Category Archive

April 2012

  • Chicago Cubs Give UI Kids Memory of a Lifetime

    “This is my first Cubs game!” shouted 3rd grader Jocelyn from Dr. Jorge Prieto Math and Science Academy, as she walked off the school bus that just transported her Work to Play soccer team from Elmwood Park to “The Friendly Confines.” Jocelyn along with over 300 Urban Initiatives players from Attucks, Claremont, Sherman, Tarkington, Nobel,…

  • Cubs Star Bryan LaHair Hits a Home Run for UI

     As the 88 m.p.h. sinker flew toward the plate all eyes inside Wrigley Field were focused on Chicago Cubs first baseman Bryan LaHair. But no eyes were more focused than those of brothers and Goethe Elementary Work to Play students Ricky and Tyler. With his teammate on third base Bryan did what he does best,…

  • It’s National Volunteer Appreciation Week!

    It’s National Volutneer Appreciation Week, and Urban Initiatives wants to give thanks to all of our amazing volunteers that help make our programs such a smashing success in all corners of Chicago! In honor of this special week, we give you this special blog post that was kindly written by Bob Luchsinger, an active Junior…

  • Pasteur Elementary has a “Sweet Spot” for Reading

    Many adults can recall a moment in their childhood when they were read to by a teacher, parent, or volunteer. And most can attest to that experience creating a positive influence on their lives. Pasteur Elementary, an Urban Initiatives Work to Play school, was lucky to have a team of volunteers pay a visit for…

  • UI Runs the Race to Wrigley 5K for Cubs Charities

    “You better get ready for a brand new day. Hey, Chicago, what do you say?” Bright and early on Saturday morning, a team of UI staff and supporters joined the 8,000 runners in the 7th Annual Race to Wrigley 5K. While most of the city was still in bed, the streets of Lakeview were flooded…

  • Junior Board & UI Kids Team Up for Some Fun!

    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…

  • TrevNight Chooses Urban Initiatives as Beneficiary

    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…

  • Behind the Scenes with UI’s Office Manager Erica

    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…

  • Coaches Corps Develops Model Leader

    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…