Beyond the Ball
Beyond the Ball is an organization that uses the power of sport to change lives, give hope, reclaim space and develop a culture of opportunities for youth and families in Chicago. We develop youth through a number of programs that help change the negative norms present in neighborhoods and replace them with a positive culture. We also create opportunities for residents to build community through projects that reflect the personal and social responsibility learned in our programs. So while we invest in youth to grow community leaders for the future, we are simultaneously making an impact right now.
Would you like to help Beyond the Ball develop youth and build community? We would love to partner with you. You can make a tax-deductible contribution to Beyond the Ball here.
Beyond the Ball Executive Director Rob Castañeda named as New Fellow by the Chicago Community Trust
Announced December 20, 2011, our Executive Director Rob Castañeda has been selected as a Chicago Community Trust Fellow. He was selected as an emerging leader for his demonstrated leadership and commitment in his work as well as his ability to make an impact in the future. Read the press release and list of fellows here.
Bitty Ball and 28.5 are underway
We expect over 350 K-2 graders to learn basketball skills and community values at our after school programs this year. The youth in our 28.5 program (did you know 28.5 is the size, in inches, of an intermediate youth basketball?). Each program teaches athletic skills and values. Each incorporates an art aspect as well. But one of the greatest parts is that the 28.5 youth serve as coaches for the Bitty Ball kids. They get to put into practice the skills and model the values they have learned.
Project Play and Thursday leagues kept families safe and fit two nights a week
Project Play, in its third summer of reclaiming open space while providing opportunities for families to exercise together, ran throughout June and July. Hundreds joined us on Tuesday nights for games and activities on the open field at 31st and Lawndale in Little Village. On Thursday nights, we expanded our basketball and soccer leagues for Project Play youth and had a great time! See more photos here.
Beyond the Ball featured on CNN for our Bitty Ball program
CNN recently visited our Bitty Ball program, profiling the great work being done by Beyond the Ball. Bitty Ball sessions start again in September. See the video below: