Family Matters Chicago

Family Matters is a youth development and community leadership non-profit organization based in the North of Howard community of Rogers Park, Chicago. We partner with youth, families, and communities to cultivate a way of living in the world that develops strong relationships, meaningful communication, and safe environments for courageous social change. Family Matters divides our programming into three primary initiatives: Youth Development, including our academic year and summer programming; The Family Matters School; and Community Engagement, our collaborative activities with families and members of the community beyond those involved in daily programming. We seek to expand a culture where youth, their families, and the community may develop life-changing relationships, experience deep joy, and have the opportunity to become their highest selves. Family Matters’ Youth Development programs, including Partners in Learning one-to-one tutor/mentoring, Project RISE teen job training, and and youth leadership activities focus on youth-led, hands-on, exploratory learning with opportunities for peer leadership and community involvement. Established in 2019, The Family Matters School is a cooperative K-3 microschool that fuels children’s innate desire to learn by offering an engaging curriculum that is inclusive of diverse learning styles and interests. Community Engagement initiative consists of projects available to people in the community beyond those involved in the Youth Development programs and The Family Matters School, including our Community Knitting Circle and Respectful Communities Principles of Leadership training. Family Matters is set apart from other organizations by our foundational tenets, the Principles of Leadership. The Principles provide a universal framework for learning and being that supports positive thinking and language, responsible decision-making, and peaceful conflict resolution. We seek to build an equitable society for all.