Heart of the City supports youth, families in Lake County during pandemic
(Waukegan, IL): When Heart of the City mapped out plans for 2020, they could never have anticipated the challenging reality student-athletes would face this year. But from the beginning of the pandemic, Heart of the City's staff and coaches have adapted in order to respond to their student-athletes' most urgent needs.
During the gloomy weeks of the stay-at-home order, the organization quickly implemented virtual soccer training and educational support. Soon after, they distributed over 500 meals and grocery boxes to families in need, gifted care packages with essential PPE items, and provided backpacks filled with school supplies. This fall, they transformed their program center into a Learning Lab to support student-athletes' e-learning needs. Plus, all of their senior student-athletes graduated high school and are pursuing post-secondary plans.
The organization credits their strong community of supporters for this year's successes.
"In a year where, on a national scale, 1 in 3 low-income seniors didn't enroll in colleges due to COVID-19, we are grateful for our donors, sponsors and community advocates who were able to provide support to our high schoolers, who navigated challenges this year that they didn't expect," said Executive Director, Scott McLellan.
"We know a lot of the challenges our student-athletes have faced this year aren't going away anytime soon, but we feel better prepared for what 2021 brings knowing we have community support."
Although indoor youth sports in Illinois are currently suspended until further notice, Heart of the City is hopeful about resuming soccer programming as soon as it is safe to do so. Until then, the organization plans to continue to provide postsecondary readiness support to student-athletes and virtual programming to keep youth engaged and on track in school.
About Heart of the City
Founded in 2014 by community members, Heart of the City provides an opportunity for youth in Lake County to participate in recreational and competitive soccer activities. We believe that all youth should have access to high-quality sports programs and to academic learning opportunities. As a result, we endeavor to teach our players to be competitive on the field, successful in their school and productive in their community. To learn more, email leah@heartofthecitysports.org, connect with us on Facebook @heartofthecitysports, or visit www.heartofthecitysports.org.