Paving the Path to Homeownership for Housing Choice Voucher Holders
Since the mid-20th century, homeownership has been one of the most important vehicles for building wealth in the United States. According to research from the…
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Our Grantmaking Strategy
For more than 100 years, The Chicago Community Trust has convened, supported, funded, and accelerated the work of community members and changemakers committed to strengthening the Chicago region. From building up our civic infrastructure to spearheading our response to the Great Recession, the Trust has brought our community together to face pressing challenges and seize our greatest opportunities.
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Grant Recipient
IMPACT Family Center
IMPACT focuses on involving youth from the communities that we serve to assist us in community engagement for the residence of the community. We are kicking off our end of summer celebrations with NO CRIME DAY in Chicago on August 5 serving both the Grand Crossing and Roseland communities with our roll up Fam & Friends Back-to-School Events from noon to dusk. Each weekend in August and the second Saturday of September, we will be in various locations in Roseland, working diligently with residents to encourage peace, a decrease of violence, unity, and focusing on our youth as they prepare to go back to school. IMPACT youth who are currently working in One Summer Chicago will volunteer. We will provide healthy snacks, fun activities with youth doing community service, and caring adults. We will have our mental health counselor and life coach on the premises each weekend to encourage healthy lifestyle changes that can improve conditions for those we serve. Other special guests and attractions will be added. Twenty youth ages 16-24 who live in the surrounding commuities will serve and assist in these community engagement events. We believe that seeing youth, serving in the community and engaging that community is a wonderful combination in order to generate positive results and be able to in this summer with all parties working together for better.
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Grant Recipient
54 & 5500 West Block of Cortez
Fun before Fall will be had by all. During June, we had a revolving group of kids from ages 7-19 with multiple outings and play dates. Making sure to provide an experience with each hangout and food as kids are always hungry. We will invite the youth that are already involved and live in the area and require a permission slip from their guardian. We will invite youth from 4th to 11th grade. ages 9-17. Saturday Fun Way in Batavia- for ages 4 to 20, Will need to rent a van to transport 15-20 kids, but expecting other adults to drive to the play date on steroids. With go-carting bumper boats, bumper cars, and laser tag for up to 40 kids. Night Bowling-ages 9-20, requirement would be to have a signature of volunteering in the neighborhood. Proven by a signature from an adult that was helped or witnessed the work. Friday Night at the Movies ages 10-20- Renting out Cinemark in Melrose Park to watch Disney’s Haunted Masion. Silver Stallion Ranch- Horse Back Riding and Picnic Labor Day Weekend- Santa’s Village and Dinner Each activity would be for 30 to 40 participants. My organization is in the middle of the high-risk Austin Community. My home and yard have become a refuge for neighborhood kids. Parents allow their children to come and play basket on the half court, play video games, and play one the swing set. Children from Cortez, Central, Thomas, and Pine meet to watch movies and roast marshmallows in a safe place.
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Grant Recipient
Mr Dads Fathers Club
The Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club is currently running a summer camp to help deter youth from violence, by creating safe spaces for boys and young men of color during the summer months. Our organization also plans to extend our program for Labor Day weekend and the gap time between when The Chicago Park District’s summer programming ends and Chicago Public School (CPS) year begins (August 6th-21st).
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Grant Recipient
Grand Boulevard Prevention Services
Grand Prevention Boulevard Services (GBPS) will quickly mobilize existing youth programs provide alternatives to violence through activities and community events for the annual Back to School Event expansion (Wednesdays, August 9 and 16 from 5-7pm) followed by a Safe and Peaceful Labor Day weekend (Friday, September 1 from 6-8:30 pm and Saturday, September 2, 2023 from Noon – 2). GBPS will implement the Seven Field Principles (7FP) model, an evidence-based framework in a comprehensive and coordinated way to foster successful, strong communities to reduce violence. Assessment and evaluation include program surveys and assess community needs. The GBPS Prevention Specialist will provide 2 days of community events in the Washington Park Area (3007) including in-person and virtual restorative justice youth programming. The GBPS Program Manager in the Douglas Restored Community will provide 2 days of community events with food and fellowship (BBQ), bridging the gap with law enforcement, competitive sports, music, motivational speakers and gift card giveaways.
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Grant Recipient
Chasing23 Youth Empowerment Group
We are seeking funding for a one-day event aimed at empowering elementary students through the implementation of a Healing Circle. The Healing Circle will take place prior to the start of the school year and will consist of two integral parts: providing a Healing Circle experience for students and establishing a direct connection with local community providers. The project aims to promote emotional well-being, enhance social interactions, and foster a sense of community among young students. A Healing Circle is a restorative practice deeply rooted in indigenous traditions that foster a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their feelings, experiences, and concerns with one another. It is a structured gathering where participants form a circle and engage in open dialogue, active listening, and empathy. The practice is designed to promote emotional healing, self-awareness, and community bonding.
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Grant Recipient
Opera Matic NFP
Opera-Matic has been partnering with Children’s Garden of Hope in the Humboldt Park neighborhood to provide community events that instill joy, connection, peace and creativity. This year, we are focusing on programming that helps young people process change through art and connection sharing in the magic of metamorphosis. We have an event planned already for August 19th that serves as a back to school event for the community with Opera-Matic adding programming that includes live music, clowning and art making activities. We plan to add an additional event with Children’s Garden of Hope on Labor Day weekend to better support community engagement and the safety of young people.
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Grant Recipient
True Believers Community Connections
With these funds, TBCC is able to render weekly youth development training that introduces youth to career paths about science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, as well as how to deal with community trauma, and learn about trust and building relationships. We will end our time together with a Celebration/Back-2-School Event planned by the youth who participated in the program, plus expose them to other youth engagement activities in the local community throughout the month of August.
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Grant Recipient
Beyond the Ball NFP
Beyond the Ball is requesting funds to support our work during the August gap. Programming will be provided a minimum of 3 evenings/week and will take place in a public community space. We will engage over 1000 unique participants through our August gap programming. Programming will consist of activities for all ages and genders with an emphasis on youth.