We are honored to have been awarded a $5 million Community Development Grant by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to support the renovation of ASM’s new building in the Cabrini community at 1065 N. Orleans which will provide a wide variety of opportunities for teens from the neighborhood and across Chicago to earn money, learn new skills, and discover their potential.
Mayor Brandon Johnson recently announced $30 million in Community Development Grant awards aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods across Chicago. “I am proud to issue this round of Community Development Grants in recognition of the local organizations, businesses, and development projects that are revitalizing our communities,” Mayor Johnson said. “These grants will help neighborhood visionaries achieve their goals for community improvements where they are needed most.”
“This investment by the City of Chicago speaks volumes about the importance of safe spaces for young people in Chicago under Mayor Johnson’s leadership. Thank you to Alderman Burnett for his continued support of ASM’s new youth center, to DPD and Commissioner Boatright, and Deputy Mayor Kenya Merritt,” said Brendan DuBois, ASM’s CFO.
The grant helps us toward our fundraising goal of $27M to transform the 36,000-square-foot former elementary school we purchased last year into a state-of-the-art teen center. Construction has already started, led by minority-owned UJAMAA Construction, and the new space will include a culinary kitchen, black box theater, gymnasium, STEM and art studios, skilled trades and innovation labs, as well as outdoor space for urban gardening.
“This grant is a game-changer for our new teen center in Cabrini,” said Melissa Mister, ASM’s Chief of Strategy and Staff.
