Our Roots
The Beginning of YPC (2008 - 2016)
In 2007, Rogers and Wendy Jones, longtime residents of Roseland, founded the Youth Peace Center (YPC) with a vision to transform their community. Growing up in a neighborhood that once resembled a peaceful suburb, they witnessed firsthand how economic decline and social upheaval changed their surroundings.
During the 1980s and 1990s, inflation and the collapse of the steel and auto industries devastated local families. Once-bustling streets became boarded-up storefronts, and the sounds of police helicopters became a regular backdrop for youth. Rogers, working with at-risk youths in juvenile court, and Wendy, a former elementary teacher who had started Pretend Town—an interactive learning space for children—began to notice the increasing violence and disengagement among local youth.
Building Community Through Connection
Their response was simple yet powerful: invite kids to come inside. What started as casual conversations on street corners evolved into Friday night gatherings at Pretend Town, where as many as 100 kids would come together to share food, music, and community—creating a space filled with “love,” as Wendy recalls.
Initially operating as a subcontractor for another nonprofit, YPC’s grassroots efforts caught national attention in 2016. That year, Arne Duncan, former Chicago schools chief and U.S. Secretary of Education, learned about their work and partnered with them in the fight against violence. Duncan’s organization, Chicago CRED, was established to tackle Chicago’s violence epidemic, inspired by his own experiences growing up in Hyde Park and losing friends to gun violence.
A Partnership for Change
Rogers and Wendy became Duncan’s first partners, and their collaboration marked a turning point. Duncan describes them as “walking on water”—a testament to their extraordinary leadership and dedication. By 2017, YPC’s revenue surged tenfold, reaching $760,000, and by 2020, it exceeded $1.4 million. With continued investment from Laurene Powell Jobs and others, YPC has expanded its programs and impact. View our current Partnerships
Holistic Programs for Lasting Impact
Today, YPC is one of three organizations implementing CRED’s comprehensive violence-prevention model in Chicago. Our case managers connect youth to essential services like housing, legal aid, and food. Our tutors provide around-the-clock academic support, while instructors teach vital soft skills—everything from financial literacy to conflict resolution.
But what truly sets YPC apart is our holistic approach. We incorporate cognitive behavioral coaching, teaching anger management and decision-making through over 20 tailored modules. We also provide extensive counseling—individual, group, and art therapy—to help youth process the complex traumas many have endured. These experiences include childhood violence, police raids, and life-threatening encounters that leave lasting scars. View more of our Impact
The Cost of Change and Ongoing Challenges
Our work is costly—over $30,000 annually per participant—but the results are profound. Since 2016, CRED has served nearly 1,000 young people, with hundreds now working in various industries. Research shows that participants are approximately 50% less likely to be re-involved with violence or rearrested.
Yet, the journey remains challenging. Burnout among staff is common, as they dedicate themselves to this emotionally demanding work. Many staff members, like life coach Jervon Hicks, continue to grapple with the realities of their environment, often questioning whether they should carry guns for protection.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Hope
Despite these hurdles, Rogers and Wendy’s unwavering commitment—guided by their deep love for their community—continues to inspire change. Their vision of greatness for every young person drives YPC’s mission: to nurture hope, resilience, and a future filled with promise.
Give Today
Support youth empowerment! Your donation helps provide life skills, job training, and mentorship to youth, building safer, stronger communities. Donate today!
