Inner city Chicago kids get helping hand from local youth charities
Northbrook-based youth charity Gear for Goals is on a mission to impact the lives of over 20,000 impoverished kids this year and they moved one step closer to that goal by teaming together recently with the Police Athletic League, a Chicago-based organization working to provide school supplies, sports and mentorship to underprivileged kids throughout Chicago.
Working with the Police Athletic League, Gear for Goals is providing sports gear and financial assistance to inner city youth in some of Chicago's most troubled neighborhoods. Dr. Warren Bruhl, executive director of Gear for Goals was recently on hand on Chicago's southside when Marco Johnson, retired Chicago cop and director for the Police Athletic League, provided school supplies to underprivileged kids throughout Chicago. Working in cooperation with various organizations and donors, Johnson was responsible for providing new school supplies for over 500 children for the upcoming 2013-14 school year.
Acting on behalf of Gear for Goals, Dr. Bruhl provided sponsorship and additional funding to help purchase school supplies while also supplying sports gear through Gear for Goals' donations.
Ex-officer Johnson knows how athletics can help steer youth away from gang life. “We have to stop the supply of youth to the gangs and sports is one of the ways we get the kids from becoming gang members,” states Johnson.
Bruhl plans to work closely with Johnson this year to outfit hundreds of youth throughout Chicago with sports gear for football, basketball, and baseball.
“We are looking forward to helping our kids right here in Chicago because we recognize sports helps children everywhere, whether in Africa or in the urban areas of Chicago,” said Bruhl. “We need to work with our youth to help them recognize they are needed and valued. When you help the kids who are perceived to be "needy" to become needed, there is something magical that happens to youth. A spark in their eyes shines brighter and their stature grows.”
During the coming year, Bruhl, along with Johnson, will be collaborating to maximize efforts of the Police Athletic League and Gear for Goals to have a larger impact on mentoring and saving youth in Chicago. Future plans are also being discussed for Johnson and other police involved with the Police Athletic League to travel overseas to help disadvantaged youth in Kenya and other regions of the world.
About the Police Athletic League
The Police Athletic League of ISCC/PAL-IL is a non-profit guided youth organization with a mission to reduce juvenile delinquency and promote positive interaction between law enforcement and communities. In essence, it is a youth-oriented crime prevention program that relies heavily on athletics and recreational activities to tighten the bond between police officers and kids in communities that have historically high rates of juvenile crime. For information, visit http://policeathleticleagueofillinois.com/aboutus/ and http://stompingoutdrugsandgangschicagopal.com
About Gear for Goals
Gear for Goals' Vision is to see every child in the world have the opportunity to play, compete, and enjoy sport through equal access to necessary equipment and instruction. Hope and possibility, flourishing community, transformed economies, inspired health, and lasting impact are the global imprint of their service. Gear for Goals' Mission is to provide every child enjoyment, passion, and love of sport. Follow Gear for Goals on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/GearforGoals.
About Dreamweaver International
Dreamweaver International is a 501c(3) organization located in the United States that provides education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid to the people of the Rift Valley of Kenya. With the addition of partner program, Gear for Goals, Dreamweaver International's scope and outreach of humanitarian care continues to grow globally.
For more information about Gear for Goals or ways you can help, visit http://www.dreamweaver911.org or contact Gear for Goals' Executive Director, Dr. Warren Bruhl at 312.869.2031.