The Urban Initiatives Blog tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2009-08-17:/blog/2 2012-05-15T18:27:51Z Movable Type Pro 4.261 Howe Elementary Gets with the Program tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.321 2012-05-15T17:15:16Z 2012-05-15T18:27:51Z Urban Initiatives 577387_10150833656734675_21921084674_9334790_1569292960_n.jpeg"Howe do you feel?"
"Good!"
"Howe do you feel?"
"Good!"
"Howe do you feel?"
"Real Good!"

It's Game Day. Vashon Jordan, head coach at Howe Elementary, expects the soccer team to have a great attitude before they play Lloyd Elementary. Shin guards, black shorts, and a crisp, white shirts embroidered with the Urban Initiatives logo completes their uniform. The team sprints out onto the field with a swagger unlike anyone has ever seen. They were born champions!

]]> Two weeks ago, none of this existed. Coaches Anthony, Jordan, and Brown taught the kids the fundamentals of soccer: passing, dribbling and trapping the ball. The Roll-Back and Roll-Over techniques also enhanced their repertoire on the field. During practice, the coaches noticed that some of the kids possessed strong intangibles and were natural leaders on the field. Marvin and Rachel, both 4th graders, reminded them of a mini Freddy Adu and Mia Hamm. It seemed as if the game came to them naturally. Therefore, the coaches instructed them to lead during warm-ups and health and character discussions.

"I can tell that the children really enjoy playing soccer. It's not everyday that you see an all-black soccer team on the west side of Chicago," exclaimed Coach Calhoun. Now, fast forward back to our first game. The anticipation has grown and it's time for Howe to show Lloyd what they're capable of. Each team aggressively chased after the ball; passing, trapping, and scoring goals.

The youth also picked up their opponents after each and every fall. Teamwork, the first theme that the coaches taught them to live by, had made its way onto the field. Instead of drinking pop, the youth drank water bottles and gatorade during breaks.

The second theme that the Howe team talked about, healthy eating, taught them the importance of consuming four servings of water daily, replenishing the water that they lost during physical activity. The game ended with hive-fives and hugs from both sides. Before the team left, Coach Jordan snapped a photo of this championship-caliber team and told them, "If we had fun, then we won!". Parents beamed with pride and expressed vast interest in attending the next game. If the Howe team focuses and stays committed at the task at hand, then their hard work will pay off. That's what Championship Attitude is all about!

]]> Starbucks Community Helps out in Englewood tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.319 2012-05-14T16:26:44Z 2012-05-15T17:00:30Z Urban Initiatives is enormously grateful to have worked through Public Allies to bring the Starbucks Community Service team to work at our Englewood partner schools. We are excited about the possibility of continuing this partnership to support our beloved schools.... Urban Initiatives 1148.jpgUrban Initiatives is enormously grateful to have worked through Public Allies to bring the Starbucks Community Service team to work at our Englewood partner schools. We are excited about the possibility of continuing this partnership to support our beloved schools. Urban Initiatives values opportunities for people to experience different communities, ideas, and ways of living, and we know that these volunteers benefited from their work in Englewood just as much as the residents.

Despite an uncooperative weather forecast for late April, Starbucks volunteers trekked down to Englewood to put in a good, full day of work. Some volunteers represented stores from as far out as DeKalb! Everyone gathered at Fulton school bright and early to hear introductions from Starbucks Regional Managers and representatives from partner organizations Urban Initiatives and ReBuild Chicago. Of course, coffee and breakfast snacks were provided, so spirits were high even if the clouds outside were low.

]]> Starbucks volunteers supported projects at two Urban Initiatives partner schools. At Claremont Academy we revitalized an existing basketball court, pressure washing the court and adding fresh lines. We installed new fencing and a bench around the lot, and finished the day off by adding two brand new hoops! Starbucks volunteers enjoyed working with some of the Claremont soccer team players, and are planning a follow-up day to do more painting on the court!

The team of volunteers at Fulton worked on beautification projects all around the school. In addition to some outdoor landscaping and cleaning classrooms, volunteers painted a mural for the school’s ample indoor wall space and installed a garden, complete with a variety of flowers, herbs and vegetables! Check out the photos to be impressed by what enthusiastic group was able to accomplish in just a few hours. Probably the biggest challenge of the day was finding enough work for all the willing hands; we all agreed that this was a pretty good problem to have.

]]> The Art of Futbol: The Beautiful Game, Now In a Gallery tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.318 2012-05-10T17:58:00Z 2012-05-11T15:48:54Z Urban Initiatives artfutbol.jpg

]]>  On Wednesday May 16, 2012 the Chicago Fire Soccer Club will be hosting the second annual Art of Futbol, a one-of-a-kind art exhibition featuring local artists and their original work depicting the beautiful game of soccer. Join us for a night of music, art, light appetizers and sweet treats while you mingle with Fire players, artists and guests to celebrate this sport that permeates all aspects of our city. Must be 21+ to attend. 

Ticket packages:

  • $25 Includes admission to the event and two drink tickets.
  • $40 Includes admission to the event two drink tickets, a Limited Edition Commemorative T-shirt, and one Cornerkick Ticket to the Wednesday May 23 Chicago Fire Home Game

Click here to find out more information and purchase tickets to the event.

All proceeds benefit the Chicago Fire Foundation, which serves as the charitable arm of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club. Since 1998, the Chicago Fire Foundation has generously served the Chicagoland and surrounding communities, touching more than 100,000 lives through our programs and contributions. To date, over $1.4 million in grants and contributions have been awarded to local non-profits throughout the Chicagoland community, from Children’s Memorial Hospital to UNO and the YMCA. The Fire have treated over 34,000 kids to a game allowing them to experience the excitement of Major League Soccer when they might not otherwise have had the means to do so.

Thank you for your continued support of the Foundation and we look forward to seeing you on May 16th.

]]> Teacher Appreciation Week All-Star: Coach Meeks tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.317 2012-05-10T17:50:06Z 2012-05-11T18:10:16Z This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and for Urban Initiatives, this means a big thank you to all of our teachers who serve as On-Site Program Directors (OSPD), Assistant Coaches, and those that fill out our Work To Play... Urban Initiatives Coach Meeks.jpgThis week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and for Urban Initiatives, this means a big thank you to all of our teachers who serve as On-Site Program Directors (OSPD), Assistant Coaches, and those that fill out our Work To Play forms every week. We could not have such a successful program without them!

We want to spotlight one of our great teachers, Claremont Academy’s OSPD and 4th grade teacher, Jonathan Meeks. Recently returned from a season off to care for a new addition to his family, Mr. Meeks is back in action.

]]> “My mom was a second grade teacher, so I grew up with that model,” Mr. Meeks says of his decision to become a teacher. “I love to be part of those ‘Aha’ moments.” Whether it is through science experiments, Urban Initiatives field trips, or any moment that changes perspective, Mr. Meeks loves helping kids discover new things about themselves and the world.

Mr. Meeks exemplifies OSPD excellence, turning games into lessons, and connecting our program to the life goals of his players. From food lessons on organic apples to new ideas for Junk Food Tag, Mr. Meeks is always looking for strong connections between soccer and healthy living.

Mr. Meeks lives just around the corner from Claremont Academy to make sure that he is participating in the same community as his students and living with the circumstances that shape their lives. The West Englewood neighborhood that Mr. Meeks and Claremont together call home suffers from crime and poverty, but that doesn’t stop either of them for aiming for success with the Work To Play Program.

“I grew up in a small town, so the concept of living in a different place than I worked was very foreign,” Mr. Meeks said. “If there’s a community school, then the teachers need to be part of the community.”

Mr. Meeks sees his work with Urban Initiatives as continuing that educational and community engagement mission. He says of the connection of healthy eating and character development to soccer, “It’s one thing to say it, but we really do it.”

]]> Support UI - Save the Date June 2nd for Christ Church's Summer Rummage Sale tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.316 2012-05-07T16:54:19Z 2012-05-07T17:01:28Z Urban Initiatives Urban Initiatives has been fortunate to be a beneficiary of Christ Church Winnetka's Rummage Sales for the past several years. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with them again! Come out
to the sale to find a selection of lots of great stuff to support local charities. We hope to see you there. 

christchurchrummage.jpg

]]> Four UI Schools Show Laureus, Coach Across America, and Mercedes-Benz USA What Sports Based Youth Development Is All About tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.315 2012-05-04T14:27:22Z 2012-05-04T15:33:22Z On April 10th and 11th Urban Initiatives partnered with Coach Across America to help launch an initiative in which Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) will commit $1.3 million dollars in 2012 to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA to fund and... Urban Initiatives _MG_7249.jpgOn April 10th and 11th Urban Initiatives partnered with Coach Across America to help launch an initiative in which Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) will commit $1.3 million dollars in 2012 to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA to fund and place 250 coaches in five U.S cities, approximately 40 of which will be in Chicago. These coaches will be trained and placed in various sports-based youth development projects in underserved neighborhoods by Coach Across America. These coaches will provide mentorship to 40,000 youth across 125 local communities, much like the three Coach Across America Coaches already with Urban Initiatives.

]]> The 10th and 11th began this collaboration with Laureus World Sports Academy Members Dr. Edwin Moses, a two time Olympic gold medalist, and Marcus Allen, Hall of Fame running back for the Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, addressing Mercedes-Benz corporate volunteers who would be traveling to various sites to experience first-hand what the programs are like that have received coaches through this initiative. The volunteers were also addressed by James Kallusky, Executive Director of Coach Across America, and Urban Initiatives' own Coach Travis.

After the volunteers were briefed on the importance of sports-based youth development and the impact that their investment in coaches and youth would have, they loaded up on buses and headed out to the different sites, one of which being the Chicago Indoor Sports Center on 39th and Ashland with Urban Initiatives.

Each day at the Indoor Center, a different group of Mercedes volunteers got the chance to try their hand at coaching and refing 6 different soccer games with four of our UI soccer teams, Nobel, Daley, Libby and Walsh. The volunteers were absolutely amazing coaches and they even got to show off their skills as players! They made sure our kids knew how great they were and our kids absolutely adored them. And the brand Mercedes-Benz wasn't lost on our kids. Their ears visibly pricked up when we told them where the volunteers were from, mostly because they thought they might get a car. They weren't disappointed however when all was said and done and there were no shiny new cars. They were more than pleased with the excellent coaching and teamwork the Mercedes volunteers displayed for them, and they topped it all off with Nike gift bags with sports gear and granola bars!

Anytime we're privileged to have our youth engaged by teams of volunteers its a very special day. And though we've come to expect it, we are greatly appreciative and impressed when we see our volunteers display such compassion and affection as the Mercedes volunteers did over the two days. We can't say thank you enough to everyone who worked so hard to bring this experience to our kids and just as importantly, take such a major step in supporting the movement of enriching the lives of youth through sports based youth development. We would like to thank the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA, Coach Across America, and Mercedes-Benz USA for continuing their amazing work in acknowledging the needs in communities and doing their part to build a better world for us all. We are so grateful to have been involved in this wonderful event and we are so lucky to work with such amazing partners. We look forward to all the great developments to come from the collective passion of everyone involved.

Other sports based youth development projects and programs include: Beyond the Ball, America SCORES Chicago, MetroSquash, Girls in the Game, After-School All-Stars Chicago, Chicago Youth Boxing Club, Triple Threat and Near West Side CDC.

About Laureus USA
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA (www.laureususa.com) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit in the United States and a national foundation of Laureus, which comprises the global Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the Laureus World Sports Academy, and the Laureus World Sports Awards. Collectively, these three elements form the essence of Laureus, harnessing the power of sport to promote social change and celebrating sporting excellence. Laureus celebrates the universal power of sport to bring people together as a force for good, passionately embodying the very spirit of sport – the pursuit of excellence, overcoming challenges, celebrating achievement and excellence, and winning against the odds.

About Coach Across America
Coach Across America® (CAA; www.up2us.org) is the flagship program of Up2Us launched to provide its member organizations with the support needed to train and host highly effective coaches in sports and youth development. CAA’s mission is to lead the United States in training and supporting expert sports-based youth development coaches in the nation’s most under-resourced communities to promote health and nutrition, educational success, civic engagement, and positive personal and social development among youth.

About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.

]]> Teaching Teamwork with PwC tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.314 2012-05-03T21:53:31Z 2012-05-04T14:46:21Z A great group of volunteers from PwC recently received the opportunity to run around and talk about teamwork with Work to Play soccer players from Walsh, Attucks and Morton at Chicago Indoor Sports. PwC volunteers rode a bus together to... Urban Initiatives pwc1.JPGA great group of volunteers from PwC recently received the opportunity to run around and talk about teamwork with Work to Play soccer players from Walsh, Attucks and Morton at Chicago Indoor Sports. PwC volunteers rode a bus together to the Indoor Center, giving them a taste of the experience our players receive on game days. They also received the opportunity to learn about the Work to Play program and all of the hard work our players put in to enjoy these special Friday afternoons.

]]> As soccer balls rolled on the turf and flew in the air off of headers from players, PwC volunteers were very impressed by the athletic ability and the showing of sportsmanship by each player. In typical Indoor Center game day fashion, 6 mini fields were set up with PwC volunteers stepping in as referees and coaches. They also became our players biggest fans by cheering them on and encouraging them to try their best each time they touched the ball. The folks from PwC also jumped into the action with the UI players showcasing their own soccer skills. From sweet spot passes to goals being scored the soccer fun was at an all time high.

Once the teams wrapped up and shook hands, congratulating each other on a great game, small groups were formed with PwC volunteers. A discussion on teamwork led by the volunteers with players listening created some great dialogue. UI players spoke about how they show teamwork on the soccer field, at home and most importantly, in the classroom. PwC volunteers shared their experiences in teamwork while doing their jobs, stressing the importance of working together so that no mistakes are made in their line of work.

UI players really enjoyed playing alongside the PwC volunteers and they especially liked that they took the time to listen about their knowledge on teamwork. Urban Initiatives teaches that the word TEAM stands for Together Everyone Achieves More.

On this day PwC volunteers and UI players worked together to have a fun and lesson filled day!

]]> Chicago Cubs Give UI Kids Memory of a Lifetime tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.320 2012-04-25T20:03:38Z 2012-05-14T20:10:59Z Urban Initiatives “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, Bethune, Libby, Jenner, Morton, and Walsh received the special opportunity to see the Chicago Cubs battle their division rivals the St. Louis Cardinals over the span of two nights in mid April.

]]>  For many of our players it was their first ever trip to the greatest ballpark in the world and their first time seeing the Chicago Cubs play live and in person. Eyes have never been so brightly lit up and smiles have never been wider as students filed off of their busses and walked toward the gates. Moms, dads, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters were also in awe as they laid their eyes on Wrigley Field.

As soon as UI players and their families made it to their seats the cheering for the Cubs began almost immediately. Every UI player belted out “Let’s Go Cubbies” and “Go Cubs Go” cheers during every Cubs pitch and Cubs at bat. Shouting proudly for their favorite players such as Starlin Castro, Bryan LaHair and Matt Garza UI players and their family members surely had a blast at the ballpark that brisk April evening.

A player from Libby added, “Coach Cris thanks for getting us these tickets, my dad is having lots of fun!” The young player’s father mentioned to Coach Cris that this was the first Cubs game he had been to since he was a kid when his father took him.

The Cubs game also served as an opportunity to have the On Site Program Directors from the different schools in attendance meet one another and get acquainted before the spring season was in full swing. Parents from other schools also had the chance to talk to each other and learn about the different schools and neighborhoods that represent Urban Initiatives.

Aside from the constant jubilation from every player in attendance, once of the greatest sights was when UI players recognized each other from Friday game days. Players from all across the city of Chicago came together to watch one of the greatest baseball teams in history and they did it as apart of the Urban Initiatives team. 

]]> Cubs Star Bryan LaHair Hits a Home Run for UI tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.312 2012-04-25T18:02:32Z 2012-04-25T20:18:27Z Urban Initiatives lahair.jpg 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, swung his bat with all of his power and launched a towering sacrifice fly, putting the Cubs on the board in the bottom of the first inning. Ricky, Tyler, their Mother Monica and Father Richard all cheered loudly for Bryan and continued to throughout the entire game.  

]]> As a kid growing up in inner city Massachusetts, Bryan LaHair credits an afterschool sports program for keeping him out of trouble and taught him the importance living an active lifestyle at a young age. That is why Bryan sought out an organization that provides similar experience opportunities to those he had as a child for youth in his new home city - Chicago. Bryan heard about the programs and lessons Urban Initiatives provides for Chicago’s underserved youth and immediately wanted to help out in as many ways as he could.

The Cubs went on to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 6-1, as fans filed out of the stadium the fun for Ricky and Tyler was just beginning. Through his new partnership with Urban Initiatives, Bryan LaHair held a fundraiser for the youth we serve by hosting an autograph session immediately following his game this past Saturday. Rather than relishing the victory he just helped the Cubs achieve, Bryan took time to meet with fans and sign baseballs and pictures all to help Urban Initiatives raise funds to continue offering its quality Health and Education Soccer Program for kids throughout the city.

Although much of the focus was on Bryan, he gave special guests Ricky and Tyler his full attention. Asking them what their favorite sports and healthy foods are, Ricky answered, “Baseball and carrots!” while Tyler responded, “Soccer and apples!” As Tyler and Ricky sat next to Bryan they had their own questions. Ricky asked what teamwork meant to him and how does he show it when he’s on the baseball field. Bryan immediately answered, “Teamwork is always being there for your teammates. Whether it’s during practice or during a game, letting them know you have their back and they can count on you for help at any time is what teamwork means to me.”

Ricky and Tyler’s parents were very happy to have had spent such an amazing day with their boys at the Cubs game. Monica, Ricky and Tyler’s mom was very appreciative of the opportunity to meet Bryan “I think it’s great for Bryan to be so passionate about helping the youth in Chicago.” Once the signing was over Ricky and Tyler asked Bryan to come out to one of their game days and run around with their teammates from Goethe, they also thanked him for the “greatest time of their lives” as both boys put it. 

The Urban Initiatives Work to Play students will be seeing plenty of Bryan LaHair throughout the rest of the Spring Season. In fact, last night, in front of 300 Urban Initiatives soccer players and supporters, Bryan tied the game in the bottom of the 9th with a towering home run, allowing the Cubs to win it in the 10th. The game was a big thrill, and Urban Initiatives wants to send a big thank you to the Cubs and Bryan LaHair!

]]> It's National Volunteer Appreciation Week! tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.306 2012-04-18T16:11:01Z 2012-04-19T21:39:14Z 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... Urban Initiatives volunteer stock photo.jpgIt'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 Board Member and committed volunteer coach at Jenner Academy in Cabrini Green. The soccer kids at Jenner love Coach Bob, and so do we!

Since joining Urban Initiatives as a volunteer in January 2012, my experience with the program has been overwhelmingly positive. As a recent transplant to Chicago in late 2011, my work with Urban Initiatives has provided a tremendous opportunity for me to get involved in the local community, meet new people and begin to understand many of the issues that confront the youth of Chicago.

]]> I have been very fortunate to work with the Jenner Academy in Cabrini-Green for the past four months. As a resident of Old Town, working with students from the same neighborhood has been at times challenging, always interesting and unquestionably rewarding. Even in four short months, the success of the program and its impact on the students is tangible and undeniable. The beauty of the Work to Play Program is that it provides students with the resources to gain confidence, learn about the importance of a health and education, while growing as teammates and leaders - all taught through the discipline and structure of "The Beautiful Game." Furthermore, as the students ability to participate in the program is dependent upon a strong academic performance in the classroom, the benefits of the program stretch well beyond the 4 -5 hours per week spent on the pitch.

My advice to anyone considering working with Urban Initiatives would be to 100%, absolutley, without a doubt, GET INVOLVED. Aside from the aforementioned benefits, working with Urban Initiatives is a lot of fun. Volunteering with Urban Initiatives has been one of the defining experiences of my time in Chicago and I plan on working with the program for a long time to come.

]]> Pasteur Elementary has a "Sweet Spot" for Reading tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.305 2012-04-17T17:33:26Z 2012-04-19T21:52:01Z 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... Urban Initiatives Pasteur Read-a-thon.jpgMany 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 their 2nd Annual Read-A-Thon. Urban Initiatives, Chicago Fire, and 13th Ward Alderman Marty Quinn all brought out volunteer readers.

]]> The event served 1,100 students from grades 3rd-6th. “Diary of a Fourth Grade Nothing”, “Welcome to the Dead House”, and “The Green Caterpillar” grabbed the children’s imagination. During each twenty minute block, there were Q & A discussions about the settings, characters, and plot. The students were very engaged and extremely polite to our volunteers.

“The children are very excited about the program,” beamed Mr. Contreras, Principal of Pasteur Elementary. “And we want you all to know that you are now a part of our community.”

This event also allowed Urban Initiatives to further promote programming for the upcoming season and recruit mentor coaches. Coach Anthony answered questions and passed out Nike rubber bands to the students. When he entered Ms. Mulchrone’s 3rd grade class, Taylor shouted “That’s my Coach!” The entire class was excited and eagerly anticipated the end of the story so that they could ask him about the Spring Season.

Before wrapping up, volunteers donated their favorite childhood books to the Library. “The Little Engine That Could”, “Curious George”, and “The Berenstein Bears” received honorable mention from the faculty. Upon leaving, the volunteers reflected on what a wonderful experience it was to read to the children and how much they would love to be able to do it again.

There is a saying that “Reading is fundamental.” We at Urban Initiatives are all about the fundamentals, and not just with soccer. Our kids learn that the fundamentals to academics and character are the key to a healthy and successful life. Whether it's with the Read-A-Thon or the Work to Play Program, Urban Initiatives is thrilled to collaborate with Pasteur Elementary - a school that so values the fundamentals!

]]> Save the Date: UI Kids & Chicago Inferno 11 v 100! tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.303 2012-04-16T15:15:45Z 2012-04-16T17:03:22Z Urban Initiatives  USL_Next_Match_2012_UI_EXH.jpg

At 3:30 p.m. on May 4, at Chicago’s North Avenue Beach Turf Field, Chicago Inferno players will hold a clinic for kids from Urban Initiatives, after which the Inferno will face the kids in an 11 versus 100 soccer game.

Come watch the madness! It's guaranteed to be a good show.  If you're interested in volunteering, please contact Erica at erica.heidrich@urbaninitiatives.org

]]> UI Runs the Race to Wrigley 5K for Cubs Charities tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.302 2012-04-16T14:34:22Z 2012-04-16T15:14:37Z Urban Initiatives race to wrigley 2.jpg“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 with Chicagoans of all ages running to set a new personal best, or just jogging for fun!

Proceeds from this year’s race go to benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital and the Cubs Charities. Both of these organizations are huge supporters of Urban Initiatives’ work in schools, so it felt great to be part of such a BIG team of people who care about keeping Chicago healthy!

Our team of runners enjoyed running together, weaving their way through the crowd. “This is like a game of frogger!” they laughed. “It’s great when you think you’ve been keeping this fast pace, and you’re feeling good about yourself, when all of a sudden you get passed by a kid who can’t be older than 10,” said one of our runners. “There’s some fast kids out there!” 

Getting passed by a 10 year old, however, couldn't diminish how good it felt for our team to support the Chicago Cubs Charities, the Children's Memorial Hospital, Urban Initiatives, as well as their own health!

]]> Junior Board & UI Kids Team Up for Some Fun! tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.304 2012-04-13T16:45:20Z 2012-04-16T19:29:18Z Urban Initiatives 461245_10150733472649675_21921084674_9153642_2132043912_o.jpgOn 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 foot into the party space and quickly found their seats to listen to Coach Tom share the action-packed agenda for the evening. Once the Junior Board Members rolled through the door, the fun was ready to begin!

]]> Carrots, broccoli, grapes and apples were all piled high on the Reavis player’s plates. The sight of Urban Initiatives kids digging into fresh fruit and vegetables not only made Coach Berger and Coach Lugo happy but Urban Initiatives’ Junior Board Members were wowed to see young boys and girls actually enjoy healthy eating. Junior Board Member Kyle Lee stated, “I was very impressed with what the kids chose to eat. I think my table consumed 90% of the carrots and grapes. We had more pizza leftover than anything else available.”

As Reavis players and Junior Board Members sat together eating and asking questions to learn more about one another, volunteers were called on to share interesting facts they learned about their new friends. From where Junior Board Members went to college to Reavis players’ favorite subjects in school, everyone was excited to share what they had learned. A notable moment was our host Neil shared that when his new friend Amari was asked, "If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?" he replied, "Pluto!"  Amari had plans to build an amusement park on Pluto some day, and Neil announced that when that day arrived, he was ready to travel to “Pluto World” with him!

Once dinner wrapped up, the good times continued as all the guests left their tables to compete in a lively Rock, Paper, Scissor challenge. Reavis players challenged Junior Board Members in riveting matches that crowned two champions. Then special guest Megan Bartlett from Up2Us got everyone moving with a great apple game that required everyone to utilize their teamwork and communication skills to come up with a strategy to get their apple from one side of the room to the other.

Junior Board Member Colin McCormack said, “It was great seeing the kids come to life while playing and interacting with the adults.” From the photos, it is clear that the adults were coming to life from playing with the kids too!

“Holy cannoli this is beautiful!” exclaimed one girl from Reavis as she stepped foot  onto Kirkland's balcony and saw the view. As the party came to a close, the kids and the Junior Board members stood side-by-side overlooking Chicago’s illuminated skyline and took group photos. 

Reluctant to leave their new friends, the Reavis players gave many hugs and handshakes before loading back onto their school bus. The players were excited to spend time with such positive role models and hope to see their new friends again at the Interfaith Cup this spring!

Thank you to all who made this event possible. Special thanks to Jean Downs, the Conference Center Supervisor, for coordinating the event! 

]]> TrevNight Chooses Urban Initiatives as Beneficiary tag:www.urbaninitiatives.org,2012:/blog//2.301 2012-04-09T19:30:00Z 2012-04-11T17:25:38Z Urban Initiatives trevnight.jpgThis 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 could play 3v3 Basketball, 2v2badminton, and 7v7 dodgeball with a $5 entry fee. It was a lot of fun for everyone who helped plan it and for those who attended and played. 

]]> Some of our proceeds went to benefit the J. Kyle Braid Leadership foundation, a program that four New Trier kids are sent to each summer to learn leadership skills. Myself and three other current juniors attended last summer, and we helped start TrevNight at our school. The rest of our proceeds were set aside to donate to a charity. After discussing, we chose to donate to Urban Initiatives because of its mission and the high value that the organization places on athletics and nutrition. We know that the proceeds will be used well and hope that you will accept our donation.

Our assistant athletic director, Mrs. Ofcky, will be sending a check to the Urban Initiatives office in the near future. Attached are a few pictures from the event. It was a lot of fun and we are happy that the money is going to such a great cause.

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