Leading & Supporting
Our Community, One Youth at a Time
About CAYTA
We aim to instill a sense of purpose, self-worth, and resilience in youth, empowering them to make positive choices in and out of the classroom. By nurturing their talents, fostering personal growth, and promoting a safe and supportive environment, we strive to break the cycle of involvement in criminal activities and violence, by guiding youth towards a brighter, more productive future.
Breaking the Cycle of Violence Through Opportunity
Our passion for youth runs deep, driving us to steer them away from involvement in or becoming victims of criminal acts, and instead empowering them to excel in school and in life. We understand the critical importance of providing positive alternatives and opportunities for youth who may face challenges and adverse circumstances. By offering educational resources, mentorship programs, and career guidance, we equip youth with the tools, skills, and support they need to overcome obstacles and thrive.
Meet Crystal Dyer
President, Community Advocate
Crystal Dyer is an accredited and Certified Travel Advisor (CTA) and Founder/CEO of Gone Again Travel & Tours. In 2016, Crystal opened the first African-American-owned brick-and-mortar agency in the Austin community, also Chicagoland Director of CCRA.
Crystal has been featured in the media on WGN-TV Chicago, Girls Trips; Chicago Reader Newspaper, Westside to the World; B-Media, African Americans Group Travel; WGN-TV Chicago’s Very Own, featured on all the major Chicagoland media outlets for the Chi-Town Soul Trolley Restaurant and History Tours to help black owned business thrive post Covid, the Voice Newspaper and many more.
Currently, Ms. Dyer is the Chair of Chicago Austin Chamber of Commerce and previously, she served as the chair of State Representative La Shawn K. Ford’s Tourism Committee in Springfield, Illinois. Her passion is to expose inner-city youth to world cultures and a better life. She works closely with community organizations, Prevention Partnership, Austin Coming Together, Austin Childcare Network. Currently on the Executive Board of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, as treasurer, and the Oak Park Chamber of Commerce.
“Travel broadens the horizons of our youth, by enhancing their understanding of global issues such as poverty, food and social inequalities, and by inspiring them to become more globally aware.”
— Crystal Dyer, President & Founder
The Reason Behind
Our Mission & Purpose…
Meet Devin Catrell Dyer
Devin was my loving grandson, always curious and full of life. I remember when he was just 3, on our way to the Wisconsin Dells, he asked me why I’d “painted my hair white.” At Disney World, he was so excited during the Character Breakfast that he lost his appetite, but still asked, “Grandma Crystal, do they have greens?” Those memories bring me joy and drive me to continue saving lives.
Devin was an aspiring entrepreneur, earning money outside his dad’s barber shop on North Ave. He even convinced his dad to let him host safe events for youth. On February 28, 2011, he celebrated his second successful event with all his friends. An argument had ensued before Devin arrived. Upon his arrival, those same people came back and opened fire on the youth at the party, and our Devin was the only fatal casualty. Six other youths were shot, and some were in the hospital for months.
This heartbreaking loss brought me back from Atlanta on a mission: to save lives and show youth their potential. Now, I’m surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals, and together, we’re helping our youth CATCH THE WORLD. My mission continues, and so does Devin’s legacy.
Celebrating Life: February 28, 1993 - March 6, 2011
Community Partners
