Our Current Impact
Who We Serve Today
- 63 students enrolled in the After-School Program, most from low-income households.
- Students enter two grade levels behind in reading and 1.5 in math on average.
- 100% advance to the next grade level each year; 75% improve test scores in reading and math.
- Full enrollment with waitlist due to demand. Our summer Program served nearly 100 students.
students enrolled in the After-School Program
%
improve test scores in reading and math
%
advance to the next grade level each year
students served during the Summer Program
The State of the Youth in Chicago
Coming of age in Chicago provides young people with unique opportunities and a rich cultural landscape that can shape their lives in profound ways. The city is home to a diverse array of 77 neighborhoods, each with its own history and sense of community. But for all of Chicago’s promise, it can also be a challenging place to grow up. Too many youth—especially in communities on the South and West sides of the city—experience high rates of poverty, violence, unemployment, and homelessness.
These long-standing inequities are reflected in every aspect of achievement and well-being, including kindergarten readiness, grade level proficiency in reading and math, high school graduation, college enrollment, and, ultimately, career success. While these challenges have existed for decades, the COVID-19 pandemic caused many opportunity gaps to widen. Today, many young Chicagoans are also caught in a volatile political
climate in which programs supporting their education, safety, and basic needs are being threatened or cut. Youth are struggling with mental health challenges, community violence, and chronic absenteeism, all of which can have devastating long-term effects. These factors hinder their ability to finish their education and enter the workforce with the preparation and confidence they need to thrive.
Why It Matters
A Community in Crisis
We know the wounds in our community run deep, and healing doesn’t happen overnight.
%
youth that cite mental health as a problem
%
youth that have witnessed community violence
%
Chicago youth that live in poverty
%
of CPS students are chronically absent
Why Community-Based Programs Work
Youth who participate in after-school programs show:
- Higher academic performance
- Stronger emotional regulation
- Lower likelihood of becoming victims or perpetrators of violence
Youth in community-based programs are:
- 9% more optimistic about their future
- More likely to plan for college
- Less likely to engage in risky behaviors
- More likely to build healthy relationships
The State of Rogers Park
Median Household Income
%
Child Poverty Rate (area-wide)
%
Population of Youth Under 18
%
Non-English Households
Transformation takes place in relationships, not just programs.
James Crockett, Executive Director
The State of Adults Today
You can’t stabilize a child in crisis if their parent is in crisis too.
For many adults and caregivers in North Rogers Park, daily life is defined by survival, not stability. Long work hours, language barriers, untreated stress, and few affordable supports make it challenging to provide steady guidance at home or pursue better jobs.
Key Barriers Facing Adults
Snapshot of Adults in Rogers Park
- ~21% of households earn under $25,000
- ~32% of households primarily speak a language other than English
- ~18% of residents live in poverty
- High rent burden/housing instability strains family budgets and routines
Why Community-Based Programs Help Adults
Community programs are nearby, familiar, and relationship-driven—so adults engage and keep showing up.
- Proximity & trust: Neighborhood location and known staff make it welcoming.
- Low barriers: Flexible hours, walk-ins, language support, childcare/transport options.
- Whole-family care: Multiple supports (meals, mentoring, job coaching, behavioral health, parenting) in one place.
- Consistent relationships: Regular touchpoints replace isolation with accountability and encouragement.
- Real pathways: Skills training, coaching, and employer links lead to jobs and stability.
- Dignity-centered spaces: Trauma-informed design helps adults followthrough.
Bottom line
When adults are equipped to heal, learn, and work, children gain the stability and confidence they need to thrive. Investing in adult transformation is essential to lasting, generational change.
Meeting the Need
What We Do Today
Each program flows from our conviction that transformation happens in relationships.
After-School Program
The C24/7 After-school Program provides opportunities for elementary and high school students helping them learn, grow, and thrive in and out of the classroom. We build relationships with students and their families, serve their immediate needs in the form of food, childcare, clothes, and supplies, then walk with them on their way to becoming empowered individuals.
Positive Youth Development
Our youth enrichment program follows the evidence-based Positive Youth Development (PYD) model, addressing key challenges faced by Chicago’s youth in impoverished and underserved communities. We promote pro-social behavior, positive engagement, and reduce social isolation through mentoring, enrichment activities, and violence prevention education.
Job Development & Workforce Training
Through Dreams, Visions, Work and Chalmers Center Work Life Readiness, we prepare teens and adults for success in the workplace:
- Paid internships
- Job readiness training
- Spiritual and personal development
- Partnerships with local businesses
- New in 2025: Internship program with After School Matters for aspiring social entrepreneurs.
Community Outreach
We build strong relationships through consistent presence in the community—because real change begins with trust. Our outreach includes:
- Weekly men’s & women’s Bible studies
- One-on-one counseling & street ministry in areas impacted by gangs, violence, and substance use
- Support during crises and connection to essential resources