One of our most rewarding parts of our violence reduction work at Together Chicago is seeing Chicagoans invest in their own growth and in the well-being of others. That kind of change isn’t easy; it comes with setbacks, doubts, and real obstacles. Our role is to stand with our neighbors through it, becoming the encouragement and support they need to keep moving forward.
Currently, one of the participants our team is working with is preparing to enroll in college for the first time this fall. For him, higher education means more than a degree—it’s a path to financial stability for himself and his family, housing security through employment, and personal growth and enrichment. It’s a big step that requires deep commitment and resilience. But changes in the Department of Education have made access to higher ed even more challenging, especially for those lacking strong support systems.
That’s why we are walking with him as he takes this on. Helping him apply for financial aid, connect with school counselors, and create a plan that fits his long-term goals. We’re tapping into both public and private resources to cover tuition, supplies, and anything else he will need to succeed.
We can’t shield him from every difficulty ahead, but we can be the umbrella in the storm to assist him in reaching his destination. Contact us if you’d like to join this effort in supporting our neighbors for a more stable future.