Dear friend,

Andrea words hit home as she reported out for her small group in a discussion at the monthly meeting of the Peace and Education Coalition of Back of the Yards/New City –  “we are grateful for how we try to connect with the community, different pockets of the neighborhood, restoring ourselves within the community, listening to others and being able to voice the stories of what our community experiences.”

The Peace and Education Coalition began with roots in church and a park district wanting to better serve youth at-risk, along with two elementary schools wanting to connect across gang boundaries. When the four entities got together, they found a common vision and dreamed of how better they could support the neighborhood. They also felt themselves energized to serve the neighborhood.

More than 30 years later, the Coalition, now connecting more than 50 agencies and neighborhood entities, remains committed to meeting and listening for a strategic way to best serve others by finding a common voice. The Coalition also works with and alongside young adults who have are rising leaders this challenged, low-income, immigrant community.

The purpose of the monthly stakeholder meeting is to reflect on the experience of the neighborhood, and network and discover the experience of being restored. Those who attend the meeting mostly work for different non-profit agencies. They all feel the stress of serving the people, and often enough they feel weighed down by the complexity of the needs. By the end of the meeting, there is a sense of being restored through reconnections with others. Listening and sharing stories or experiences provides inspiration.

In order to continue this important work, the Coalition welcomes your support. Your gift  of any amount will insure the continued development of young adults in their leadership and allow us to promote a message of peace and education.

Thank you for your consideration, and we are grateful for your giving.

Warmly,
Bruce Wellems
Executive Director