Who we are
OUR STORY
Toward the end of 2016, as gun violence in Chicago reached its highest levels in 20 years, a group of Chicago area business, faith, community, non-profit, civic and government leaders met to explore the common question they asked themselves:
Is there more that can be done to address the root causes of the current level of violence we are experiencing?
They realized that though the challenges in Chicago are highly complex and have developed over decades, there are strategic actions that can be taken to create a “collective impact”. Through these conversations, the desire to form a new nonprofit organization grew and Together Chicago was born. We formally launched Together Chicago in the fall of 2017 and are currently engaged in our five areas of focus – economic development, education, violence reduction, gospel justice, and faith community mobilization.
MISSION & VISION
Together Chicago exists to be a catalyst for lasting transformation in the city of Chicago.
Our vision is to renew Chicago, together with churches, businesses, community leaders and government officials to inspire hope within the communities we serve.
FIVE AREAS OF FOCUS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- Support job and business creation in disinvested communities in Chicago
- Help corporations localize their supply chain
- Encourage corporations to open locations in disinvested communities in Chicago
- Support workforce development through partnerships and faith communities
- Develop industrial and commercial real estate
- Build high quality residential housing in urban communities for equity ownership
EDUCATION
- Engage churches in educational volunteerism
- Form partnerships with targeted CPS schools, churches and/or relevant non-profits
- Form afterschool mentoring programs
- Improve educational outcomes through endorsement of best practices
VIOLENCE REDUCTION
- Support churches at the forefront of violence reduction in their community
- Care for victims and families affected
- Partner with leading non-profits that are working to reduce violence
- Convene key community stakeholders for catalytic conversion
GOSPEL JUSTICE
- Catalyze the development of local, community-based justice centers in partnership with local churches
- Provide comprehensive legal services at an affordable and reduced cost that aligns with the felt-needs of those within the community