Why I'm Fundraising
I’m grateful to be part of New Community Outreach’s KEY (Knowledge Empowers Youth) program, where I serve as a Circle Keeper and Program Lead. In this role, I co-facilitate peace circles and help create safe, supportive spaces for high school students in the Bronzeville community. Through the circle process—a restorative justice practice—students are offered a consistent environment where they can reflect on their experiences, engage in meaningful conversations, and build deeper relationships with their peers and community.
It has been moving being able to witness how the circle process and the holistic programming of KEY are transforming norms around community, connection, and healing. What began as “just” an extracurricular activity for many, has now become a space where students feel seen, respected, and empowered.
In these circles, students are invited to explore their identities, reflect on the values that matter most to them, and consider what it means to lead and take action on the issues they care about, see and experience. Through KEY's programming, which includes weekly in-school circles, weekly after-school circles, field trips, mentoring, care packages and a summer leadership program—I’ve seen our youth embrace purpose, lead with kindness and love, and challenge societal norms with courage and hope.
I’m fundraising because I believe in the radical, healing impacts of community and connection. I’m fundraising because our young people deserve spaces where they can authentically and deeply embrace who they are, feel empowered by the history of their communities, develop social-emotional tools that help them navigate life with confidence, and be inspired by what’s possible. New Community Outreach and the KEY program cultivate those spaces.
About NCO
New Community Outreach (NCO) is a community-based, non-profit organization committed to the greater Bronzeville’s youth and community on the south side of Chicago!
Our commitment is to cultivate restorative, safe spaces consistently so that we can collectively experience healing, reconciliation, and flourishing. Our programs and events aim to do just this in collaboration with our neighbors and partners.
What Can Your Donation Support?
$100 - Funds school supplies (including backpack, supplies, and culturally relevant books) for three students at our Annual Back to School Fun Fair
$250 - Funds a monthly stipend for a student intern to work as a circle keeper during the school year
$500 - Funds 50 non-perishable care packages for the Garden to Table distribution (our average weekly giveaway)
$912 - Funds one student stipend for participating in our 7-week KEY Summer Leadership Program
$1250 - Monthly food & materials expense for our KEY Program to provide meals, snacks, and activities for our circle sessions (serves almost 200 students)
These donation asks have a huge impact on the ways we are able to support our KEY students. Thank you for your support as I continue to learn and grow in this work!
