Common Threads

Founded in 2003 by Chef Art Smith and artist Jesus Salgueiro, Common Threads has been teaching children living in underserved communities how to cook wholesome, healthy meals in professional led, curriculum-based after-school programs for over 10 years. Students learn about grains, protein, fruits, and vegetables as they chop, slice, and bake their way to a healthy affordable meal. Students gain serious culinary skills, a taste for healthy food from different countries, and the confidence to make healthy choices about what they eat.
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SOS Children’s Villages Illinois

SOS was established to provide a viable alternative to traditional foster care. Children who come to live at SOS stay with their biological brothers and sisters in a private home. A full-time, professionally trained foster parent lives with them, and the whole Village gives them support, compassion and strength. » learn more about SOS Children's Villages Illinois

Saturday Place

Saturday Place is an enrichment program for 3rd and 4th grade Chicago Public School students who are performing at least one year below grade level. It's a once-a-week program comprised of activities quite different from the typical classroom. The program provides support in reading, writing, math, social studies, and science—and has been proven to help students gain confidence and raise their grades in their regular classrooms. » learn more about Saturday Place