Mission
Membership Benefits
Mission
Fostering Future Leaders is a student organization dedicated to uplifting underserved youth in
the North Rogers Park neighborhood, where members of the community face the daily
challenges of crime, gang violence, and poverty. In partnership with the C24/7 Father’s Arms
Ministries nonprofit, we aim to guide these young individuals toward more positive and
meaningful lives through an after-school program rooted in academic support, spiritual growth,
and personal mentorship. Some of the children we serve have parents who are incarcerated,
leading to inequalities that spill over into education, family life, and mental well-being. Our
mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where high-risk students can grow
educationally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are committed to helping them realize
their greater purpose beyond the struggles they encounter in their community. By offering
academic support, Bible study, a well-balanced meal each day, and, most importantly, time for
the kids to simply be kids, we strive to meet their educational and physical needs while also
building deep, meaningful relationships. These connections allow us to recognize each student’s
unique qualities, strengths, and challenges, offering them a space where they are truly heard,
valued, and cared for. Recognizing the harsh reality that gangs deeply influence the lives of
many young individuals, perpetuating cycles of violence, addiction, and crime, we are
committed to breaking this cycle by providing love, support, and positive alternatives. Fostering
Future Leaders creates a space where the youth feel supported and loved, helping them avoid
falling into the same patterns of their environment. Beyond working with youth, we seek lasting
change in the Loyola and North Rogers Park communities. Our volunteers engage in community
outreach and violence prevention to stand alongside families as they navigate hardships and
pursue new beginnings. Through these efforts, Fostering Future Leaders not only hopes to steer
children away from street violence but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.
By cultivating compassion, resilience, and hope, we are shaping a brighter future for all.
Membership Benefits
C24/7’s After-School Program runs from 3:30-7PM on Mon-Thurs and until 6PM on Fridays.
Volunteers can sign up online for flexible time-slots once they complete volunteer orientation
and C24/7’s background check. Mon, Wed, and Fri, C24/7 hosts the Elementary School
Program for grades K-5. Tue, Thu, and Fri includes the Middle School Program grades 6-8 and
the High School Program runs Mon-Fri. The goal of Fostering Future Leaders is to not only help
kids out academically, but to just hang out and be their friend! By offering academic support,
Bible study, a well-balanced meal each day, and, most importantly, time for the kids to simply be
kids, we strive to meet their educational and physical needs while also building deep,
meaningful relationships.