Support for Communities

JWBYI Scholarship recipients are currently pursuing their dreams. We service families and community members throughout the year via volunteering and collaborations with Ronald McDonald Charities, IL State Representative Kam Buckner, IL State Representative Justin Slaughter, Alderman Ronnie Mosley, Acclivus, South Side Community Federal Credit Union, Hugs No Slugs, Cradles to Crayons, The Healing Academy, Impact Social Solutions and UCAN amongst others. The lasting impact of grassroots efforts in the Chicagoland area are unmeasurable. Our Hands Our Worth’s community service range from the southside to the northside of Chicago and are extending as the initiative grows.

The Start of Horticulture Weekend

Buck was determined to transform his huge yard into a beautiful landscape. This yard was a beast to say the least. It was overwhelming, it was manual labor, a space filled with overgrown weeds and trees. He worked chopping down weeds, cutting down dead trees and feeding brown dead grass. Out of the blue a conversation arose by talking to an experienced gardener, about how nature required a lot of cultivating, just like our lives do. These words were spoken and changed how Buck looked at this mountain of a project. Relaxing in nature is a beautiful site watching the living things grow and discovering the creatures each plant attracts fills the heart with wonder and awe. JWBYI 10-week Horticulture Weekend’s program is a tribute to Buck with youth participants seeing the fruits of there labor. Youth have been giving peace and tranquility as they work the soil of God’s land. It takes time and much patience to cultivate the land preparing for our youth’s harvest.

Mental Health Awareness

In partnership with The Healing Academy, JWBYI host quarterly Mental Health in The Black Community Workshops. Areas covered in workshops include art therapy, yoga, breath and movement work, food, mental health and more. Youth Financial Literacy Workshops In partnership with South Side Community Federal Credit Union, JWBYI host youth financial literacy workshops during Chicago Public Schools seasonal breaks. Workshops end goal of directly introducing financial concepts to Chicago youth have been accomplished with several young entrepreneurs expanding their businesses thru knowledge gained via our youth financial literacy program.

JWBYI Holiday Giving Campaign

In service to our community thru volunteering and philanthropy JWBYI Holiday Giving Campaign spans for thirty days November-December. Volunteering at Ronald McDonald House Charities preparing Meals from The Heart, Savings with Santa Savings Account Drive, Toy Give Away and Donation Day at Cradles to Crayons are campaign highlights.

Voters Education

JWBYI Voters Education program travels the Chicagoland area setting up booths at local events where residents participate in our 5-step process. Register to vote or check registration status, request mail-in ballot, make a plan to vote, learn what’s on your ballot and level up voting engagement.