Northern

At-risk teens on Chicago’s South Side are getting a boost in preparing for life after high school with two new programs out of the One Hope United office in the city’s Kenwood neighborhood.

This fall, One Hope United launched a Mentoring Program and Leadership Academy, which both aim to build relationships with the students, improve their self-esteem and support school attendance and achievement.

“While we may not be able to erase poverty, inadequate schools, crime, and dysfunctional life experiences, we can provide services and supports that fill these gaps for youth and propel them to their goals and dreams,” said Tim Snowden, senior vice president at One Hope United in Chicago.

Youth in the programs are 14 to 18 years old, reside in or near Kenwood, and have been in the After School Matters or Intact Family program or were referred by another youth, Snowden said. Both programs meet monthly.

The Leadership Academy met for the first time last month at the Kenwood office. The academy helps prepare youth for the workforce by talking about their interests, listening to guest speakers from various professions and taking field trips to local businesses. At a meeting this month, the youth discussed politics, voting and what they expect from their elected officials. Some of the youth also were matched for the first time with their mentors and went on a fun outing to the Chicago-area Haunted Trails entertainment center.

The Mentoring Program focuses on being a friend to youth and encouraging school success and work by promoting post-high school plans, such as college or employment, and helping to identify careers that interest them, Snowden said.

Eight mentors and youths have been paired up so far. Mentors, who complete an orientation, application and training process, include One Hope United staff members Reneva Lane, a case manager in the ECHO program; Lakeithia Butler, a case manager in the Wings program; and Snowden. Lane also is coordinating youth activities. Development Associate Jenaeth Markaj is helping spread the word to more potential mentors.

Photo: One Hope United case managers Reneva Lane and Lakeithia Butler, mentors in One Hope United’s new Leadership Academy and Mentoring Program, are pictured with youth who attended the academy meeting in October.

LAKE VILLA, IL — One Hope United recently received a $30,000 grant through the Chicago Tribune Charities – Holiday Campaign, a McCormick Foundation Fund, to strengthen families headed by teenage parents and prevent child abuse.

The grant supports One Hope United’s Wings/Healthy Families Illinois program, which provides essential support services and counseling to “high-risk” teenage, single and other parents in Lake County who have not yet abused their children but feel overwhelmed and need support, encouragement and relief.

Over the past 20 years, One Hope United has received more than $290,000 through Chicago Tribune Charities for child abuse prevention programs and services throughout Lake County, Illinois.

“Chicago Tribune Charities is one of the agency’s most valued partners in fighting child abuse, and we are thankful for its support,” said Mark McHugh, executive director of One Hope United Northern Region. “Partners such as the Chicago Tribune Charities and the McCormick Foundation allow our agency to deliver high-quality programs that positively impact families’ lives forever.”

According to 2011 data, the number of abused children has increased due to the stumbling economy, parental poverty and related stress. Wings/Healthy Families Illinois assigns case managers to work with families using multiple interventions, including educating parents about healthy growth and development. The grant will assist residents of Gurnee, North Chicago, Park City, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion, Ill.

The Chicago Tribune Charities funding of this child abuse prevention program highlights its commitment to helping at-risk children, families and adults and providing a safe and secure home for all children.



About One Hope United: One Hope United is a private human service organization dedicated to protecting children and strengthening families, offering an array of prevention, intervention and community-based programs. The nonprofit also specializes in child welfare system management, reform, consultation and training.

With offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri and Florida, One Hope United impacts more than 42,000 children and their families nationwide each year. For more information, visit http://www.onehopeunited.wpengine.com.

About the McCormick Foundation: The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is committed to fostering communities of educated, informed and engaged citizens. Through philanthropic programs, Cantigny Park and museums, the Foundation helps develop citizen leaders and works to make life better in our communities. The Foundation was established as a charitable trust in 1955, upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is one of the nation’s largest foundations, with more than $1 billion in assets.

The McCormick Foundation continues McCormick’s legacy by partnering with media outlets, such as the Chicago Tribune, sports teams and philanthropic organizations across the country, to encourage local giving, inspire civic involvement and address human needs. For more information, visit http://www.McCormickFoundation.org.