Strides For Peace - 2019 Race Against Gun Violence Fundraiser

The mission of Strides for Peace is to increase the collective impact of community organizations working to stop gun violence, save lives and build a stronger Chicago.

Since 1969, BUILD has been a second family for Chicago’s marginalized youth, helping thousands of young people facing the steepest challenges—like poverty, involvement in the justice system, and chronic exposure to violence and other sources of trauma—escape gang violence and become leaders in safer, stronger communities. BUILD reaches over 6,500 youth and families annually in five of Chicago’s most challenged neighborhoods—Austin, East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, Hermosa, and Fuller Park, using a model recognized as effective by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation envisions a community free from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual violence, including sexual assault and the commercial sex trade. CAASE addresses the culture, institutions, and individuals that perpetrate, profit from, or support sexual exploitation. CAASE is excited to be demonstrating our commitment to holistic violence prevention throughout Chicago by participating in this year's Race Against Gun Violence.

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring the lives of fallen Chicago Police heroes. The Foundation provides support and financial assistance to the families of Chicago Police Officers who were killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty. 

St. Sabina created the Strong Futures Program, St. Sabina Basketball Peace League, Peacemakers Community Outreach to combat senseless neighborhood violence issues through enhanced employment training and job opportunities as well as well as by providing supportive services and innovative programs to bring the community together in peace.  

Gary Comer Youth Center was established in Chicago’s Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood in May 2006. Our mission is to ensure students graduate from high school prepared for college and careers. We provide a safe and supportive environment for youth after school, on weekends and during school hours. We are committed to developing the full potential, talent and skill of young people from 5th grade through college graduation. We offer programming in three primary categories: academics, enrichment and college success.

The mission of I Grow Chicago is to grow Englewood from surviving to thriving through community connection, skill building, and opportunity. 

Once abandoned and up for demolition, I Grow Chicago's Peace House now serves as a community center with events, after-school tutoring, summer camp, community yoga classes, Peace Garden, and a food and donation pantry. Nearly 15 different programs assist every generation of West Englewood with every aspect of their lives, from learning to take a deep breath before reacting to learning how to use computers. Since the Peace House opened, what was previously one of the most dangerous blocks in West Englewood has become a symbol of hope and transformation.

The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV) is the oldest and largest statewide organization in the U.S. working to prevent the devastation caused by firearms. Founded in 1975 by four suburban Chicago women concerned about the tragic consequences of handgun proliferation and availability, ICHV works on a variety of fronts to educate, raise public awareness, and build coalitions to enact change in laws and behavior.

Kids Off the Block (KOB) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2003 by Diane Latiker who opened her home to youth in her community to help them steer away from the negative influences they saw daily.  KOB works with youth, teens, and young adults ages 12-24 years old, offering homework help, mentoring, activities and a “safe place."

The Kindness Campaign empowers people, which makes a strong community, through service, stewardship and selflessness.  We believe in the power of the people to build strong communities.

Lost Boyz Inc. is a non-for-profit, grass-roots organization engaged in community development within Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. We serve youth ages 4 to 24 and provide our programs from January until October of every year. Our organization originated in the South Shore neighborhood during the summer of 2008 as a direct response to the need for the revitalization of organized youth baseball in the community. However, an organizational vision and mission greater than providing baseball developed as a result of the spike in adolescent violence, increased criminal activity, and other astonishing deteriorating social conditions of the youth in the community.

The Greater Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church's "Paving The Way Project” serves as a voice for the Washington Park community, as an outreach program for violence prevention, and as a bridge between public service personnel and the public in hopes of building a safer and stronger community. 

West Town Bikes aims to promote bicycling in the City of Chicago, to educate youth with a focus on under-served populations, and to foster and serve Chicago’s growing bicycling community. Year-round bike based youth programs offering instruction in bike building and mechanics, bike safety and nutrition and active lifestyle choices. The program also teaches science concepts, environmental awareness, personal responsibility and citizenship.