News & Stories
Community stories, program updates, press releases, and the human moments that define our work.
How a Vacant Lot Became the Heart of Westside
Three years ago, the corner of 5th and Maple was an eyesore — overgrown, littered, and forgotten. Today, it's the Westside Community Garden, feeding 40 families and hosting weekly neighborhood gatherings.
Roots Forward Receives $500,000 Grant from the Kellogg Foundation
We are thrilled to announce a transformative $500,000 grant that will expand our Career Pathways program to serve 200 additional adults annually over the next three years.
From Failing Grades to Full Scholarship: Aaliyah's Journey
When Aaliyah joined our Youth Education Initiative at 14, she was struggling in three classes. Four years later, she's heading to university on a full academic scholarship.
Career Pathways Launches New Healthcare Track
In response to growing demand, we're launching a new healthcare career track in partnership with Springfield Memorial Hospital, offering certified nursing assistant training.
Meet Tom: 10 Years of Saturday Tutoring
Every Saturday morning for a decade, Tom Chen has shown up at our community center to tutor middle schoolers in math. He's helped over 200 students in that time.
2023 Annual Report: Our Most Impactful Year Yet
We served 12,000 youth, trained 850 adults, and revitalized 3 new community spaces in 2023 — our most impactful year in 15 years of operation.
Roots Forward Named Top Nonprofit by Chicago Tribune
We are honored to be recognized as one of the top 10 nonprofits in Illinois by the Chicago Tribune for our transparent operations and measurable community impact.
New Community Center Opens in Eastview Neighborhood
After 18 months of construction and community planning, the Eastview Community Center officially opened its doors — a 5,000 sq ft space for programs, meetings, and gatherings.