’s clear that this is a space they’ve been needing for a long time — and we’re proud to provide it. Many share that they wish The Loft had been around when they were younger, and others say they’d love to see more spaces like this in other towns.”
Each month, to emphasize the importance of family support, The Loft hosts a Parent Night to provide psychoeducation on topics that matter most to families. With sessions on topics including bullying, teen communication and understanding mental health, Carrasco says these gatherings have been a valuable way for The Loft to educate the community and reduce the stigma of receiving mental health support.
In addition, a family support specialist at The Loft is also available to help parents navigate community resources, including finding a therapist or psychiatrist, information on higher levels of care and resources to help with school learning plans and wellness resources.
“By listening to our teens and working closely with families, we’re helping create a more understanding and supportive community, one conversation at a time,” Carrasco said.
Over the next few years, Carrasco says The Loft’s goal is a simple one — to continue to grow its reach and deepen its impact across the greater community.
“We want The Loft to become known as a true ‘third place’ for teens — a space outside of home and school where they feel safe, supported and understood… where they can be themselves, connect with others and know they belong,” she said. “As we grow, we remain committed to listening to our teens — centering their voices, responding to their needs, and helping them grow into confident, healthy adults.”
The Loft, 9049 Monroe Ave., is open Mondays through Fridays from 1 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit loft8corners.org or call (708) 883-3300.
