East Village Youth Program

This is a fantastic organization! I’ve volunteered there for three years and, if you’re looking to give some time to a wonderful cause and meet great people in the process, I HIGHLY recommend East Village.
As a tutor for the past few years, got to know the EVYP community quite well. I worked primarily with 6^th-​8^th grade students in small groups (most recently, with a delightful group of 6^th grad boys) and they were always wonderful. The kids attend EVYP programs regularly, which are highly structured, and are lucky to receive support from all sides — volunteers, staff, and families alike. They definitely benefit from regular access to their tutors, as the kids are in schools that, sadly, fall short. I’ve seen assignments from teachers that made no sense (and I used to teach…) and, unfortunately, the students often do not receive the type of in-​school support that they need. As such, EVYP fills a critical need in the community. Also, it’s worth noting that the kids’ parents tend to be amazingly supportive, involved, and present.
I’ve worked in nonprofits for years and am continuously impressed by EVYP’s contributions, commitment, and vision. If you’re thinking about volunteering with kids — whether as a mentor, tutor, or otherwise — I cannot recommend this organization enough!
p. s., Added bonus: they have super-​fun parties for volunteers a few times a year. Yay!

Schools out for summer, and I’m going to miss the kids. This school year, I’ve been volunteering my time by going to the new location up on Belmont. Once a week, I meet with a group of students, and help them out with homework and other tutoring. The organization is great, and dedicated to teaching the kids to focus and commit to their school work. And, while at times it has felt like a trek to get there, especially in the freezing mid-​winter, it feels worth it.

The East Village Youth Program is a tutoring and mentoring organization for lower-​income, mostly minority middle school and high school students who would like to go to college. The program starts them off early so that they know how to navigate the Chicago Public School system and do what it takes to prepare for college in terms of entrance exams, etc., and then helps them through college so that they can be successful. I’ve worked with the organization for a couple of years now, and it is one of the most worthwhile things that I’ve done in my life. They are still quite small, and so you can really see the impact that you have by donating your time and your money.
I highly recommend becoming involved as a tutor or mentor, or if you can, as a board member or donor.
They also have lots of great fundraising events that attract a young, hip crowd (the last was an «old school homecoming dance» with spiked punch and 80s/​90s karaōke and commemorative photos — hilarious). I’m helping to organize the spring benefit, which is May 3, 2007, at Gibson’s and has a Kentucky derby theme. Mark your calendar!
The Web site is
, if you’d like more information how to get involved with East Village Youth Program.