News

  • J.R. Albert Foundation is Committed to the UI Program

    The J.R. Albert Charitable Foundation awarded Urban Initiatives a generous grant to support the operation of our health and education soccer program during the 2009/2010 school year. The J.R. Albert Charitable Foundation funds researchers, organizations, and community programs that support nutrition, fitness, and health education, particularly in disadvantaged populations. We are grateful for their generosity…

  • Save the Date! 3rd Annual Urban Initiatives Farm Party!

    The Farm Party Fundraiser raises money for and awareness about the Urban Initiatives health and education soccer program while also having a great time! The event is held in a lovely rural setting by a pond, roughly 35 miles outside of Chicago. Guests enjoy music, dancing, drink, barbeque, games and swimming. There is also camping…

  • Sports Lawyers Honor UI at Annual Luncheon

    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…

  • Directors Win “35 Under 35” Leadership Award

    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…

  • Senate President John J. Cullerton commends the Work to Play Program

      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.

  • Chicago Park District Adopts UI Resolution

    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.

  • Ben Pryess Reflects on Volunteer Experiences

    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…

  • Scientific Study Collaboration with CLOCC and DePaul

    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…

  • U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Serves as Soccer Ball Honorary Chair

    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…