About Us > What's New

What's New?
New Mission Statement and expanded Programs!

After an extended process of looking at our core programs and efforts, Circle Urban's board of directors recently approved a new mission statement for the organization:

Inspire, equip, and empower urban youth to develop Godly character, to reach full potential, and to transform lives and communities on the Westside of Chicago.

The emphasis on youth has been part of Circle's efforts since the very beginning. This is a recognition of how essential "building hope . . . shaping futures" is in seeing transformaiton come to communities like Austin.

We will continue to serve those most in need in our neighborhood through our services addressing immediate needs, like Chaplaincy, the Food Pantry, and the Emergency Fund. We believe all of these efforts together will help transform Austin through God's love.

Bridge2Freedom (B2F) - There is a new organization bringing a much needed program to our community. B2F joined the Circle Urban family of programs in June. It serves ex-offenders with a residential re-entry program. It is designed to engage with men who have given their lives to Christ in prison with a residential mentoring, job training program upon their release. It is exciting to welcome this greatly needed program to our ministry campus.

The video to the right is U.S. Rep. Danny Davis speaking at the B2F kick-off celebration.

LIFT Performing Arts - At Circle Urban we believe that we have found a way to bring pride, teamwork and accomplishment into the children’s lives through the development of the enrichment efforts that are part of our after-school program. So, we are presenting an opportunity for the children to LIFT their voices, gifts, and abilities in celebration of their accomplishment as part of a well designed performance.

You might be asking yourself if Circle Urban really needs another addition to its wrap-around programs in the after-school arena. Just to be clear, LIFT Performing Arts is a broadening and deepening of the enrichment portion of our after-school program. To read more about this exciting program enhancement Click this link.