The Sports Lawyers Association (SLA) generously awarded a grant to fund the UI program at a new school. The SLA invited UI to attend their annual luncheon on May 15 in order to receive the check and give a philanthropic presentation. Hundreds of lawyers from across the country gathered at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Chicago…
UI Executive Directors, Jim and Dan, have been selected by the Community Renewal Society as one of the thirty-five honorees of the 35 Under 35 Leadership Award in the Chicago Metropolitan region. The award is given to leaders from diverse backgrounds that demonstrate a commitment to eliminating race and class barriers. Honorees are selected for…
To Whom It May Concern: I would like to take a moment to offer my support for the Urban Initiatives Work to Play Program. Since its inception in 2003, this commendable before- and after-school soccer program has positively impacted the lives of hudreds of Chicago Public School Students.
On April 15, the Chicago Park District adopted a resolution to formally express their partnership with UI and commend our dedication to providing children with a healthy and construcive avenue for activity. They recognize UI for the tremendous contributions we have made to the communities we serve.
I’ve often strolled out of an Urban Initiatives early morning practice and though to myself “well, that’s going to be the best part of my day.” As a second year medical students who spends infinite hours studying, maybe that’s not saying much. On the other hand, I can promise you that my diverse band of…
The Medill Reports reports on the Urban Initiatives program and the value of our health education curriculum. Read the full story & watch the video.
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…