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…
UI has received a $20,000 grant from the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago’s Children (CLOCC) to complete a scientific study, entitled Urban Initiatives: A Preliminary Investigation of Short-Term Health Outcomes, in collaboration with researchers at the DePaul School of Psychology. Jocelyn Carter, Ph.D. will serve as the project evaluator and will supervise all research…
Dear Supporter of Urban Initiatives, Welcome! It is my pleasure to serve as this year’s Honorary Chair of The Soccer Ball adn to support Urban Initiatives in its mission to provide a quality health and educational soccer program to Chicago’s inner city youth. At the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), we recognize that children’s out of…
Urban Initiatives has had a huge impact on us and our family because of the connection we feel both to the kids UI serves and the organization itself. With UI there is always an opportunity for close contact with the kids–a Crosstown Classic, attending a practice at one of the city schools, or going on…
The Chicago Tribune reporter Barbara Mahany features UI participant Keyshawn Steele and UI friend and supporter Mawi Asgedom sharing tales of the thigns that transform a space into some place magical:
Dear Club Barcelona, Last June on the last day of school, a lucky day indeed, I was visited by Jim Dower. He asked if Goethe School would be interested in having a soccer program for our students. It was like a gift from God. We are a humble neighborhood school with 90% poverty. We had…
This year Urban Initiatives will be hosting its annual fundraiser, ‘The Soccer Ball,” at Salvage One located at 1840 West Hubbard St, Chicago IL, 60622 between Ashland and Damen Avenues, just one block south of Grand Ave. The party will run from 7pm. to 11pm. and tickets are $90 in advance and $100 at the…
The Halloween Bash is the longest running Urban Initiatives fundraising event. We would love for you to join us at Ohm Nightclub to support our program as well as have a lot of fun. Get there early because we’re expecting a full house!
The Chicago Sun-Times profiled Urban Initiatives Executive Directors Jim Dower and Dan Isherwood for their article “50 People Who Make Chicago a Better Place”. Read the full story ››
The world reknowned Catalonian soccer club FC Barcelona came to Niketown Chicago on Friday and some lucky Urban Initiatives participants had the the opportunity to meet some of the players. FC Barcelona made a generous donation to the program and then lead a Q&A session, where the young members of Urban Initiatives had a chance…
Join host Ben Pritzker at the Farm Party to benefit Urban Initiatives’ health and education soccer program. Tickets are all inclusive. Pitch a tent and spend the night.