News
Stay updated with our latest news and highlights. Here, you’ll find information about our recent initiatives, community impact, upcoming events, and more. Learn firsthand how we’re making strides in our mission to create safer communities and drive positive change every day.
January 7, 2025
Monthly CSAC South Return
Created to empower returning citizens with resources, wrap-around services, and opportunities that prevent recidivism.
January 7, 2025
Target Area Youth Zone Podcast
The voice of our community's future is young and ready to speak to inspiration and empowerment.
December 23, 2024
Congratulations - Taking the Next Step In Our Work
Congratulations to our Director of Outreach Brent Johnson & Outreach worker Curtis Brown for taking the next step in professionalizing our work in violence prevention.
December 18, 2024
Giving Back to the Community with a Clothing Boutique
What we did to provide essential clothing for families and individuals to give back to the community–the heart of our mission.
December 9, 2024
Partnering to Reimagine Policing
We partnered with the City of Chicago & the Chicago Police Department to launch a citywide series of community conversations aimed at reimagining policing.
December 6, 2024
Introducing Young Professionals Board
Creating a space for young professionals to connect, learn, and inspire to create positive change at Target Area.
October 22, 2024
March to the Polls: Mobilizing Chicago for Change
An impactful event aiming to inspire residents to register to vote, cast their ballots early, and advocate for the resources needed to help our neighborhoods thrive.
October 9, 2024
Breast Cancer Awareness - Game Night
We came together to celebrate resilience and community at our Breast Cancer Awareness event, honoring those impacted by breast cancer and sharing hope, love, and life.
September 25, 2024
Target Area Distributes 2,500 Bookbags
We gave away 2,500 book bags to students and families in the East Englewood, West Englewood, Auburn Gresham, and Chatham communities throughout the month of August.
September 16, 2024
Target Area at the Englewood Music Fest
Target Area had an amazing time participating in the Englewood Music Fest, led by Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman.
July 29, 2024
Introducing Eat for Change
By dining at our partner restaurants, you can help raise vital funds for our mission to create safer cities and empower communities of color in Chicago.
July 3, 2024
Target Area Supports the ESVF
We were honored to attend the announcement event alongside the City of Chicago and the Mayor, demonstrating our commitment to victim advocacy.
"Mediations go up, crime rates come down!"
- Target Area Outreach Worker
Growth, One Person at a Time
In 2008, Target Area decided to give me a chance with employment to further set me on the right path. After working in various jobs within Target Area and using what I know about helping the community, I have grown to become the Community Manager of Auburn Gresham and leading the charge to help getting the community back on track, one person at a time.
Tamiko McDowell
It's What We Need
Target Area took a chance on me in 2023, and it has been my honor to serve the community by capturing photos and videos of Target Area sharing resources and showing love to multiple communities, while gaining more knowledge about what it really takes to help others.
Terrell Young
It's bigger than us
Hear directly from community members, partners, and leaders who have experienced the impact of this work firsthand. Their words reflect the heart and soul of our mission, showing real change happening in the lives we touch every day.
Our Services
Here you’ll find all the services and programs we offer to help empower and uplift our community. From youth mentoring and educational programs to violence prevention and community engagement, we meet the unique needs of those we serve, and there is room for you to become inspired and empowered!
Housing Assistance
Employment Assistance
Food Assistance
Legal Assistance
Resources & Support for Victims of Violence
Mental Health Support
Community Education Workshops
Youth Programs
Community Support & Advisory Council
Afterschool Programs
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Camps
Business Workshops
Get Involved
If you’re ready to help create safer cities you can get involved and be a part of the change in our community! Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating, or partnering with us, your support is crucial in helping us continue our mission to inspire and empower.
We're not alone
We don’t do it alone. Our partners and supporters are essential in helping us drive change. Their collaboration helps make our work possible and lays the foundation for lasting change.
Main Office
1542 W 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620
Foster Park Office
8248 S Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620
8-Trey Office
832 W 85th St, Chicago, IL 60620
Chatham Office
8110 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60619
East Garfield Office
2312 W Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612
West Englewood Office
7400 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60636
East Englewood Office
761 W 69th St, Chicago, IL 60621
Our Impact
See the real difference we’re making in our community. We’re not just addressing needs but laying the foundation for long-term change. The stats don’t lie, we are creating safer, stronger neighborhoods and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
All Roads Lead to ROME
Impact is what we do. The mission is to inspire and empower and we are making strides to create safer cities and lasting change. We believe that every road leads to this vision.
Reentry
We reduce recidivism by providing essential resources to justice-involved individuals, offering job and business training, and updating on legislative matters.
Research
We employ a data-driven approach to explore community challenges. By prioritizing research excellence, we advocate for policy reforms and innovative approaches to create tangible impact in our communities.
Organizing
Our organizing initiatives empower those most affected by systemic racism and oppression. We shape policy, foster leaders, and mobilize residents through training, research, and action. We collaborate with grassroots leaders to address pressing community needs.
Outreach
We engage with individuals and groups at high risk of violence, responding to critical incidents to de-escalate tension and provide support.
Mental Health
We foster supportive relationships, provide educational resources, and promote personal growth among staff and participants offering workshops, counseling, and collaborating on goal-oriented approaches.
Mentoring
With a proactive approach to fostering safer cities, we guide and empower youth to become leaders in their communities.
Entertainment
We aim to provide engaging and culturally enriching experiences for the community. Our diverse range of activities include theater workshops for both adults and youth, offering opportunities to explore the arts and express creativity.
Education
We’re nurturing the next generation of leaders by offering professional development opportunities, diverse educational resources and programs tailored to individuals of all ages, fostering a culture of lifelong learning.