Pathways to Peace & Prosperity

Building Safer Communities, One Young Leader at a Time

Every day, too many young people in Chicago and suburban Cook County carry the weight of violence, poverty, and limited opportunity. For youth on the South and West Sides. Places like Greater Grand Crossing, Auburn Gresham, Chatham, Englewood, Austin, and Riverdale, where violence isn’t just a headline; it’s lived experience.

The Pathways to Peace & Prosperity (PPP) program exists to change that story. We empower youth ages 14–24 who are most at risk of violence involvement with tools for healing, skills for success, and opportunities to build brighter futures.

How We Work

What We Offer

PPP is built on a secondary prevention model: we intervene with young people at elevated risk before violence becomes chronic. Our approach is trauma-informed, relationship-driven, and culturally relevant.

Core Services

Credible Messenger Mentorship
Trusted adults with lived experience provide consistent one-on-one guidance, accountability, and hope.
Violence Interruption & Crisis Mediation
Outreach workers engage in community hotspots to de-escalate conflicts before they turn violent.
Case Management & Wraparound Support
Each participant receives an individualized service plan addressing education, housing, and mental health needs.
Entrepreneurship & Workforce Training
Youth learn how to start businesses, manage finances, earn credentials (e.g., OSHA-10), and pursue careers in high-demand fields.
Mental Health & Healing Services
Licensed professionals provide counseling, expressive arts therapy, and trauma recovery tools.
Conflict Resolution & Restorative Justice Circles
Practical skills to navigate disputes peacefully and repair harm when it occurs.
Family Engagement Nights
Bi-monthly sessions strengthen family bonds, communication, and stability at home.
Mobile Pop-Up Workshops
Programs are brought directly into schools, parks, and community spaces — removing barriers to access.

Impact

Pathways to Peace & Prosperity is more than prevention...it’s transformation.

Outcomes include:

Reduced violent altercations and retaliations
Youth re-engaged in education, GED, or workforce training
Entrepreneurship ventures launched by participants
Increased employment rates and certifications earned
Improved emotional regulation and conflict resolution skills