News

  • Bank of America Volunteers Pay A Visit To UI Kids

    As Otis, Sherman and PECS entered Chicago Indoor Sports they were greeted by a group a great volunteers from Bank of America during Week 7’s Friday Game Day. Bank of America volunteers began with introductions and explained a little bit about what they do with their company. Otis players followed by introducing themselves and what…

  • Five Food Groups Come To Tarkington’s Art Class

    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…

  • Tarkington Rolls With The Double Crossers At The Derby

    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…

  • Charlie Otto: Rock Star for a Cause

    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…

  • Greene School: Promoting Leadership at Recess

    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’ Best Soccer Ball To Date

    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…

  • U.S. Soccer Foundation Awards Grant To Urban Initiatives

    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…

  • Mentor Coaches Love Soccer And School

    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 Cubs Caravan Swings By Jahn To Kick Off The Winter Season

    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…

  • Urban Initiatives Presents Seventh Annual Soccer Ball

    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

  • A Magical Night of Lights with Otis and UI’s Junior Board!

    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.…