Taproots makes a measurable difference in the lives of those we serve through our Education for Life, Imani Nia and Family Life Outreach programs. In 2014-2015, Taproots served 1,100 at risk youth, 300 parents and their families and 125 adults through partnerships established with various community assets. 

For over 30 years, Taproots has worked to improve the quality of life among at-risk youth, adults and families primarily in Chicago’s inner-city Westside communities of East/West Garfield Park, North Lawndale, Austin and Humboldt Park.

Taproots makes a measurable difference in the lives of those we serve through our Education for Life, Imani Nia and Family Life Outreach programs. In 2013-2014, Taproots served 1,100 at risk youth, 300 parents and their families and 125 adults through partnerships established with various community assets. Since January, 2014, 30% of those served were new and 70% have benefitted by our services for one year or more.

We have partnered with local schools and community based organizations to facilitate educational group sessions with at risk youth to address issues regarding violence, bullying, responsible decision making, lifestyle choices, social skills and adolescent sexuality and behavior health. As a result, elementary and high school youth have been motivated, equipped and empowered to make better decisions about their health, education, behaviors and lifestyle choices. One 6th grade youth commented, “This program has helped me make excellent choices. I have been learning new things and things that I didn’t know, and I appreciate everything you all have taught me.”

In addition, we conducted life skills and youth leadership development workshops by teaching high school and college students knowledge and skills regarding job readiness, interviewing techniques, workplace conduct and professionalism, goal setting and planning, critical thinking and communication skills, stress and time management, problem solving strategies and financial planning & money management.

Through our partnership with Chicago’s After School Matters program, we provided Chicago public high school students with summer and after school youth apprenticeship employment. While gaining critical skills in preparation for future employment, college and career experiences,  over 100 youth have had the opportunity to discover their potential, as well as, explore and develop their talents by utilizing poetry, spoken word, dance, monologues, music and other forms of cultural expressions to deliver messages of awareness, prevention and change to other inner-city at risk youth and young adults regarding HIV/AIDS, violence, teen sexuality, dating, domestic violence, partner abuse, interpersonal relationships and self awareness.

Through partnerships with homeless shelters, schools, community and faith based organizations, our parenting education sessions equipped both teen and adult parents with knowledge and skills that have resulted in better parenting,  healthier and happier children who are developing appropriately, resilient family systems and an improved quality of life. Adults and families proactively work together to improve core values and resolve conflicts in more positive and productive ways.

Each year our “Project Uplift, Phase I” Christmas outreach” provides more than 50 homeless families with a day of festive family enrichment activities designed to encourage and lift their spirits during the holiday season. The day is comprised of a wonderful meal, toys for each child, gifts for adults and warm hats/gloves provided to all children and adults. Our “Project Uplift Phase II” Christmas outreach also provides food, toys, gifts and winter hats and gloves for other families in need.

Other outreach and community events include our “You Must Know” domestic violence awareness and prevention conference and our “Break the Silence, Speak Life” violence prevention and awareness community rallies.