The off the street showed me the there is a better word out side the area that I grew up in . I grow up on the west side of Chicago in the 1960's and 1970's. Not many role models to look up to , the off the street club gave me and my four sisters A fun and safe place to go to after school and on the weekend . I was exposed to different environments that help shape the person I've become today . I Credit the off the street club with the life that I have today ,the person that I have become . I have a great job in the healthcare field and I live in a great neighborhood in the suburbs. A big thank you goes out to Ralph for helping to change and shake my life.
I learned about this organization from a co-worker while working at Jack Levy & Associates. This place is safe place to be a child and to grow up to adulthood. The children and young adults are ages 4 to 18 and there are a variety of activities for the club members to participate in. I have participated as a Third Thursday volunteer from October to May and I have attended the summer evening at their camp in the suburbs in July. The children and young people have opportunities to use computers and computer software, to do their homework, to play sports - basketball, tumbling, football, roller blading, roller hockey, and more, to participate in music - playing, singing, and more, to do arts and crafts, to help with events as a volunteer, to attend special events - field trips, sporting events, plays, concerts, and more, and to participate in receiving tutoring. You have fun and you are inspired by these children and young adults to believe in your dreams, to set goals, to believe you can do and achieve your goals, and to have a positive outlook.