Since its founding in 2008, the Youth Peace Center (YPC) has been dedicated to transforming the lives of youth and revitalizing the Roseland community in Chicago. Through innovative programs and a relational approach, we work to address the root causes of violence and foster a future filled with hope, opportunity, and peace. Despite historical and ongoing challenges, Roseland’s residents remain optimistic about renewal, and YPC is proud to be a trusted partner in that journey.
Our Work in the Communities
Our Commitment to Roseland
Founded in 2008, the Youth Peace Center (YPC) is a trailblazer in addressing the root causes of violence in the Roseland community of Chicago. Roseland is a historic neighborhood originally settled by Dutch immigrants in the 1840s. Over time, it faced challenges like gang infiltration, white flight, and economic decline, leading to high unemployment and crime. Today, residents are primarily African American, and despite these hardships, neighborhood optimism for renewal and change remains strong. YPC works to foster peace and opportunity through mentoring, pre-employment training, life skills development, personal growth, and conflict resolution. Our relational model has proven successful and makes YPC a trusted change agent in Roseland for high-risk youth and their families. Follow our Journey
Who We Serve
Youth and Community Members Facing Challenges
We serve young people aged 16-28, including high-risk youth and community members from Roseland and greater Chicagoland. Many of these individuals face significant social and economic challenges, such as unemployment and violence. Our programs are designed to support their growth, stability, and positive community engagement, helping them build a brighter future.
How We Help
Empowering Youth for Success
YPC provides personalized mentorship, job training, sports, and cultural activities to promote personal development, economic stability, and social skills. We also focus on conflict resolution and life skills to empower youth to navigate their personal and professional lives successfully. Our relational approach builds confidence and resilience, fostering pathways to success and community renewal.
Our Values
At the Youth Peace Center of Roseland, we:
Believe in the fundamental worth of every individual, regardless of their past.
Respect the unique talents and assets of our clients, staff, and partners.
Value excellence, service, teamwork, communication, and continuous learning.
Live into possibility through hope, love, and perseverance.
Commit to our work — doing whatever it takes to create meaningful results.
Our Vision for the Future
TECHUP: Advancing Technology and Community Impact
In 2019, YPC launched TECHUP (Technology, Employment, and Connection to Help our Underserved Population) with support from the MacArthur Foundation. This initiative enhances our organizational infrastructure by upgrading technological systems to support growth, sustainability, communication, and training. Focus areas include client safety and security, establishing a state-of-the-art technology training center, and expanding YPC’s digital presence as a leader in community change across Chicagoland.
Give Today
Support youth empowerment! Your donation helps provide life skills, job training, and mentorship to youth, building safer, stronger communities. Donate today!
