Annual Report 2014-15

one breath, one seed, one family at a time.

Providing hope and changing life stories

From the FounderWe had another wonderful year at I Grow

Chicago. We completed the final repairs on the Peace House and saw a dramatic decrease in the number of shootings on the blocks we serve.

On the education front, we continued to work in six neighborhood schools to provide Yoga instruction. Through the Yoga and Mentor Programs, I Grow Chicago taught 285 youth in schools. The staff saw about 300 kids a week and had 14 young people, ages 14 -20 in the mentoring program. In the summer, I Grow served 36 kids, and hosted 2 field trips out of the neighborhood.

I Grow Chicago hosted 60 people from the Cambodia Peace Delegation. The organization was Life is Good’s chosen site and the staff heard that I Grow was by far the #1 site. The experience was filmed. We developed a partnership with Spikeball, a Chicago-based sporting goods company, to bring hourly

jobs directly to the neighborhood. In addition, one of our Community Works participants launched his own social enterprise at the end of 2015 and has generously agreed to donate 25% of the proceeds to I Grow Chicago.

Our intention was to increase access to fresh produce, connect children and young people to the environment and the food they consume, and provide free events through which to bring the community together. To this end, we installed 12 raised beds and used the space to provide educational programming and job training opportunities for children and young people living in the West Englewood neighborhood. In 2015 alone, approximately 40 children and 18 young adults utilized the garden through direct programming offered by I Grow Chicago. We can’t wait to see what we are able to accomplish in 2016.

Namaste,Robbin Carroll

What if we loved our neighbors?I Grow Chicago works to provide an inter-generational safe haven where at-risk children and families can heal from the violence and poverty that plagues the Englewood community.

Our goal is to empower the community using our holistic engagement model providing comprehensive programming, including yoga, community meals, tutoring, mentoring, career guidance, healing arts, gardening, and need-based stipends. Our supportive services are individually tailored to each person’s goals and needs.

I Grow Chicago serves West Englewood residents living within a 5-block radius of the Peace House, located at 6402 South Honore Street. I Grow Chicago exists to serve those most in need and least likely to access public services. To enable easy access to programs, all programs are free and provided at the Peace House or partnering locations.

Our Holistic Engagement Model

YOGA &

MINDFULNESS

MENTORING &

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

URBAN FARMING

& NUTRITION

CREATIVE EXPRESSION

PEACE

The IGC PhilosophyWhatever happens to any one of us happens to all of us. We are all in this together, and together we can use our unique skills to help others improve their lives, their families and their community. We believe in combining the enduring benefits of yoga, farming, creative expression, and individualized support in a holistic approach that helps:

• Reduice stress• Improve physical

health• Build self-esteem• Increase focus and

determination• Manage and heal

difficult emotions• Learn new job skills• Connect with others in

a positive environment • Teach how care for the

self, community, and environment are inter-related

1,000

meals served at our After-School Program

32

6th - 8th grade boys mentored

500

coats given away

28

young adults walked through steps to obtain ID card

250

students receiving yoga and mindfulness

lessons in schools

Community PantryThe I Grow Chicago pantry at the Peace House allows anyone in need to access toilet paper, laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, and other basic supplies with dignity.

Monthly Community EventsI Grow Chicago hosts community events such as educational workshops and celebrations. These events bring families and young adults together and strengthen community bonds.

Computer Access and AssistanceMany individuals in our community do not have access to internet services or computers. We fill in the gap to help our community access resources and find stability through resume creation, job applications, and applying for government benefits and identification cards.

Laundry ServicesAn inability to wash clothes comes with stigma, isolation, and low self-esteem. By providing free, accessible laundry services, we meet a basic need that makes a difference in lives.

Yoga and MentorshipI Grow Chicago supports crisis intervention, de-escalation, and life skill development through our ongoing mentorship program. Like all of our services, we work holistically with each individual to meet their specific needs. We do not prescribe a certain path, but instead support individuals on their own path and self-defined goals. We also operate a yoga and mentorship program in community schools. Each session includes a healthy snack, practical meditation techniques, and emotional processing of current community events.

Supporting Our Community

200

Thanksgiving meals served

324

toys donated for Christmas gifts

I grew up in Chicago, born and raised in Englewood, known as one of the toughest hoods to grow up in. As a visionary, I had my mind made up that I wanted to change the way outsiders look at my community. I knew that I wanted to be a leader for change.

I watched my mother struggle as a single parent raising 6 kids. Let me tell you, from experience, that it isn’t easy raising a child. My mother worked day and night to make sure we had clothes on our backs and food on

our table. Not having a father present made it even more difficult.

I saw the violence in my neighborhood and needed to do something about it, and yeah, I must admit, I was part of the problem. I needed to play a bigger role in being the solution. I told myself every day that I gotta be a better person, not just for me, but for my daughter. I ended up catching a gun charge and spending a few days in the county jail. Eating less than desirable food there didn’t concern me, having guards

telling you when you can sleep, shower, and watch TV didn’t get me down. My only worry was missing my daughter. I felt like I let her down, and that’s a feeling I wouldn’t want any parent to experience. I knew then that something had to change in my life.

One day I was standing on the block with a few of my homies. I looked up the street and I noticed there was a white lady on the corner passing out Subway sandwiches, so I took a stroll down there and introduced

Quentin Mables

The success story behind the Assistant to Executive Director at I Grow Chicago & CEO of Englewood Peace Company

myself to her. She began to tell me how she had just purchased a house on the block and it would be called the I Grow Chicago Peace House.

I was surprised how she engaged me and my homies. She wasn’t in fear at all seeing that we had tattoos, dreads, the “regular stereotype.“ She looked at us and I felt she knew we were all equal and everybody deserves a chance in life. I remember her words: “Don’t you want to take back your community? Because you are

entitled to do so.“ I met her husband Dr.

Eugene a few days after, and when you talk about smart, I mean this guy stays on the top of his game. We had dinner a few times, and every conversation we had, he asked me, “What do you want to do with your life? Because you have the potential to be good at anything you put your mind to.“ By him and his wife believing in me, I knew I could be great. This guy has been like a father I never had.

We decided to start a company called Englewood

Peace Company, making and designing t-shirts with a positive message. We have work to do. Before you can change, you must embrace the change. Because of the support behind me from great people, I’m here today, the CEO of my own company.

I’m giving back 25% of the proceeds of my company to those who helped me get here, I Grow Chicago, so they can continue supporting others accomplish their dreams.

-QM

2015 Financials

REVENUECONTRIBUTIONS AND GRANTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196,381

INVESTMENT INCOME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 605

TOTAL REVENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196,986

EXPENSESSALARIES AND BENEFITS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80,613

OTHER EXPENSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117,949

TOTAL EXPENSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198,562

NET ASSETS OR FUND BALANCES

REVENUE LESS EXPENSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -1,576

TOTAL ASSETS AT END OF YEAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 284,630

TOTAL LIABILITIES AT END OF YEAR. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

NET ASSETS/FUND BALANCES AT END OF YEAR. . . . . . .284,630

AcknowledgmentsWe would like to acknowledge and thank our foundation and corporate funders for their support, continued hard work, and dedication to I Grow Chicago.

• James Bolin, Jim & Judy Bolin Charitable Fund of the Chicago Community

• G & T Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

• ANR Capital, LLC• Bear Hugs• Nohea Cafe• Steinback Family Trust• Whole Foods• Core Power Yoga• Gaiam Yoga• KIND Bar• Ellehcor Enterprises, LLC• Children’s Yoga, Shakta Khalsa• Vintage Camera House• ABT Appliances• Oreck Vacuum, Westmont

• Goers Dental Care• Hyde Park Day School• Sat Nam Yoga Chicago LLC• Blink Optical• Casey’s Meat Market• Charles Ifergen Hair Salon• Fannie May Downers Grove• Fuller’s Hardware Hinsdale• Jane’s Blue Iris Hinsdale• McDonald’s, Downers Grove• McDonald’s Oak Brook• Gibson’s Restaurant, Oak Brook• Stephens Plumbing and Heating• The Fruit Store• Bank ofAmerica• Chicago Community Trust

Teamwork makes the

dream work

I Grow Chicago Staff• Robbin Carroll - Founder and President• Shango Johnson - Male Mentor Coordinator• Clarence Franklin – Artist in Residence• Quentin Mables - Executive Assistant

I Grow Chicago Board• Jim Bolin – Senior Vice President, Merrill Lynch• Robert Cooper – President and COO, White Eagle

Corporation• Joe Jackson – Martial Arts Instructor and

Certificated At Risk Yoga Instructor• Karampal Kaur – Director, Sat Nam Yoga Chicago• Shiva Singh Khalsa – Director, Spirit Rising Yoga• Dr. Eugene Lipov – Director of Research, Northwest

Community Hospital and Medical Director, Advanced Pain Centers

• Caila Lipovsky – Creative Programs Director, I Grow Chicago

• Vanessa Mussatto – Receptionist at Riverview Veterinary Clinic in Plainfield Illinois

Call to Action: Peace House NeedsINFANTS• Diapers• Wipes• Shampoo• Lotion• Body wash• Clothes• Blankets• Car seats• Children’s pain

medicine

HOUSEHOLD• Cleaners - all purpose,• Sponges• Toilet cleaner• Dish detergent• Laundry detergent• Bleach• Windex• Tissue• Paper towels

HYGIENE PRODUCTS• Deodorant• Soap and body wash• Shampoo and

conditioner• Body lotion• Feminine hygiene

products• Toothpaste,

toothbrushes, mouthwash

• Shavers

PEACE HOUSE OPERATIONS• Paper plates, bowls,

cups, forks, spoons, knives, glasses

• Beds• Folding chairs• Brooms• Mop Heads• Kitchen trash bags• Extra Large Trash Bags

PEACE GARDEN• Garden tools• Hoop house• Summer water

products• Volley Ball Net• Basketballs• Jump ropes• Sports equipment

BIG NEEDS• Car or Van

Thank you for your support!