EDUCATION

Education opens us to new worlds and opportunities. When young people experience barriers to education, those worlds and opportunities are barred.

We believe every young person, regardless of their situation, deserves the right to a quality education.

Education Lab

Our Education Lab, in partnership with Liberty High School, provides an opportunity for young adult members of our community to complete classes and earn a high school diploma.

At our Center, we host classes and provide one-on-one tutoring, feedback, and support to help young people achieve their educational goals.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

For us, work is both about income and dignity. It’s not just about getting jobs, it’s about building up individuals to succeed in the workforce. We pair our workforce training with trauma-informed practices and mentoring to teach transferable skills that they can then utilize to succeed on the job.

Job Readiness

Our Job-Readiness Program is a three-week workshop focused on educating and preparing participants for employment.

Participants learn the practical skills needed to get a job, such as interviewing and resume writing as well as the soft skills needed to keep a job, including communications and relationship management.

Social Enterprise Programs

We recognize that there are limited opportunities for equitable and supportive employment in our community.

Our social enterprises provide a first step into employment for youth and young adults.

SCREEN PRINTING

CARPENTRY

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Carpentry

In our Carpentry Program, participants learn woodworking skills and make wooden talking pieces that are used in peace circles around the country.

Participants also take part in special projects like building furniture, garden beds, and repairs around the Center. The Carpentry program provides a first step toward employment for participants and it helps us to promote and spread the practice of restorative justice.

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Screen Printing

Our screen-printing program, Making Impressions, gives high school age youth the opportunity to learn the skills of screen printing, and express themselves through this unique art form.

Making Impressions focuses both on job training and empowerment by educating and providing a space for creative expression.
Participants get real life business experience by fulfilling custom shirt orders from universities, churches, and other non-profits. Participants also fill online orders and face-to-face sales at special events.

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URBAN FARM

Cultivating relationships in the Back of the Yards and Englewood Communities through Engagement, Education and Access in an Urban Farm.

The Farm is a symbol of both the persistence and the preciousness of living things. It is a symbol of hope. Through our Urban Farm we are able to provide environmental education, and weekly distributions of fresh produce to community members.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Art is a valuable tool in the process of restorative justice. It provides individuals control over the expression of their own ideas and fosters creativity.

Our Art Program provides a space for our young people to learn drawing, painting, and design skills and express themselves through a variety of
artistic media.

ART ON 51st

Art on 51 is a public space in our community where anyone can come to create and show their art.