Chicago nonprofit UCAN launches program to help young men from struggling neighborhoods
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Chicago nonprofit is launching a new initiative to help young men growing up in troubled communities.
The organization UCAN Chicago launched REACH 21—a program with a goal of helping kids through mentorship, education, athletics, job training, mental wellness support, and restorative justice practices.
The first group of 19 boys who will be taking part in the REACH 21 program represent the South Side's Burnside, Englewood, Pullman, and Roseland neighborhoods. The program has a citywide focus.
The initiative was announced Thursday afternoon at the Calahan Legacy Center, at 7046 S. Halsted St. in the Englewood neighborhood. Alders Stephanie Coleman (16th) and Peter Chico (10th) were in attendance, as was U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Illinois).
CBS News Chicago asked UCAN president and chief executive officer Christa Hamilton why they also decided to bring a casket to the launch event.
"The purpose of the casket is that we don't want to end up here with them," Hamilton said. "We don't want them to be another body in the casket."
Another part of the program is celebrating the boys' birthdays as they become men of the age of 21.