The Problem
The Near West Side is one of the most under-resourced areas in Chicago. Chicago s Near West Side accounts for 25% of all shootings in Chicago and 43% of households in North Lawndale and East Garfield Park live under the poverty line.
Funding cuts for after-school and sports programs result in a decrease in physical activity levels and an increase in the risk of recruitment to gang activity, crime, and violence.
Local teachers, ministers, community advocates, and neighborhood police agree that the biggest risk to children occurs between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., making the case for increased after-school programming
The Solution
Athletics and sports are a proactive solution to the problems youth face in the Near West Side of Chicago. The Chicago Lions will use sports to:
- Creatively challenge the minds and the bodies of young people
- Provide social and emotional learning experiences
- Break down barriers to positive participation and engagement
- Empower youth with life skills and values and provide alternatives to violence and crime.
This will be achieved through a social and emotional learning-based curriculum that teaches the core values of success, including determination and drive. Making this solution a reality requires (1) a safe place to learn and play and (2) quality, regular programs.
There are 25+ high schools and 50+ middle schools within 2 miles of the Lions for Hope Complex, making 20,000+ deserving students candidates for the Chicago Lions rugby programs.
Progress
Phase 1
Land Purchase: funded and completed.
Phase 2
West Field Construction: funded and completed. West artificial turf field including lights Infrastructure including utility work, complex storm water management, and the parking lot
Phase 3
East Field Construction: $2.7MM
Additional site amenities to be finished Construct East artificial turf field Install foundation for dome Construct bleachers on east railway embankment
Phase 4
Seasonal Dome: $1.1MM
Additional site amenities to be finished Construct East artificial turf field Install foundation for dome Construct bleachers on east railway embankment
Phase 5
Fieldhouse: $4.5MM
Construction of the Fieldhouse between East and West fields providing space for community and educational programming and events
