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STRENGTH IN THE CITY Foundation, Steel Croissant, and un·cooked are teaming up to transform our community together with Chicago's Next!
We believe that in order to transform a community, you must start by transforming the lives of the children within it. Chicago's Next is a mentorship enrichment program designed to foster development, confidence and long-term potential for youth in underserved communities.
Each child in our program will have the opportunity to learn from and develop relationships with various mentors, along with their own personal mentor, who will be carefully matched to them based upon their own aspirations and unique learning style. The mentor will work together with their mentee to outline the child's goals and steps to take to achieve them.
Through genuine human connection and exposure to experiences and careers outside of their current narrative, each child will learn to develop both hard and soft skills, be inspired to chase their goals, and transform their lives.
Chicago's Next focuses on working with children in low-income neighborhoods, ranging from 6th grade through high school. Children of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to apply, as admittance into the program is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Prior to joining the program, all children must complete an in-person interview with our members. During the interview, we learn more about who the child is today and aspires to be tomorrow, and uncover opportunities to help them grow.
Mentors agree to check in on their mentees at a minimum of every other week, and attend our monthly and quarterly meetings (Zoom attendance available). Mentors agree to work with their mentee for a minimum of 12 months.
Mentors must be at least 21 years of age, complete an in-person interview, background check, and be approved by all members
Children in the Chicago's Next program will have the opportunity to gain skills and a better understanding in the following areas:
Our mentors all have their own unique stories, obstacles they have faced, and personal growth they have achieved. The one thing they all have in common is their passion to create a positive impact in the lives of youths in our community and to help them reach their highest potential.
A passion for her surrounding community + health & wellness is what ignited Liezyl Ribeiro to start STRENGTH IN THE CITY Foundation
(SITCF), a 501(c)(3). She created the foundation with the vision of strengthening individuals both mentally and physically to enable them to strengthen their communities. She is passionate about helping underprivileged youths, empowering women & bettering the environment.
Jeremy Jones is the Chief Vision Officer at un·cooked, a grab and go restaurant in Chicago, where he is in charge of ensuring future viability, impact, and growth. He is deeply passionate about harnessing the platform un·cooked's patrons have given them to build bridges and transform the communities we serve. He understands the privilege of being part of the new narrative about what's possible when like-minded and hearted people come together to show up for a common cause.
Steel Croissant is a digital marketing agency headquartered in Chicago, with talent positioned around the world. They work with brands at all stages of development to offer solutions that are adaptable, actionable, and measurable. Partnering with Chicago’s Next provides a unique opportunity to help develop the next generation of business leaders by providing mentorship and resources to the Chicago’s Next mentees.
Reach out today to get started. We can't wait to hear from you!