Every year the 2024 Chicago Marathon is a celebration of joy, community, and the power of play, drawing thousands of people out for the fun. Yet, in the very neighborhoods that host this iconic event, many Chicago youth and families still lack access to sports and play opportunities. This year, our Charity team is lacing…
Windy City Times reporter Liz Baudler recaps UI’s Night Out hosted at Sidetrack. Read more here: http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Urban-Initiatives-holds-fundraiser-at-Sidetrack-/54985.html
The rain and snow surely did not stop Team Captains from enjoying an engaging day at the Allstate Headquarters in Northbrook this past Friday. Fifth thru eighth graders from all around the city woke up early, embraced the unexpected weather, and brought their energy for a day full of interactive activities. The fourth Take the…
On Monday, April 11, the Junior Board kicked off their annual fundraiser, the Bus Campaign, at THE TapRoom at Lagunitas. The Bus Campaign is when the Junior Board is split into teams of 2 or 3 and assigned to a specific school. Junior Board members then ask their friends, families, and co-workers for donations to…
This field trip truly showcased the consistent dedication present amongst players on the Urban Initiatives’ team at Nixon Elementary. This special group of 3rd graders game to the school on a cold and snowy Saturday afternoon to attend the Chicago Fire soccer game at Toyota Park. Despite the uncovered seating, there were no complaints from…
There is a quickly growing group of powerful and passionate adults in Chicago that are getting behind a movement and mission serving a matter near and dear to their hearts – their kids! Urban Initiatives had the great privilege of celebrating this group, the amazing and committed Urban Initiatives parents, last Thursday evening in our…
DNAinfo reporter Alex Nitkin gives everyone a preview of the inaugural Embrace Chicago Cup! Read here: https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160329/garfield-park/garfield-park-conservatory-host-scavenger-hunt-for-cps-kids
Sign up to volunteer at the Work to Play Cup here!
Coach Michelle Ramos dedicates her career to enhancing the sports experience for the youth she serves at Palmer, Lloyd and Barry Elementary Schools. Last year, Michelle started working at Palmer as a part-time Coach Across America and has since taken on a regular position facilitating recess during the school day and soccer-based youth development programming…
Urban Initiatives is happy to share with you an update from our three newest Work to Play Schools! Mahalia Jackson Elementary: Jackson is the Work to Play Team and Urban Initiatives’ 41st partner school. In the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, the Jackson WTP team is excited to join the UI soccer family. Jackson participants, like Tayshaun and Marqise have already started…
Chicago’s SBYD program staff have been working tirelessly this year to help kids cultivate a love of learning through sports, so Urban Initiatives honored this effort by hosting the first (and hopefully annual!) Program Staff Summit. The summit was an opportunity for them to learn about each other and learn from each other. Our goal was…
The 2016 Soccer60 season at Our Lady of Grace was EPIC! The kids learned and improved their soccer and life skills. The beginning of the season started off a little hectic. Once rules and guidelines were set, it was smooth sailing from there. Urban Initiatives new Player of the Week award was debuted. This award…
