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Urban Initiatives http://www.urbaninitiatives.org

Urban Intiatives

650 W. Lake Suite 340

Chicago, IL 60611Map this

Urban Initiatives’ mission is to collaborate with schools, teachers and parents to boost the physical fitness, health education, academic performance and character development of children from Chicago’s underserved communities through soccer programs, field trips, and cultural outings. %newline% %newline%Urban...

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For more information:

Name: Daniel Isherwood
Position: Executive Director
Email: info@urbaninitiatives.org

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The Work to Play ProgramThe Work to Play Program is comprised of three, eight-week seasons during each school year. Each week consists of three program sessions. Each session includes one hour of exercise, a health tutorial presentation and a character trait discussion. Currently, Urban Initiatives serves 270 children in nine Chicago schools in underserved neighborhoods. Urban Initiatives works at schools where at least 85% of students' families live at or below the U.S. poverty level. The schools are either 95%-100% African American or 75%-90% Hispanic. All but one of the schools have less than 70% of students meeting or exceeding state academic standards, with one school at only 35%. In addition to these qualifications, schools need to have a progressive administrative that is willing to work with Urban Initiatives to ensure the Work to Play Program is effective. The Work to Play Program is focused on 1st through 4th graders because research indicates early childhood prevention strategies are highly effective at establishing healthy behaviors that last into adulthood. The On-Site Directors speak to teachers in order to establish who is best suited for the program and then recruit participants. When a child enters the Work to Play program, the On-Site Director explains to the child's parents the program's goals, as well as attendance and conduct requirements, while also encouraging parents to enroll their child in one of our partner tutoring programs. In order to participate in the Work the Play Program, students agree to have weekly evaluation forms completed by their teachers. The forms assess students on the on Work to Play criteria, which involve academic as well as behavioral standards. In the event that a student does not meet assessment goals, they are able to attend practice for exercise but must sit out of all games until their scores improve.
The Fifth Annual Soccer BallFriday, January 28, 2011The Soccer Ball is a popular benefit that serves as the primary fundraiser for Urban Initiatives. This year The Soccer Ball will once again be held at Salvage One in Chicago. Please join us for a night of drinks, appetizers, dancing and a silent auction to support our health and education soccer program. Last year our event sold out with over 500 people in attendance. We hope you will join us for our fundraising event! Please e-mail soccerball@urbaninitiatives.org if you are interested in registering for the event or to receive more information.
Fall Season Assistant Coach/Mentor OpportunitiesMonday, August 23, 2010 - Friday, November 05, 2010Thank you for your interest in Urban Initiatives, a health and education soccer program. It was formed in 2003 for the purpose of actively engaging children from underserved communities in extracurricular activities within a safe and structured environment. Through its before and after school soccer programs, Urban Initiatives promotes education and wellness and instills in each child the importance of these factors to life-long development and self sufficiency. Urban Initiatives currently works in fourteen Chicago Public Schools, serving over 420 students. Students are engaged through soccer and encouraged to learn about their health and nutrition while being motivated to work hard in school. In current participating schools the program has been effective in increasing attendance, improving academic performance, and encouraging students to make better nutritional choices. CURRENT PROGRAMMING AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The fall 2010 season starts the week of August 23 and concludes Friday November 5. We are looking for volunteers to commit to one day per week for the season at any of the participating schools. Days & times TBD. Jenner Academy of the Arts L.E.A.R.N. Community Academy Crispus Attucks School William T. Sherman School Friedrich L. Jahn School Arthur A. Libby School J. W. Von Goethe Elementary Walsh Elementary School Claremont Academy Elementary School Richard J Daley Elementary Academy Morton School of Excellence James Otis Elementary School Dr. Jorge Prieto Math and Science Academy William Claude Reavis Elementary Urban Initiatives achieves its mission by establishing before and after school soccer programs that provide quality instruction, nutrition education, and a disciplined as well as structured team environment. The goals of the program transcend soccer, focusing on overall development, self-esteem, and self-sufficiency for each child. Do not hesitate to volunteer if you don’t have a background in soccer. What these children need is someone to encourage and cheer them on! You could be that mentor and role model that they crave.
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