Circle Urban has developed a three-faceted approach to bringing transformation to our community:1) Shaping The Future – through four Circle4Success Youth Development Programs: A) C4S King’s Kids After-School – spiritual, academic, social; B) LIFT Arts Enrichment – equiping youth for life through the disciplines of the arts and performance; C) 1-to-1 Mentoring and AFTER Mentoring – facilitating significant relationships for students with caring Christian adults; D) College Readiness – preparing students for post- secondary success 2) Meeting Immediate Needs – Daily Bread Food Pantry, The Emergency Fund, Chaplaincy services 3) Leveraging Resources – by establishing and nurturing strategic relationships with like-minded nonprofits. From the very beginning Circle Urban Ministries was committed to wholistic ministry but over the years we faced the financial and management realities of “being all things to everyone.” We determined that the most effective and sustainable path is through strategic partnerships that could leverage our assets (such as our facility) to be home to numerous community serving organizations that are in alignment with our mission.

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Foundations, Grants, Private Donors

Mission statement: Circle Urban Ministries’ mission statement is “Transforming Chicago’s Westside through faith in action.” Through more than 35 years of serving the Austin neighborhood,

Objectives/Program Goals: College Readiness provides research-based services and activities that are linked to pro-social behavior, ensuring high school success, and college/work-readiness. All programming is based on the following 5 Core Factors which are research-based indicators of success: Academic rigor Development of College and Career aspirations Parental involvement and knowledge about College and Career readiness Social and cultural support (peer, family, mentor) Access to College and Career information (for students and parents) SAT ACT prep and practice Assistance with financial aid and FASA through partnership with ISAC Social time – in a non-threatening, positive environment Homework time – getting it done and getting help when needed Academic support – specialized tutoring Bible study – learning about the Bible and what faith means Field trips – College campuses, career outings, cultural destinations, community service

ACT Prep, Leadership Development, FASA Assistance