Youth Sports League Looks to Make an Impact Beyond the Field
One Tampa, Fla. based organization, has not only redefined the term, student-athlete, but has also expanded to 500 communities nationwide, including one in Chicago’s Montrose Harbor. With sports becoming increasingly competitive and focused on a “win-at-all-costs” mentality, i9 Sports was established with the intention to rediscover the main attraction children have to sports in the […]
Update for reporters, activists on youth violence in Chicago
Many of our readers are reporters or people who are engaged in work in their community. The Society for Professional Journalists and Community Media Workshop announced an upcoming opportunity to get connected to sources and experts in the thorny but important area of youth violence in Chicago. Do we need a new approach to the […]
Stony Island Residents Say Police Has Failed to Prevent Crimes
Stony Island residents called on police to provide more patrols and work to prevent gang disturbances at a CAPS meeting on Oct. 10 During the meeting, many of the residents said they were upset at the officers’ failure to prevent crime and gang activity. “It is hard for an officer to do what we do,” said Officer Yolanda Nowells of the Chicago […]
Austin Residents Look For Hope, Encourage Unity To Revive Community
Austin looks for a solution – area leaders and advocates say – that doesn’t just depend on increased police presence, but relies on community organizing for equitable distribution of resources; better schools and adult education and workforce preparation; changes in juvenile justice; community centers and youth programs and creating an environment that can give residents hope.
Teen Homelessness in Humboldt Park
Many teens walk through the city with the brightest of smiles on their faces, but with uncertainty just beneath the surface. Some young adults in Chicago don’t know where the next meal is coming from, consider survival a priority, and finding a place to rest becomes a responsibility. Inconsistency is daily living. In the Humboldt […]
Humboldt Park Shop Creates Opportunities for Underprivileged Youth
Rowan Richards, owner of the street apparel shop King Lizzy in the 2500 block of Division Street, finds solutions to poverty in the community by creating internships and jobs for underprivileged youth. Richards was originally the executive director of the non-profit organization, The Stewards Market, which opened four years ago in Cabrini Green. He was looking […]
McCormick Boys & Girls Club: A Refuge in Uptown
Upon entering the McCormick Boys & Girls Club in Uptown, one is bombarded by a wall of sound: the buzz of screaming, laughter, the loud chatter of youth. Centrally located off the corner of Lawrence Avenue and Sheridan Road, the children of Uptown do not have far to travel for a refuge of fun and […]
“I am Brilliant, I am Beautiful”: A Positive Outlook at HIV/AIDS Awareness Event
Four girls stood in the front of the room chanting, “I am brilliant, I am beautiful, I am curvaceous and I am bodacious.” The room was filled with eager and motivated young women. Music was blasting, girls were standing in line waiting to get their hair styled and makeup applied. The place was overflowing with […]
A ‘South Side vs. North Side’ Thing: LGBT Youth In Chicago
In response to the number of gay teen suicides across the United States, efforts like the “It Gets Better Project” have sprung up online. Locally there are several resources available to young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered (LGBT) Chicagoans. A minor who lives on Chicago’s North Side and decides to come out can find support and […]
The Voice of the Future Comes Through on “True Star Radio”
True Star – True Star Online is an urban teen network with more than 1,500 members. The teens use social networking tools to stay in touch, and produce a weekly radio show that focuses on issues that are important to young people. Get involved by listening, or if you are a high-schooler, get involved by […]
Chicago Housing Authority’s Co-Ed Softball Team in the Playoffs
UPDATE: Seward Park Takes First Windy City Sluggers Softball Championship Title Since mid-summer, eight city teams, made up of CHA 13- to 15-year-old boys and girls, competed for a spot in the Windy City Sluggers League playoffs. Qualifying from the South Division were teams from Carver Park and Taylor Park, while Seward Park and Altgeld […]
“Virtual Volunteers” Can Make a Million Dollar Difference for Homeless Youth in Chicago
Teen Living Programs, a Chicago non-profit that provides housing and services to youth who are homeless, is looking for a few good “friends” to volunteer this holiday season. But unlike most charities that ask volunteers to spend a few hours at a shelter wrapping gifts or serving turkey and stuffing, Teen Living is asking its […]
Healing the Hood draws 2000 in Third Year
by Maureen Kelleher of New Communities Program Little Village‘s annual “Healing the Hood” community celebration – established three years ago in an effort to stem gang violence – drew its biggest crowd ever earlier this summer. More than 2,000 people enjoyed the music, children’s games, basketball and lotería (bingo) at 28th Street and Ridgeway Avenue. […]
