Trending...
- Tampa-Based Digital Marketing Agency Launches New Website to Help Local Businesses Grow Online
- Global Families Turn to Young Travelers Concierge Amid Rising Safety Concerns in the U.S
- DuoKey to Unveil Encrypted Financial Intelligence Use Case at GISEC Global 2025
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:
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.
More on illi News
"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.
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
More on illi News
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
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.
"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.
More on illi News
- Mentor Agile Empowers Illinois Residents with Free Access To Product Management Training
- Midwest Pond Features & Landscapes Hits 100 Cleanouts This Spring, Expands Services Across Chicago
- Aureli Construction Sets the Standard for Seamless Home Additions in Greater Boston
- ScreenPoints Puts Film Investors in the Credits—and in the Money With New FinTech Platform
- Beyond Finance Wins Gold Stevie® Award for Customer Service Department of the Year in 23rd Annual American Business Awards
"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.
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
More on illi News
- Pathways to Adulthood Conference May 17 at Melville Marriott Honoring NYS Assembly Member Jodi Giglio, Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa
- Adster Techologies awarded US Patent for breakthrough innovation in reducing latency in Ad Serving
- Mai Coffee Unveils First - Ever Vietnamese Coffee Pouches, Bringing "Viet Super Coffee" To The World
- Chris The Wiz Releases RAIN EP – A Cyberpunk Dreamscape in 4 Tracks
- Penetrium™ Breaks Oncology Barriers: The Solution to Cold Tumors and Metastatic Cancer Unveiled at AACR 2025
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
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.
0 Comments
Latest on illi News
- The Tide Project Opens at Biennale Architettura 2025 in Venice Amplifying Youth Voices
- Wall Street analysts say BTC.XRP.DOGE cloud mining company SIX MINING is expected to achieve a 5-fold increase, allowing users to easily mine BTC
- Gen X Takes The Reins: New Book Guides Caregivers Juggling Parents, Kids, And Grandkids With Humor And Heart
- Naperville Welcomes Top Global Leaders Through Americas Competitiveness Exchange Visit
- Fray Fitness Launches Memorial Day Sale and Veteran Organization Giveaway
- ABM for Good™ Launches First Project with Build Change
- Local Nonprofit Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration's Attack on AmeriCorps
- Pregis Honors Partners Driving Measurable Impact with Annual Pregis Purpose Awards
- ImagineX, in Collaboration with Qualys, Launches New mROC Services to Transform Enterprise Cyber Risk Management
- Ditch Micromanagement: New Leadership Book for Results-Driven, Accountability-Based Teams
- Jay Tapp was named Managing Director in British Columbia
- Hubei Heavy Equipment Makes a Striking Appearance at CIMT and Competes with International Brands
- 20 Patents Issued Worldwide, Cementing Company Leadership. First Ever Cable-Free 12-Lead ECG: HeartBeam, Inc. (Stock Symbol: BEAT)
- NASDAQ Uplisting for Higher Market Exposure and Wide Corporate Benefits to AI Boosted Marketing Company On Track Towards $1 Billion Revenue by 2027
- AAR announces investor conference schedule for May and June 2025
- Congressional Men's Health Caucus Shows Bipartisan Consensus and Focus on Prevention, Mental Health, and Closing the Lifespan Gap
- The Alternative AI Architecture That Creates Certainty and Trust - No More Guesses.
- DuoKey, Axiomtek and Blue Edge Network Partner to Enhance Smart Cities with Privacy-Preserving Urban Safeguarding and Fleet Management
- Naperville Police to Participate in Regional Route 59 Traffic Safety Initiative
- Women of Color Take the Stage at Fearless Summit to Scale, Heal, and Get Paid