Urban Initiatives
Urban Initiatives (UI) provides a year-round program to actively engage boys and girls, ages six to 12, from under-served communities in Chicago. Through before- and after-school soccer programs, UI uses the child's natural desire to run and play with others to motivate improved school attendance and academic performance while improving physical exercise, nutrition awareness, teamwork and self esteem.?UI programs provide a structured and safe team environment and coordinated communication among teachers, parents and coaches.
Program Spotlight
The Young Men’s Educational Network (YMEN) is a dynamic youth leadership organization established in 1996 to address the academic and social needs that cripple the futures of many young men who grow up in the North Lawndale community on Chicago’s West Side. YMEN offers advanced academic classes, entrepreneurial training, career planning, mentoring, tutoring, and a wide variety of community service opportunities as it seeks to fulfill its mission: “to prepare young men in North Lawndale for leadership by helping them grow in their faith and character, develop a love of learning, and use their gifts to serve the broader community.” For the past 14 years, YMEN has provided effective alternatives to academic apathy and gang membership and is recognized as a grass-roots community organization that is producing indigenous leadership in the next generation of African-American young men.
Website: www.ymenchicago.com