Our Work

We engage more than 3,000 people per year to address the root causes of trauma and violence.

Who We Are

Our Mission

The mission of I Grow Chicago is to grow Englewood from surviving to thriving through community connection, skill building, and opportunity.

Our Vision

A world where love lives in public. Cornel West said justice is what love looks like in public. We want to bring justice, hope, and love to all in our city and beyond.

Our Values

Kinship: call people in not out; Audacious Hope: have the courage to remain hopeful; Unity: work across differences so we all can be free; Nonjudgment: if in doubt love; Sat Nam: share your truth and create space for everyone to share theirs

Our Change Philosophy

Powered by community and leading from the streets, our grassroots Healing Justice model works at the intersection of individual healing and collective change. All our programs work to address the traumatic effects of violence and poverty.

Featured Program

Strive to Thrive

Supporting individuals turning their lives around with everything from financial support to workforce training. We’re addressing trauma, skills deficits, and supplies needs to champion individuals and change the community.

Program Areas

Mentorship & Support Services

Moving communities forward by meeting everyone where they are.

Restorative Justice & Community Building

Nurturing belonging and redeveloping relationships.

Yoga & Healing Arts

Reconnecting individuals to their breath during life’s challenges.

Urban Farming & Food Access

Addressing hunger and increasing access to healthy food.

Creative Expression

Fostering opportunities for healing through the arts.

Volunteer

Whatever your age or skill set, you have unique value to offer our holistic healing justice community.  Mentoring a young person, training our Strive to Thrive participants and program staff, tutoring a student, providing event support and much more.

Help Love live in public

Stay in Touch

Contact us or sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with how we're investing peace and what you can do to help.