Off The Street Club recently announced the appointment of Maurice Fears, Sr. as its new Executive Director, effective August 3, 2026. Fears brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience – including multiple executive roles at major Chicago area youth service organizations – to Off The Street Club, a storied 125 yer-old nonprofit committed to the care and development of the Second City's young people. Off The Street...

An 8-year-old Chicago track athlete is drawing national attention after delivering a record-setting performance at the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games held at Drake University in Des Moines, IA. Clifford Pointer III, a member of Chicago's Gately Park Athletic Club, captured the 9-year-old boys' 400-meter championship title at the AAU Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa, running 58.70 seconds and breaking the previous AAU Junior Olympic Games record of...

Jemia Cunningham-Elder, Chief Executive Officer of North Lawndale College Prep, has been selected to join the 2027 Class of Signature Fellows with Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC). She is one of just 43 leaders chosen region-wide for the organization’s premier civic leadership development program. “I am honored to be named to the 2027 Class of Signature Fellows,” said Cunningham-Elder. “Leading North Lawndale College Prep has taught me that our scholars’...

25-Year Nonprofit Veteran Brings Deep Chicago Roots and Proven Youth Development Track Record to the Organization Off The Street Club today announced the appointment of Maurice Fears, Sr. as its new Executive Director, effective August 3, 2026. Fears brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience – including multiple executive roles at major Chicago-area youthserving organizations – to Off The Street Club, a youthcentered nonprofit in West Garfield...

As the basketball world gathered in Chicago this week for WNBA All-Star Week, founding player Rushia Brown hosted her signature “Play Like a Girl” Basketball Skills Clinic at the South Side YMCA in Chicago. The event brought together up to100 middle and high school YMCA girl members, ages 7-16 for a day of basketball instruction, leadership development, and mentorship. Brown was joined by WNBA legends Monique Ambers, Redhead Bristol,...