Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson, Department of Family and Support Services and Community Organizations Announce My CHI. My Future. Spring Forward Campaign
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CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), and community-based organizations have announced the 2024 Spring Forward campaign to connect Chicago's youth to programs and youth-created events during Chicago Public Schools' (CPS) Spring Break, March 23 through March 31. As part of the My CHI. My Future. (MCMF) youth initiative, Spring Forward will provide hundreds of opportunities for young people, available on the My CHI. My Future. mobile app on iOS and Android and MyCHIMyFuture.org.

"Creating an environment where every young person can thrive and participate in our vibrant community is essential to propelling our youth towards bright futures and new horizons," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Together, as a city, we can ensure that every young person has access to opportunities and programs that will empower and enrich their lives."

"I am excited to work with our partners to connect our youth to these opportunities," said Deputy Mayor of Education, Youth and Human Services Jen Johnson. "Energizing our young people with connections and creative possibilities will help them grow and flourish while infusing them with vital skills for prosperous futures."

"As an agency dedicated to serving young people and their communities, DFSS is proud to support the Safe Space organizations and youth as they plan fun, safe, and meaningful events for their communities this Spring Break," said DFSS Commissioner Brandie Knazze.

The Spring Forward campaign aims to provide enrichment activities for youth and young adults ages 24 and under through partnerships with multiple City departments and community-based partners. These opportunities include:
  • 16 Safe Spaces Community Kickback Events designed for teens, by teens
  • Chicago Park District Camps and programs
  • Over 350 Chicago Public Library events

Kickback Events planned by partner organizations in the MCMF Safe Spaces program will take place in fifteen communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Back of the Yards, Brighton Park, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Gage Park, Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, Humboldt Park, Little Village, North Lawndale, Roseland, and South Shore. One community-based organization in each of these communities has hired 15 teens each to plan these events, which include a movie day, a Women's History Month inspired arts and culture fest, and a skate party.

"MCMF Safe Spaces has given Think Outside Da Block the opportunity to reimagine exactly how we develop the youth in our communities while simultaneously uplifting their voices, empowering them as future leaders, and providing them resources to create safe and fun spaces for their peers," shared Pha'Tal Perkins, Executive Director of MCMF Safe Spaces organization Think Outside Da Block.

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The week will culminate with a Day of Service organized by the Mayor's Youth Commission at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, followed by the third annual Spring Forward Teen Bash at Navy Pier – a celebratory event that will include live musical performances by teens along with DJs, skateboarding, art, video games, mini golf, and a Teen Resource Expo for summer jobs and opportunities. There will also be raffles for upcoming Chicago events and current attractions, including passes to Lollapalooza, the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, and SkyDeck Chicago.

The Spring Forward campaign is the latest effort of the City initiative My CHI. My Future. – a youth-focused initiative designed to connect youth across Chicago to meaningful out-of-school experiences. The MCMF family of more than 400 organizations, departments, and agencies was designed to organize and connect the opportunity ecosystem in Chicago to ensure that every young person has a plan for out of school engagement.

To learn more, download the My CHI. My Future. App on iOS or Android, visit MyCHIMyFuture.org and follow @MyCHIMyFuture on Instagram for updates.

The current Safe Spaces for Youth Community Kickback Events schedule is as follows (all events can be found on the My CHI. My Future. app and website).

Saturday, March 23, 2024

SGA Youth & Family Services
Brighton Park

Easter Egg Hunt
3152 W. 47th St.
12-3pm

An Easter egg hunt for the Brighton Park community with special prize for ages 10-24, plus food and a resource fair.

Sunday, March 24, 2024

SGA Youth & Family Services
Gage Park

Gage Park Community Easter Event
PODER, 3357 W. 55th St.
11am – 2pm

Easter activities, games, food and drinks. Special prizes for youth ages 13-19!

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

After School Matters with Marillac St. Vincent Family Services
Garfield Park

Game Night
Marillac Foglia Center, 2859 W. Jackson
4 – 7pm

Games, food, and fun.

Think Outside Da Block
Chicago Lawn

Parti Gras
6343 S. Western
6 – 9pm

Join TODB for Parti Gras with free food, fun and music for 16- to 24-year-olds.

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Metropolitan Family Services
Auburn Gresham

Spring Movie Day
1440 W. 84th St.
11am – 3pm

Movie viewing alone with free food trucks, games, and a spring basket raffle giveaway.

Think Outside Da Block

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Greater Englewood Area

Skate N Peace Jam
513 W. 72nd St.
3 – 7pm

TODB is having roller skating night with free food, fun and music for 16- to 24-year-olds.

Urban Male Network
South Shore

2k24 Teen Summit Strive 2 Thrive
Rebecca Crown Youth Center, 7601 S. Phillips Ave.
10am – 4pm

Strive 2 Thrive will focus on increasing awareness, inspiring, supporting and educating youth to overcome challenges. We will provide resources to assist teens in creating their life plan and achieving their goals. Through workshops on self-care, wellness, mental health, stress management, and other important topics students will be empowered to create and navigate their own futures in proactive and meaningful ways.

Friday, March 29, 2024

After School Matters with Increase the Peace
Back of the Yards

Back of the Yards Spring Fest
Cornell Square Park, 1809 W. 50th St.
2 – 5pm

This event will provide a safe and fun space for the community of all ages! We will be welcoming spring with activities and raffles for all!

Metropolitan Family Services
Greater Roseland Area

Empowerment Lunch & Learn
235 E. 103rd St.
12 – 3pm

This event will include guest speakers, free catered lunch, games, a spring basket giveaway, and more.

TA98
Little Village

Para Nosotras
3948 W. 26th St., Suite 111
11am – 3pm

Celebrating Women's history month by featuring women artist from our Little Village community. Come and enjoy a day fill with art, food, and culture.
This is a 2-day event also happening Saturday, March 30.

Urban Male Network
Greater Grand Crossing

Health & Wellness Youth Basketball camp
Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside
11am – 3pm

Haircuts, game truck, dental exams, health screenings, massages, and food.
This is a 2-day event also happening Saturday, March 30.

YMCA
Humboldt Park

March Madness Kickback
Kelly Hall YMCA, 824 N. Hamlin
4:30 – 6:30pm

Easter and sports themed event for youth.

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Project Exploration
Austin

Austin Spring Forward
Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd.
1 – 4pm

Community celebration for week-long out-of-school time youth participation with games, food, music, and giveaways!

TA98
Little Village

Para Nosotras
3948 W 26th Street. Suite 111., Chicago IL, 60623
11am – 3pm

Celebrating Women's history month by featuring women artist from our Little Village community. Come and enjoy a day fill with art, food, and culture.
This is a 2-day event also happening Friday, March 29.

Urban Male Network
Greater Grand Crossing

Health & Wellness Youth Basketball camp
Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside
11am – 3pm

Haircuts, game truck, dental exams, health screenings, massages, and food.
This is a 2-day event also happening Friday, March 29.


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