Faith & Service Initiative

We help 13–29 year-olds grow in faith, identity, purpose and belonging in the love of Jesus Christ

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Mission

To nurture and deepen the Christian faith of 13–29 year-olds in Chicago through relational discipleship and meaningful acts of service.

Vision

A city where young people grow in faith, identity, purpose, and belonging in Christ, contributing to thriving communities and sustained transformation beyond the duration of the program.

The Four Service Areas

Congregational Discipleship

Mentoring relationships within local churches, supported by practical service opportunities like food pantries, community clean up, and peer outreach.

Specialized Mentoring

Christ-centered life-on-life relationships through organizations like GRIP, YMEN, and Intentional Sports, involving peer mentoring and tutoring.

Education and Discovery of Purpose

Helping youth in academics, engaging in purpose-driven learning, with emphasis on wisdom and faith in the classroom and beyond.

Vocational Readiness

Mentorship in job readiness and financial literacy, paired with Christian principles of work, stewardship, and community restoration.

Congregational Discipleship

Contact person: Kalana Scott (kalana.scott@togetherchicago.com)

Apostolic Faith Church

To worship and glorify the Lord God and to create a Christian community of transformed followers of Jesus Christ.

Asian American Christian Collaborative

To see Asian American Christians established in their spiritual and cultural heritage, and to amplify the voices, issues, and histories of Asian Americans in the church and larger society.

New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church

The Love Church — serving God with the spirit of humility.

Park Community Church

As the people of Park Community Church, our goal is to identify, equip, and support leaders to embed gospel-centered churches in underchurched and under-resourced communities here in Chicago. 

Progressive Baptist Church

Progressive Baptist Church exists to glorify God by growing authentic community, compassionately communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ, giving generously to the progress of the Kingdom of God, and passionately worshipping Jesus Christ.

Renewal Church of Chicago

We are a community of believers centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ, passionately committed to seeking the welfare of our city.

Salem Baptist Church

Restoring hope by connecting people to God and each other.

The Moody Church

Our purpose is to evangelize, edify, and equip people to be true worshipers and effective representatives of Christ “so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming” (1 John 2:28). 

Specialized Mentoring

Contact person: Ben Watkins III (ben.watkins@togetherchicago.com)

Campus Outreach

Glorifying God by building laborers on the campus for the lost world. We build laborers with a commitment to Jesus and His Great Commission through evangelism and discipleship, reaching students with the gospel and training them to become mature followers of Christ, equipped to labor in the harvest field for God’s glory.

CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program

To educate, empower, and expose boys and young men of color beyond the four walls of the school to help them achieve their dreams and goals. We envision a safe environment for every young man, shaped through culturally relevant conversations and experiences that build the skills and habits needed to navigate life positively and productively.

GRIP Outreach for Youth

To invest in the lives of Chicago’s youth through Christ-centered, life-on-life relationships.

Intentional Sports

To inspire Chicago’s youth through the power of sports by providing equitable opportunities in sports, wellness, arts, and education through programs rooted in excellence, respect, and service.

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

To establish and advance witnessing communities of students and faculty on college and university campuses who follow Jesus as Savior and Lord, growing in love for God, His Word, and His purposes in the world through discipleship, gospel engagement, and leadership development.

Legacy Disciple

To encourage, equip, and empower young leaders to bring holistic healing to themselves and their community.

Young Men's Educational Network

To help youth grow in faith and character, develop a love for learning, and use their gifts to serve the community and strengthen their families.

Education & Discovery of Purpose

Contact person: Lakeisa Belton (lakeisa.belton@togetherchicago.com)

Breakthrough Urban Ministries

To partner with people to build connections, develop skills, and open doors of opportunity.

By the Hand Club for Kids

A Christ-centered after-school program that walks with children from kindergarten through college, loving and nurturing them—mind, body, and soul.

Chicago Hope Academy

Chicago Hope Academy is a Christian life preparatory high school in a welcoming environment that empowers students to achieve their full potential.

Holy Family Ministries

To provide educational opportunities for children, youth, and families in Chicago’s under-resourced neighborhoods to excel academically, grow spiritually, expand life experiences, and become exceptional leaders through a faith-based approach.

Pui Tak Center

The Pui Tak Center was established by the Chinese Christian Union Church to be a Christian witness to Chinese in Chicago through educational, family and community services.

Sunshine Gospel Ministries

To seek the renewal of the city through discipleship, mercy, and justice, and to empower youth, families, and community members to lead fruitful, healthy lives through faith, connectedness, and opportunity.

Vocational Readiness

Contact person: Elle Davis (elle.davis@togetherchicago.com)

Christians Against Poverty America

To provide financial literacy training and credit counseling with a gospel focus.

I Am Abel Foundation

To increase exposure, education, and opportunities for underrepresented minorities in medicine and science, while instilling a commitment to service, excellence, and brotherhood.

New Life Centers

To connect young people and their families with Christ and community through life-on-life relationships.

Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program

To help girls and young women become effective communicators at home, school, and in the workplace, preparing them to thrive as leaders through school programs, community partnerships, and corporate collaborations.

True Star Media

To empower disadvantaged youth by providing jobs, training, and real-world experience in creating and marketing digital content that celebrates their identity and positively impacts their peers, families, and communities.

UR Chicago Alliance

A faith-based organization that unites and mobilizes churches, community organizations, and businesses to provide access to living-wage opportunities and long-term support through a network of Christ-centered relationships.

Resources for Youth Leaders

Urban Outreach Foundation’s Youth Leader Certificate Program

This program covers all the essential topics you need to effectively lead and empower youth. From mentoring and discipleship to effective communication and conflict resolution, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. 

Team

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Elle Davis

Elle Davis, MSW, is a dynamic nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience in organizational management, program design, and building powerful partnerships that move missions forward. She is also a fierce champion of resilience after experiencing profound loss. Elle shares her story through her TEDx Talk, “Embracing Resilience as Your Superpower,” and her book The Art of the Bounce Back: 31 Days to Resilient Living.

Elle earned her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Social Work from Creighton University and New York University, respectively. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she is a charter member of the Chicago Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter.

At her core, Elle is a servant leader. She is part coach, part cheerleader, and all heart, committed to creating lasting impact. She lives in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood with her daughter, Simone.

Co-CEO & Chief Operating Officer

Jonathan Banks

Jonathan Banks is motivated to see people thrive by challenging them to grow and inspiring them to rise. He actively serves his church and community and strives to help others reach their God-given potential in every area of life. Jonathan earned an undergraduate degree in engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Northwestern University.

Jonathan is the author of a best selling book called ‘Raise Your GPA’, which outlines a faith-based approach to academic and life excellence for students. His own academic and tutoring experiences helped him form an effective approach to success that he willingly shares with the next generation.

Jonathan is a passionate leader and educator who serves his church and community in Illinois where he resides with his wife, Jacinta, and their teenage sons.

Education & Discovery of Purpose Service Area Lead

Lakeisa Belton

Congregational Discipleship Service Area Lead

Kalana Scott

Sr. Project Specialist

Benjamin Watkins III

Let's Invest in Our Youth!

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