Blog
We had a great event to kick off our fall season of programs. Get a sneak peek of part of Mike’s talk here.
And here are a couple of our staff members having a little fun:
Click here to find your picture.
What happens when you mix Spring Break, spiritual challenges and fun? You get young men making commitments to lead their lives in fruitful ways. Visiting Dickson Valley Camp last week proved to be just that kind of experience. We challenged our young men to reflect on the mixed messages they receive daily: that they are less than nothing, on one hand, or that they are “the man,” on the other. Either everything or nothing. We pushed them toward interdependence and helped them see that neither response is true; that we all have a responsibility before God to be the best we can be, and that God helps us.
Part of that challenge came through obstacle courses and climbing walls (see pictures in our photo gallery), but part of that challenge was simply in encouraging one another and in being on time for meetings and meals. As you will be able to tell from the climbing and smiles — overcoming obstacles can build a greater confidence, especially when you know that the person belaying you has (literally) got your back.
For the second summer in a row, YMEN has the privilege of working with After School Matters, a Chicago-based non-profit coordinating summer apprenticeships for youth all over the city. We will be hosting 15 of those apprenticeships this summer!
Last summer we produced a beautiful mosaic (pictured above) which is now displayed on the south-facing wall of our building. This summer our theme is “Pictures of Hope” — an opportunity to reflect on Obama’s election and upon the signs of hope in North Lawndale and in our world.
If you are a young person (between 14-19) interested in applying for one of our openings, be sure to fill out the online application. And return later this summer for photos of our projects as the summer continues!
YMEN needs 100% participation to help us purchase the College and Career Residence!
This building is adjacent to the Trout House and is in foreclosure. This two-story brick building is now listed for $40,000. With additional work we can acquire this $250,000 asset for $113,000!
IT IS NOT JUST A BUILDING!
The residence is a part of a much BIGGER dream to help YMEN college and career
students own their first home… in NORTH LAWNDALE.
How do you revitalize a neighborhood? Answer: By bringing back strong neighbors!
We’ve got the hood…
We’re just trying to bring back the neighbors!
After getting a college degree, YMEN students can live in this starter home, build up equity to have a down payment and buy their first home.
Just think what this project will do:
- Bring leaders back to the neighborhood,
- help YMEN guys become home owners, and
- strengthen the community by bringing skills and men of character back to Chicago’s Westside!
Click here to check out our latest newsletter and see what we’ve been up to.
Recent Updates
- 16th Annual Awards Banquet
- Yes, it’s been one more year… another year of service, fun, frustration and fulfillment with our young men. And we are celebrating them and their families on May 26th. Join us for an incredible evening of reflection and celebration. Read More
- YMEN’s Auction is Coming!
- I just wanted to remind you that the YMEN 2011 Benefit Auction is only ONE WEEK AWAY! If you haven’t already purchased your ticket or table, or if you want to sponsor Lawndale parent or student to attend, please let me know as soon as possible! We only have a few tables left, and want to make [...] Read More
- Twin stars from West Side show the way
- At last count, just four of 10 black women who enrolled in college after graduating from a Chicago public school finished in six years. About 70 percent of black girls in Chicago graduate from high school. Trout invited her former students — girls she and her husband have mentored, sheltered in their home for a time [...] Read More
