Our Mission
The John W. Buckner Youth Initiative- Our Hands Our Worth mission is to be a collaboration of creative
minds to bring about change in the lives of youth ages 8-21. With the goal of helping prevent violence
and develop one’s self-worth. Creating and experiencing the worth of the human hands and to rejoice in
the beauty and benefits of one’s worth. There is nothing in life that is done without someone’s hands.
John W. Buckner Youth Initiative is built on hard work and dedication with an emphasis on music,
culinary and horticulture. These three qualities were very important in the life of John W. Buckner. Self-
discovery is what makes one who they are, JWBYI encourages youth to have a tremendous love for life.
Never stopping, always discovering and reaching for better.
— Louise Buckner
Founder, & Chief Executive
Our Impact
In October 2019 John W Buckner Youth Initiative- Our Hands Our Worth 501 (c) (3) started and is now serving 15 Chicago Communities (Auburn Gresham, Beverly, Brainerd, Englewood, Grand Boulevard, Hyde Park, North Center, Washington Heights, West Lawn, West Town and Woodlawn). Scholarship Weekend is our signature event, where we provide 3 youth with scholarships in music, culinary and horticulture. We have free programs and events leading up to scholarship weekend year-round. Our programs and events vary from horticulture weekends, savings account drives, youth financial literacy workshops, cookoffs, mental health awareness and more. Looking to service a variety of community needs via the initiatives core values education, philanthropy and community. This year John W Buckner Youth Initiative has 3 programs and 20 events scheduled in the various communities we serve.
For more on our Founding Click Below