Something Good In Englewood, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with programs focused on increasing socio-economic opportunities for residents within the Englewood community. Our primary areas of impact include Supportive Services and Educational Programming.
Our Supportive Services include health and wellness, community cohesion, youth enrichment, after-school and summer camp programs, and job skills development. We partner with a variety of employers and social service organizations to provide off-site resources, which can lead to potential employment opportunities. Our partners also assist with resume building, job readiness, and placement. Each program is tailored to meet the individual needs of participants.
Educational Programming includes financial literacy and stability, year-round programs beginning in early childhood, and continuing with summer camp and after-school enrichment programs. We also offer on-site workforce development programs for high school students and young adults, along with ongoing civic engagement opportunities.
We believe that combining supportive services with educational programming can increase enrollment in top-tier schools and after-school programs, while enhancing workforce readiness and long-term employment prospects. SGIE recognizes the needs of families in Englewood and focuses on providing critical support to those experiencing varying levels of trauma.
Our goal is to help the community thrive socially and economically while remaining informed and engaged. We are Something Good In Englewood!
Our Mission
Something Good In Englewood’s mission is to increase socio-economic opportunities for the Englewood community and surrounding areas through comprehensive wraparound education and supportive services.
OUR VISION
Our vision is for Englewood to be a community that is socially and economically thriving, civically informed, and engaged while also being widely recognized as a great place to live, learn, and grow.
Program Objectives
While SGIE operates a wide variety of partnerships in programs seasonally and year-round for community members of all ages, we have a strong focus on youth programs, as the largest population in Englewood is aged 19 years old and under. Some of our youth & family-focused programs are:
-
Cultural Explorers Summer Camp:
An educational safe haven and interactive 8-week summer experience that helps students open their minds to experiences beyond their community boundaries. Students learn about different communities, activities, cultures, and cuisines in the city of Chicago, and their interests drive the locations for the weekly “field day,” where they sightsee one of the many historical Chicago landmarks or journey into a new community for food and fun!
-
Get Ready After School Program(Grasp):
An in-depth extension of our summer camp program model that will continue to open the window to the world while also having a direct focus on building and supporting the personal and educational growth of Englewood youth. They will receive tutoring as well as resources surrounding mental health, financial literacy, and mentorship.
-
Learning Everything About Finance (L.E.A.F.) Program:
A partnership with Greenlight Financial to educate Englewood youth and families about money management. We offer weekly financial literacy micro classes and sponsor 50 youth with Greenlight debit cards, including a start-up balance of $25.
-
Peace Through Pressure Initiative:
A partnership with New Life Knew Solutions–an organization that provides complimentary mental health services to families experiencing various levels of trauma and tragedy. The program also provides alternative approaches to coping with traumas and high-stress circumstances through breathing techniques/exercises and practicing yoga.
-
Higher Learning Initiative:
A program that aids college-bound students in Englewood and surrounding communities with resources to help with attending college. We provide resources in college application assistance, college tours, and aiding in providing complimentary college “starter kits” to make it easier to move into a dorm.
-
Englewood’s Finest Christmas:
Every year, we partner with an organization that will allow us to sponsor families for Christmas and spread some Holiday cheer. The families are provided with Christmas lights, Christmas Trees, gifts, and everything needed to make it feel like the holiday season. Santa, his elves, and our very own Christmas Carolers join us at the doorsteps of those in the community for this grand surprise. After that, the families are invited to the Englewood Christmas Ball, where they are recognized.
Something Good In Englewood and the affiliated center space of Little Angels Learning Center plays a vital role in the lives of the families we serve as evidenced by our 90% approval rating from program participants in 2016. Our service area has a rapidly growing infant and toddler population, as well as a need for community investment and revitalization. Nearly 40% of adult Englewood residents have not completed high school, which is connected to both access to early learning programs and limited long-term workforce opportunities. Additionally, 40% of households contain children under the age of 18, who may face similar socio-economic challenges without supportive and accessible community programs.
We believe that the construction of a new community center that can house a variety of programs for ages 6 weeks to 25 years will introduce fully accessible community services to an extremely underserved community.
We are seeking support from counties, cities, and state governments, and other funders in the form of grants, donations, and loans. Any contributions will be allocated to help or fund our more immediate needs for a mental health and family support specialist, and ultimately, the construction of our community center. We are excited about the prospect of partnering with agencies that align with our core values, and we appreciate them in advance for their consideration.
