Street Outreach & Violence Interruption in Chicago
When conflict is active or retaliation is being planned, our outreach workers step in. Participants get direct access to credible messengers who can help them navigate dangerous situations without violence.
• Real-time conflict mediation and de-escalation from people the community trusts
• Problem solving on the spot — helping individuals find nonviolent ways to handle disputes
• Direct referrals to case management for ongoing support
Case Management & Stabilization Services
Participants receive individualized support plans that connect them with employment, education, healthcare, housing, and social services — addressing the root causes of instability.
Participants get a dedicated case manager who helps them build a realistic plan and access the resources to follow through.
What participants receive:
• A personalized case plan built around their specific needs — employment, education, housing, healthcare, or legal aid
• Cognitive-behavioral counseling to help identify and shift the thinking patterns that increase risk
• One-on-one mentorship from someone who’s navigated a similar path
Youth Development & Conflict Resolution Programs
Greater Future engages youth ages 16–24 in programs focused on conflict resolution, leadership, and cultural awareness. Participants attend a Hip Hop studies course at the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies at Northeastern Illinois University led by Dr. Lance Williams, where they explore the history of Hip Hop and its connection to their communities while developing tools for positive change.
Young people get mentorship, practical skills, and a safe environment to learn how to handle conflict without it turning violent.
• Mentorship from trained credible messengers who understand what young people in Chicago are dealing with
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation workshops with skills they can use immediately
• Mediation services for active disputes, with follow-up to make sure agreements hold
Community Engagement Initiatives
Residents get a seat at the table. Our engagement initiatives put community voices at the center of violence prevention strategy.
• Focus Groups — Small gatherings where residents have honest conversations about what’s driving violence in their neighborhoods. What we hear directly informs our work.
• Peace Summits — Larger events that bring communities together around safety. The planning process builds collaboration and shared ownership across neighborhood lines.
• Partnerships & Data — We work with local organizations and government agencies to coordinate services and track outcomes across Chicago’s violence intervention landscape.
