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![HERO] TBCC 2025 Year-at-a-Glance Milestones]( https://cdn.marblism.com/igoYIqlhJYB.webp ) [NEEDED: exact body content from prior FAILED post 53dcbc23-254c-4e97-b99d-7f52a1ff49fa — “TBCC 2025 Year-at-a-Glance Milestones”. Not available in current context to paste verbatim while preserving headings, bullets, page breaks, images, links, and accreditation section exactly.] Dr. Carol Y. Collum Founder & Chief Systems Architect Midwest-Regional Standard Bearer. Midwest-Regional S

We closed out 2025 the only way True Believers Community Connections knows how, showing up, staying consistent, and building infrastructure that lasts. From October through December, we served 1,294 young people across Chicago's South Side through our StayL.I.T. (Living in Truth) , TBCC Blueprint Model. That brings our FY26 total to 2,608 youth served so far. And we're just getting started. This isn't about pop-up programming or quick fixes. This is about permanent systems

We see you, South Side. The energy across our Big 7 neighborhoods has been nothing short of electric. From Englewood to Washington Heights, Auburn Gresham to Chatham, our communities have been showing up and showing out. And honestly? We're just getting started. This isn't just a recap. It's a celebration, and a sneak peek at what's coming next. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's talk about the wins we've been stacking and the moves we're about to make. The Big 7 Came

Your neighborhood is changing. And you should be leading it. Right now, tech companies are expanding across Chicago's South Side. They need people who understand data, digital tools, customer service tech, content creation, and basic IT support. Not in five years. Not after you leave the community. Right now. At True Believers Community Connections (TBCC), we're making sure Chicago’s South Side youth are first in line for those opportunities: not through shortcuts, but throug

Real talk: Washington Heights has been a place where community connections really matter—and in Q2 , we saw that in action. Here’s what moved in a real way: Committee momentum on workforce development outreach —and it showed up in real numbers: 70 new job resources added and 400+ job seekers engaged at regional job fairs. A successful neighborhood survey that helped shape our 2026 programming (because we don’t guess—we ask). Youth volunteer support for holiday events , s

When we talk about empowering youth in Chicago, we're not just talking about programs. We're talking about transformation. About giving young people: especially those who've been overlooked, underestimated, or written off: the tools to write their own stories. This is about Youth Voices and Chicago’s Next Gen leading the way: not someday, but right now. At True Believers Community Connections, we've learned something powerful over the years: creativity unlocks potential in

We're not just talking about change anymore. We're building it: block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood, young person by young person. Q1 of FY26 (July through September 2025) was all about one thing: the pivot to action . At True Believers Community Connections, we spent this quarter moving from vision boards to visible results. And honestly? The energy across our Big 7 communities has been nothing short of electric. This newsletter is your inside look at what went down

There's something special happening in Greater Grand Crossing. If you've driven down 75th Street lately or walked past the historic corners where jazz legends once played, you might feel it too: a shift. A momentum. A community ready to write its next chapter. At True Believers Community Connections, we don't just observe that energy. We plug into it, amplify it, and help turn it into real opportunities for the young people who call this neighborhood home. Welcome to the Grea

Let's be real, raising a teenager on Chicago's South Side comes with its own set of challenges. You want to see your child succeed, build skills, and step into adulthood with confidence. But with so many programs out there claiming to help young people, how do you know which ones actually deliver? That's exactly why we put together this guide. Whether your teen is 14 and looking for their first summer gig or 20 and trying to figure out their next move, understanding Southside

Let me ask you something real. On the South Side, we know resilience isn’t a quote on a wall—it’s how you get up, regroup, and keep going when life keeps coming. Think about the people who changed your life. The ones who believed in you when you didn't believe in yourself. Were they around for just eight weeks? Or did they show up consistently, season after season, year after year? If you're like most of us, the answer is obvious. Yet here we are in 2026, and so many Southsid

Let's be real for a second. When we talk about empowering young people on Chicago’s South Side, we can’t just hand them a certificate and wish them luck. That’s not how transformation happens. Real change comes when we put real resources— including real money —into the hands of young people while they’re learning the skills that will carry them forward. That’s what earn-while-you-learn training is all about. And at True Believers Community Connections (TBCC), we’ve seen firs

Let's be real: talking about money with your teen can feel awkward. Maybe you didn't have anyone teach you about finances growing up, or maybe you're still figuring it out yourself. That's okay. The good news? You don't need to be a financial expert to help your teen build the skills they need to manage money wisely. Here in Chicago, especially on the South Side, we know that financial literacy isn't just about balancing a checkbook. It's about empowering youth to make smart

If you're a parent or caregiver on Chicago's Southside, you've probably wondered where to turn when your teen needs extra support. Maybe...

Finding the right supportive services for your teenager can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with high-risk situations...

When you're a Chicago parent trying to find the right support for your child, the options can feel overwhelming. With dozens of...

Here's something that might surprise you: when we step back and let young people lead, they don't just succeed: they absolutely soar....

The numbers tell a harsh story. In Chicago, particularly on the Southside, young people face a web of interconnected challenges that can...

As a parent in Chicago, watching your child struggle with risky behaviors, academic challenges, or emotional difficulties can feel...

As a parent or caregiver in Chicago, watching a young person struggle with their mental health can feel overwhelming and scary. You're...

Breaking generational cycles isn't just about hope: it's about action, connection, and finding the right support at the right time. If...