News

  • The Adair Group Helps UI Shine

    Urban Initiatives is excited that The Adair Group chose us as one of their T-Shirt Causes! They donated 5 dozen t-shirts for the Work to Play Cup on Saturday, June 8th. Check out their website, www.theadairgroup.com, and see all the awesome products they have. Keep them in mind for all your affordable and reliable t-shirt…

  • UI Volunteers Catie and Ashley

    Ever wonder what it’s like to volunteer with Urban Initiatives? Well, UI Junior Board members and volunteers Catie and Ashley share their experience with you during their time with the Jahn team. Catie and Ashley joined the UI and Jahn team this past Fall and continue to attend practices as regularly as the Jahn players…

  • Mentor Coach Stars Visit Chicago Bulls All Stars

    Urban Initiatives Mentor Coaches Xzavier, N’Dia, Shamar, Travis, Joel and Chevaughn all experienced their first Bulls game at the United Center this season. These Mentor Coaches were chosen because of their commitment to the Work to Play teams at their school as they focused on their studies. Read below about the great time each Mentor…

  • PA Spotlight: Becca Martinson

    Since the beginning of her term with Urban Initiatives as a coach with Coach Across America, Becca Martinson has completely dedicated her time, energy and talents to help combat the alarming levels of obesity in Chicago’s children. She has been especially effective at Nobel Elementary School where she not only coaches but also partners with…

  • PA Spotlight: Brendan McAlpine

    A truly effective coaches’ advice is so effortless and genuine that even when they are meticulously perfecting your soccer techniques or working out a conflict you are having with a friend you don’t realize that they are coaching you. Coach Brendan McAlpine carries around a full toolbox of coaching tips that he flawlessly utilizes on…

  • PA Spotlight: Noah Pickens

    Noah Pickens, a first time Coach Across America coach, has stood out in his role as he has taken a holistic approach to the important work he does. The enthusiasm and thoughtfulness with which Noah approaches each day is truly inspiring and unique, and he does not let a day escape him without first seizing…

  • U.S. Surgeon General Plays With Potential

    The Surgeon General of the United States Dr. Regina Benjamin paid a visit to Nathanael Greene Elementary to learn about all the healthy things Principal Heidkamp has going on at his school.

  • Pasteur’s Healthy Lunch for a Healthier Me! Art Contest

    Students in 4th, 5th and 6th grade across the country and at CPS’s Louis Pasteur Elementary School had a chance to learn about healthy eating and artistically express what a healthy school lunch means to them through the Healthy Lunch for a Healthier Me! art contest sponsored by the school’s meal provider, Preferred Meal Systems.

  • Mentor Coaches Score Through Service

    While the majority of Chicago’s middle school students were wondering what to do with their spring break, Urban Initiatives’ 5th-8th grade Mentor Coaches knew exactly where to be to have tons of fun playing soccer, meeting new friends, and creatively developing ways to help their communities! On Tuesday, March 26th, Urban Initiatives partnered with University…

  • The Verdict Is In: Kirkland & Ellis Volunteers A Hit With UI Kids

    Last Friday at the Windy City Fieldhouse, Work to Play soccer players from Howe and Nobel were surprised and thrilled when they showed up and found their new teammates, the enthusiastic volunteers from Kirkland and Ellis LLP! It always means so much to our young student athletes when they get to interact with Chicago adults…