How can you help Beyond the Ball?

There are many ways to support our mission:

Dollars

Gym space is costly. So are the materials we purchase for our programs. We would be grateful for your support. Checks can be made out to "Beyond the Ball" and sent to:

Beyond the Ball
3057 S. Drake Ave.
Chicago, IL 60623

Items

You probably have something to give that appeals to youth between the ages of 5 and 24. Tickets to events, like Bulls games; a summer home that we could use for a leadership retreat; or sports equipment and apparel. Send us an e-mail at btb@beyondtheball.org to let us know.

Networking

Who do you know that enjoys sports, working with youth, or has a passion to see everyone get an opportunity to succeed in life? Let them know about Beyond the Ball. We can probably use their help!

Storage Space

Our programs involve quite a bit of equipment, which needs to be stored when not in use. If you have storage space we can use, let us know!

Time

While we stress neighborhood involvement, we occasionally have events that need additional help! If you are interested in serving with us, send an e-mail to btb@beyondtheball.org. Not only do we offer you a chance to serve, you have an opportunity to learn from the people in our community.

Beyond the Ball Girls

Beyond the Ball recognizes that girls and young women are often left to sit on the sidelines, while the young men get attention through sports. Girls are not only a part of all of our programs, we have a specific program just for them.

Find out more about Beyond the Ball Girls.

our little village (all ages)

On Saturday, April 24, 2010, neighborhood residents and volunteers gathered at Ortiz Elementary school at 31st and Lawndale in Little Village. Coinciding with Global Youth Service Day, Beyond the Ball created "Our Little Village", as an effort to jumpstart local residents taking ownership of their neighborhood.

Over 400 people turned out to paint, clean, remove graffiti and beautify Little Village. The crowd was divided into groups to accomplish as much as possible in a four hour time period. Some groups were dispersed to local "Pocket Parks" to plant and garden. Others built new planters, designed as part of an architecture contest, to create beauty in formerly empty lots.

The day provided a great boost to areas around local schools and parks, and the hope is that residents continue to effort around their homes, not just for one day, but on an ongoing basis. Reclaiming our space is a large part of Beyond the Ball's philosophy, and we hope to continue encouraging neighborhood residents to take ownership of their neighborhood.

Many groups helped with our efforts, and we are grateful for their support. City Year, Comcast, Enlace Chicago, New Life Community Church, and Sherwin Williams all helped get Our Little Village going.

Ortiz Elementary School, the primary site for our Bitty Ball program, had its entire interior repainted, and much of the graffiti was eliminated from its outer walls. The adjacent park space was cleaned up and trash was removed. It was a great cooperative effort. Thanks to everyone who came out to support Beyond the Ball and Our Little Village.

This is not a one day effort, though. It is just the one part of a concerted effort to use public spaces for the betterment of our community. Look for more of our programming this summer taking over public spaces for the good of all the people. Project Play will take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 31st and Lawndale and B-Ball on the Block will take over a new block every Friday throughout he summer months.

Be sure to join us this summer!