Thank you to our amazing partners, Related Affordable Foundation and Related Midwest, for their continued support and belief in the power of arts and education. Our continued partnership throughout the years has resulted in many opportunities for teens to beautify neighborhoods across the city of Chicago. Creating these programs together has given young people the tools, support, and platform to express themselves while providing an investment in ASM teens and their communities.
This summer, teens in the Related Affordable South Shore community created a mural using residents’ input to beautify their community center. During this six-week program, teens were guided through the mural creation process by their instructor-mentor, Erick “Roho” Garcia, who is a professional artist. Through this program, teens not only improved their artistic abilities, but also learned how to collaborate, communicate, and tell a story through their artwork.
The mural features a bright blue background with purple line drawings of men and women looking through a camera, typing on a computer, and holding a book. Colorful leaves in green, orange, and yellow reach out to each other below the uplifting phrase “Love & Unity in the Community.”
Hear from leading contributors on this project:
Curt Bailey, President, Related Midwest and After School Matters Board Member shares,
“As a proud and longtime supporter of After School Matters, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact this incredible organization has on the lives of young Chicagoans. By offering experiences like the South Shore on The Park mural to showcase their creative talents, we’re not only helping these teens express themselves through art, but also teaching them essential skills, such as responsibility, collaboration, and leadership. This program is an investment in the future of our city, and I’m honored to be part of it.”Janell George Smith, Executive Director, Related Affordable Foundation shares,
“The Related Affordable Foundation highly values collaborating with nonprofits that have the necessary experience, expertise, and cultural awareness to have meaningful impact in the communities we serve. After School Matters has proven to be a strong, capable, and committed partner in our effort to provide education and workforce development opportunities for young people. The Foundation’s ongoing engagement with ASM is a testament to our shared commitment to providing young people with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and showcase their talents while making a lasting impact on their community. We’re proud to partner with such a dynamic organization and embrace all the ways in which this partnership continues to grow.”
ASM teen in the Mural program shares,
“This artwork represents the power of community, coming together to uplift and support each other in South Shore and beyond. I’m proud of what we created, and I hope it inspires everyone who sees it.”
Together, we are building stronger communities and brighter futures. Thank you to the Related Affordable Foundation and Related Midwest for supporting today’s young people.