I GROW CHICAGO
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Mission Statement
I Grow Chicago works holistically with the Englewood community to transform lives by teaching mindfulness coping techniques, tutoring children and training young adults, and providing needed resources such as food, school supplies, hygiene products, and clothing. Through sustainable farming and educational programs in nutrition, movement yoga and the arts, we foster creativity, wellness and empowerment for individuals in the community as a whole. We offer free programming including yoga, meditation, mentoring, gardening and general social services to meet varying needs in the Englewood community. The Peace House, a house that was previously abandoned and up for demolition, now serves as a community center where we hold events, tutoring, community yoga classes, and operate a food and donation pantry. We hired a contractor who worked with young men in the neighborhood to remodel the Peace House, teaching them life skills such as construction, plumbing, and teamwork.
About This Cause
Our Mission: I Grow Chicago’s mission is to provide a safe, inter-generational haven to children and at-risk community members. Through sustainable farming and educational programs in nutrition, movement yoga and the arts, we foster creativity, wellness and empowerment for individuals in the community as a whole. I Grow Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed for exclusively charitable and educational purposes. Our Vision: To combat the effects of violence and trauma through the exposure to yoga, urban farming and art and culture programs with a particular focus on the Englewood community. Our Pillars of Service: Yoga/Mindfulness, Urban Farming, Creative Expression, Holistic Engagement Current Programs: Community Works & Life Skills The Community Works and Life Skills program provides job training and educational support to community members within the community. There is an emphasis on goal setting, leadership development and community building. The program is designed to fit youth ages 17-27. (Daily) The Art of Living Male Mentoring Program The Male Mentoring program gives male youth a chance to interact with adults and other male peers in a positive environment focused on self-growth and empowerment. It gives them physical, mental and emotional skills for dealing with environmental pressures, by utilizing the tools of yoga and mindful thinking. The program is designed to fit boys ages 7-18. (Weekly) Life After School The Life After School program, combines yoga, community building, character development and homework help with a strong emphasis on literacy support. The program is design to fit students ages 6-12. (Weekly) Summer of Promise Program This six week Summer Camp program works with at-risk youth ages 5-10 and focuses on academic enrichment, cultural arts, leadership development and yoga. This time together promotes social awareness and community building to empower the youth with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to achieve their fullest potential, while engaging in the power of play. (Weekly) Current Community Services: Community Pantry The I Grow pantry at The Peace House provides household and personal hygiene supplies for anyone in need. While we receive in-kind donations of these supplies, we have a fund to restock our pantry with toilet paper, laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo and other basic supplies that our families need. This pantry allows those in the community to access these items with dignity and support of our team. (Daily) Monthly Community Meal This community dinner brings families and young adults together in order to build stronger relationships, strengthen community bonds and support. By bringing the families together for a meal, everyone can benefit from learning about one another and how to better support each other throughout the neighborhood. Key Skills Taught through our (Yoga) Program: Self-Regulation Children learn to be more thoughtful and positive about themselves while developing awareness and thinking through actions and consequences. Self-regulation happens in the body. That’s why intentional movement, such as yoga, has such profound effects on children’s ability to focus, calm themselves, and filter sensory information. Coping Skills This allows the children to be more aware and in control of their emotions and reactions to situations they are presented at home, school or in the community. Yoga helps you to access an inner strength that allows you to face the sometimes overwhelming fears, frustrations, and challenges of everyday life. The American Yoga Association program to reduce stress in the body, breath, and mind does so by building coping skills with a small daily routine of exercise, breathing, and meditation. Improved Concentration Children will learn to become calmer and learn to focus longer on schoolwork and other problems they may be presented. Improves subject retention and test scores through greater focus and concentration. Empathy This is a path to developing a sound and valued character by considering feelings, thoughts and attitudes of others. Empathy is about connecting with others and forming meaningful relationships. It starts with synchronization—being in tune with each other. What is a community without empathy? The Peace House: Purpose: Activities allow (at-risk) youth and their families the opportunity to receive comprehensive services that increase protective factors aimed at reducing crime and school dropout rates. The Peace House will also serves as an intergenerational place where all neighbors will feel safe and welcomed. I. Academic Enrichment: a. Participants will maintain or improve school attendance. b. Participants will maintain or improve grades or progress reporting in school. c. Participants will decrease premature or unscheduled exits from school. II. Life Skills: a. Participants will increase knowledge of harmful effects of substance use and abuse. b. Participants will increase knowledge of the harmful effects of early sexuality and pregnancy. c. Participants will increase anger management and conflict resolution skills, d. Participants will increase decision-making and problem-solving skills. e. Participants will develop leadership skills, and become leaders in their schools and community. f. Participants will increase social and emotional intelligence. III. Parental Involvement: a. Increase parental understanding of child and adolescent developmental stages and appropriate expectations. b. Increase positive opportunities for parents and their families to meet other parents; identify common interests and concerns; develop plans and activities to address those common concerns. IV. Adult Mentors: a. Through Adult Mentors youth will develop skills necessary in the areas of academic improvement, work development and citizenship. V. Yoga/Wellness Classes a. Participants will develop healthy bodies by improving strength, balance, and flexibility. b. Participants will learn healthy tools for self-regulating in times of stress. c. Participants will learn interpersonal skills, self management and goal setting. VI. Community Garden a. Increase community access to fresh produce. b. Create job opportunities for community members. c. Create a space where neighbors/youth can positively engage. d. Provide community members the tools that will reduce stress and increase a sense of wellness and belonging. e. Teach community members the health benefits of growing fresh herbs.