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.
August 18, 2025
250 Bookbags Given Away – Back-to-School Support
On August 15, in partnership with Back to the Basics and Family Cares Mission, Target Area distributed 250 bookbags to local students. A huge thank-you to our partners Aetna and Impact Cultural Network for sponsoring this event and making it a success! Together, we’re excited to support families and ensure students are prepared for a strong start to the school year!
July 16, 2025
Big Progress for Auburn Gresham!
We are proud to share that crime in our community has taken a significant dip — thanks to the tireless work of residents, local organizations, and our partnership with the Chicago Police Department.
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about safer streets, stronger neighborhoods, and renewed hope.
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July 1, 2025
Building Community Together: Our Partnership with Teamwork Englewood
Target Area is proud to partner with Teamwork Englewood, whose support makes community events possible. This summer, over 200 neighbors came together for the Summer Peace Picnic to enjoy food and fellowship. Next, Teamwork Englewood is sponsoring our Job Readiness Summit, helping residents build skills, connect with employers, and take the next step in their careers.
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May 30, 2025
Target Cares Community Market: 30 Years of Service
In May 2025, as part of our 30th anniversary, Target Area launched the Target Cares Community Market — a grocery store–style food pantry serving our neighbors with dignity and care. Since June, we’ve distributed more than 3,000 lbs of food and supported over 400 families. The Market continues to serve the community each week. Stop by and share with anyone who may need it.
April 29, 2025
Target Area Food Pantry Coming Soon
Target Area Development is excited to announce this new initiative; designed to provide individuals and families with access to essential food items in a dignified, welcoming environment—where YOU can get what you need.
April 20, 2025
Target Area's Free GED Program
In partnership with St. Augustine College, Target Area is offering a free 10-week online GED program designed to to support, encourage, and guide you every step of the way.
April 8, 2025
Target Area Congratulates Next Up Leadership Fellows
Target Area is proud to celebrate the success of our inaugural Next Up Leadership Program, where eight emerging leaders completed a transformative 16-week professional development course.
January 23, 2025
Target Area Launches "Caring Hearts" Giving Campaign for Englewood
Target Area’s "Caring Hearts" Giving Campaign invites you to help uplift Englewood by supporting vital programs like youth mentoring and violence intervention. Together, we can create lasting change for the community.
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.
"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
West Englewood Office
7400 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60636
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.