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…
In an effort to create awareness about health initiatives across all subject areas, Tarkington’s art teacher Vanessa Hoff teamed up with Coach Noah to deliver health lessons on the Five Food Groups through art. Students identified their favorites from each of the 5 Food Groups and created posters to showcase their creativity around the entire…
Many of Tarkington School’s soccer players had never seen a roller derby bout however they arrived with their parents and coaches last Saturday evening at UIC’s pavilion to watch the Double Crossers face Hell’s Belles. Many of the Double Crosser’s skaters had already volunteered at Tarkington’s game day the previous afternoon at the Chicago Indoor…
By CharliE otto Charlie otto is an urban initiatives rock star in more ways than one. The front man for this must be the band, a talking heads tribute band, not only buRned dowN the house this past summer when he played a live show to Raise fuNds for Urban initiatives, he also took time…
Urban Initiatives is still pretty new at running recess, but we’re coming up with some great stuff thanks to our great partner schools and the full-time coordinators that we’ve placed there. From teaching nutrition lessons to giving quick activity breaks in classes to making sure kids get the most fun and physical activity out of…
Urban Initiatives’ 7th annual Soccer Ball was by far our most successful fundraiser to date! We are incredibly grateful to the over 800 dedicated fans who came out to celebrate our work, raise funds, and support our mission. Our team was blown away by the energy in the room and the clear commitment to giving…
The U.S. Soccer Foundation has awarded a grant to Urban Initiatives in the amount of $12,400 to help provide the proper soccer equipment needed to sucessfully operate the Work to Play Program. This grant will help UI purchase cones, pennies, first aid kits, whistles and other great soccer equipment that will help UI kids feel…
Urban Initiatives’ Mentor Coaches once again demonstrated their inspiring commitment and passion as they showed up in full force ready to laugh, learn, and lead. On Saturday, January 12th, the second-ever Urban Initiatives Mentor Coach Retreat kicked off at DePaul University. The DePaul Center for Access and Attainment generously donated their beautiful space to host…
The Jahn Work to Play team had some help kicking off the first week of the winter season! Players and coaches from the Chicago Cubs joined Jahn players for an afternoon of fun games and a discussion on what it takes to be professional athletes. Jahn players set up some fun games and drill stations…
Join Urban Initiatives at its 7th annual Soccer Ball at River East Art Center, located at 435 E. Illinois St., for a night of philanthropy, dancing, cocktails, heavy appetizers and an exquisite silent auction. Get your tickets now: SOCCER BALL TICKETS
Urban Initiatives Junior Board member Marley Bellwood writes about her experience with the Otis team at Zoo Lights! On Friday, December 14th, the UI Junior Board had a field trip planned with Otis School to tour the lights at Lincoln Park Zoo. Junior Board members gathered at the Lincoln Park Conservatory, awaiting the kids’ arrival.…
On a chilly November afternoon, 3 of the Chicago Fire’s best players attended the Walsh Elementary team party. This was made possible by Junior Board member and Chicago Fire player Mike Videira. Mike, a regular volunteer at several UI schools for the past few years decided to surprise Walsh players while asking his teammates to…