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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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 Urban Initiatives team has a habit of snacking pretty heavily throughout the day when they are not at schools or running errands. While it is easy to seek out junk food in times of hunger the team has enjoyed a healthier option. Mike Draper, a friend of Urban Initiatives has been providing the team…
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…
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…
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…
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…