We spend a lot of time talking about the big picture around here. Remembering our place in a giant world and maintaining perspective and humility. I often get ahead of myself when considering the work many of our partner organizations do, how their missions aim to chip away at the structural inequities and systemic blights that plague our communities.
I see an organization that wants to help out-of-work young women find jobs and I think – yes! Economic stability and empowerment! Gender equality! Let’s do this! A charity that provides shelter, food, and clothing for the homeless? We’re going to beat poverty!
It’s easy to get excited about large-scale change. But let’s not forget about the importance of microlevel engagement and outreach and how much good intimate connections between people can catalyze.
Organizations like Cabrini Connections, today’s new member spotlight, have crafted their entire mission around the potential of one-on-one relationships and highly personalized education.
About Cabrini Connections:
Our Vision:
To provide inner-city youths with the resources to succeed in school. To foster leadership qualities that the students will bring to their communities and make positive changes.Our Mission:
Cabrini Connections helps economically disadvantaged students succeed in high school & move on to college or a career. We do this by pairing the students with an adult tutor who supports their academic achievement and provides guidance in life skills.
One-on-one tutoring and neighborhood programs are abundant in Chicago, but what makes Cabrini Connections so unique is its highly-focused community outreach, long history and relationship with its neighborhood, and impressive results.
History:
The tutoring program was created in 1992 to support students from the Montgomery Ward Cabrini-Green Tutoring Program. The founders were volunteers with that program that saw the need to continue to help those students after the sixth grade. Cabrini Connections started offering one-on-one tutoring to 7-12 grade students in donated space in the Montgomery Ward headquarters building.Since 1992, more than 625 students have attended the program for at least one year along with over 800 volunteer tutor/mentors. Over 90% of 12th grade program graduates have entered college.
Consider for a moment that the high school graduation rate in Chicago Public Schools lingers around 50-60%, with much lower rates matriculating to college.
Cabrini Connetions is doing some thing very right, and they’ve been doing it for 20 years. We’re pumped to support them through the next 20 and beyond.
Interested in becoming a volunteer tutor or mentor working with middle and high school students in Chicago? Contact the organization directly! You can also support their work and student achievement by donating school supplies, electronic equipment, and books through our online form.
Don’t forget to keep up with Cabrini Connections on Facebook!
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