Category Archive
Davis’ REC Coordinator Nestor Rico shares a one of a kind experience for UI kids from Urban Initiatives Night at UIC! As the Director of Community Assist at the University of Illinois at Chicago I am responsible for reaching out to schools, club teams, and non for profit organizations to offer them a unique experience…
We had some incredible volunteers this Fall, many of whom have made a lasting impact on their teams, so I just wanted to spend some time to highlight a few of our all-stars this season. Our furthest traveller comes all the way from Germany, and he dedicated three days a week of his stay in…
Urban Initiatives Junior Board member Kyle Smith shares his experience on a recent #UIJB Field Trip to Zoo Lights with the Kozminski and Lorca Work to Play teams! Friday, December 4th – Urban Initiatives and the Junior Board had the privilege to host Kozminski and Lorca for this year’s Zoo Lights! The Lincoln Park Zoo was…
Coach Kaitlyn shares highlights from her parent/player scrimmages at Tarkington, Lee, Marquette, and Faraday! Central to Urban Initiative’s mission is the empowerment of Chicago’s youth. We strive for this by teaching our kids soccer skills and the power of teamwork; the value of academic achievement; and the importance of choosing healthy lifestyles. What oftentimes goes…
On Thursday, November 5th, Urban Initiatives hosted the Plant A Seed Breakfast, presented by Allstate. UI Board members, supporters, CPS partners, and members of the business community gathered to reflect on what makes UI unique and impactful. After welcome remarks from Board member Shawn Broadfield of Allstate, Board Vice-Chair, Neil Hirshman, spoke to the challenges…
Team Captains got an early start on their futures this past Friday at the second Take the Lead Retreat of the year, hosted at Grainger’s incredible facilities in Lake Forest. After a long bus ride from the city, Captains arrived on Grainger’s beautiful campus, which is complete with a running path, cafeterias, and enough meeting…
On a chilly Sunday afternoon over 30 high school students came together to think about ways to take action for Urban Initiatives. UI Student Board member Hannah Fortier shares her experience at the first meeting of the school year. On November 8th, 33 high school students from the Chicago area met at LYFE Kitchen. This…
The 4th annual Junior Board Pizza Party at Kirkland and Ellis provided 65 WTP participants, coaches, and 40 Urban Initiatives Junior Board members an opportunity share a meal, talk about future aspirations, and play active games. Work to Play participants from Otis World Language Academy and Providence Englewood Charter (PECS) were thrilled to meet young professionals…
Coach Nefeteri checks-in with a special blog about a trio of siblings at Morton School of Excellence. This Fall, Work to Play returns to Morton School of Excellence for the sixth year running where Coach Ryan Trauger or “Coach T” as the kids call him, has been the On Site Program Director for the past…
Urban Initiatives’ Jim Dower and Julie Chelovich recently had the privilege of traveling abroad to London for the Beyond Sport Summit. This is a three-day event that convenes sport-led, social innovators and global leaders to address sport’s role in driving positive social change. This year’s focus was #BeyondtheDivide. Topics explored included social divides and economic…
