Chicago HOPES for Kids After-School & Enrichment Programs
Chicago HOPES for Kids Office, 318 W. Adams St., Suite 600C, Chicago, IL 60606
About
Chicago HOPES for Kids After-School & Enrichment Programs offers literacy support, homework help, cultural enrichment opportunities, field trips, and personalized mentorship. The program provides over 725 hours of individualized literacy support across 10 partner shelters. Programs are trauma-informed and use person-first language such as “people experiencing homelessness” instead of “the homeless.”
Chicago HOPES for Kids After-School & Enrichment Programs supports, educates, and empowers students who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The organization provides academic support, dedicated mentorship, and basic needs services. It engages families by teaching parents how to effectively advocate for their children in the public school system. Chicago HOPES for Kids provides comprehensive support to Chicago students and families experiencing homelessness and collaborates with Chicago Public Schools. It serves more than 325 students and their families annually, and over 730 students and families are impacted by its programs and services across 10 partner shelters and community-based sites in Chicago.
Patricia Rivera founded Chicago HOPES for Kids in 2006 as a Chicago Public School Homeless Education Program, and in 2010 it became an established nonprofit. In 2012, HOPES was granted 501(c)(3) status as a charitable organization, and in 2020, Chicago HOPES for Kids celebrated 10 years. Patricia Rivera has a Master of Social Work Degree from the Jane Addams College of Social Work in Chicago, Illinois, and is the Founder and a Board Member. The leadership team includes Executive Director Dajuan King; Program Managers Mel Whitehouse and A'aron Heard; Volunteer Manager Jen Harden-Finn; Marketing and Outreach Manager Kimberly King; and Development Manager Alexandra Granato. Board members include Andy Flynn (Board President), Markeyia Smith (Vice President), Christine Brynaert (Board Treasurer), Philip Montgomery (Board Secretary), Sharon Ray, Maureen Pikarski, Sarah Korf, Art Safer, Jayne Rosefield, Amanda Willard, and Kanishka Mapa. In fall 2022, 56% of students in the after-school program grew one or more reading levels in 12 weeks.
Last updated July 30, 2026.
Chicago HOPES for Kids After-School & Enrichment Programs supports, educates, and empowers students who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The organization provides academic support, dedicated mentorship, and basic needs services. It engages families by teaching parents how to effectively advocate for their children in the public school system. Chicago HOPES for Kids provides comprehensive support to Chicago students and families experiencing homelessness and collaborates with Chicago Public Schools. It serves more than 325 students and their families annually, and over 730 students and families are impacted by its programs and services across 10 partner shelters and community-based sites in Chicago.
Patricia Rivera founded Chicago HOPES for Kids in 2006 as a Chicago Public School Homeless Education Program, and in 2010 it became an established nonprofit. In 2012, HOPES was granted 501(c)(3) status as a charitable organization, and in 2020, Chicago HOPES for Kids celebrated 10 years. Patricia Rivera has a Master of Social Work Degree from the Jane Addams College of Social Work in Chicago, Illinois, and is the Founder and a Board Member. The leadership team includes Executive Director Dajuan King; Program Managers Mel Whitehouse and A'aron Heard; Volunteer Manager Jen Harden-Finn; Marketing and Outreach Manager Kimberly King; and Development Manager Alexandra Granato. Board members include Andy Flynn (Board President), Markeyia Smith (Vice President), Christine Brynaert (Board Treasurer), Philip Montgomery (Board Secretary), Sharon Ray, Maureen Pikarski, Sarah Korf, Art Safer, Jayne Rosefield, Amanda Willard, and Kanishka Mapa. In fall 2022, 56% of students in the after-school program grew one or more reading levels in 12 weeks.
Last updated July 30, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.