On Wednesday evening, Reavis Work to Play soccer players were invited to hang out with Urban Initiatives’ Junior Board Members for a special preseason Pizza Party. Board Member Neil Hirshman hosted the fun-filled event at the beautiful offices of Kirkland and Ellis LLP. Reavis players entered the new building amazed, their eyes brightly lit. They stepped…
This post was guest-written by Carrie Rodman, the daughter of Urban Initiatives Board Member Ben Rodman. Read on to see a great way that Chicagoland young adults are getting an early start on a life of service. This past February, New Trier’s Student-Athlete Leadership Training class put together a school-wide event called TrevNight. At Trev Night, students…
Erica Heidrich is an extremely valuable member of the Urban Initiatives team. As Office Manager, she plays a key role in making sure our organization is operating effectively and efficiently. Day-to-day, Erica completes tasks that support Program, Finance, Volunteerism, Development, and Human Resources. Her contributions are invaluable and we’re lucky to have her on our…
Brian Billings, the program director for Urban Initiatives Coaches Corps, offered this inspiring story of our program changing a young athlete’s life. For the sake of privacy, identifying information has been changed. Coaches Corps is a program that enhances the PE classes and interscholastic sports programs of partner schools by training teachers and coaches on…
“This is actually pretty good!” he said, holding the small cup. Spinach-mango smoothie in hand, the fourth grader rejoined his "buddies" who were deep into a health discussion. With one more school day before spring break, the soccer players at Jorge Prieto Math and Science Academy got a tasty and healthy start to their morning.…
The wheels on the bus go round and round…all the way to the Bronzeville Childrens Museum! On a beautiful spring day while the older students were focused on ISAT testing, the Libby kindergarteners were engaged in some real active learning. One exhibit, called “You Are What You Eat” introduced kids to the 5 food groups…
Urban Initiatives board member and former Chicago Fire Defender Dasan Robinson recently took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with Urban Initiatives about his recent success with the L.A. Galaxy as well as sharing some great advice for our Work to Play players. Robinson, a four-year collegiate athlete at University of Dayton,…
Sporting long hair is a common trend amongst professional and amateur soccer players. With his own long locks, 3rd grader Richard at Goethe certainly has his soccer look down pat. His skills on the field and in the classroom are an added bonus. While playing the “Number Game” Richard, or as his teammates call him…
“Hey Coach! I bet you can’t catch me!” “Hey Coach! I don’t just play good, I look good!” “That goal was nice, wasn’t it? It must be the shoes!” These are just a few of the quotes that could be heard during this year’s Winter season at Nobel Elementary. Sometimes it is hard to know…
Urban Initiatives believes in education and the importance of a healthy mind and body. Exercising at school is easy! Especially, when there is a fitness room across from the gym. Just ask the soccer team at Morton Elementary. The fitness room, donated by the Chicago Bulls, gives the Morton soccer team the tools they need…
Currently serving Urban Initiatives as a LISC Americorps member, Coach Cris understands the value of his role in his student athlete’s lives. When asked about the impact that his service has on the youth he works with, Coach Cris responded, “I feel that giving players someone they can relate to and look up to is…