Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Blessed Sacrament Youth Center
Legal Name (if Different): Catholic Bishop of Chicago-Blessed Sacrament Youth Center
Also Known As: BSYC
Mailing Address: 3600 W Cermak Road
City: Chicago
State: IL
Postal Code: 60623
Main Phone: 773-770-6001
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.bsyc.org
Employer ID Number: 93-2160310
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Public Charity

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/28/24
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Safe Haven after-school program
Project Description:

Blessed Sacrament Youth Center (BSYC) was founded in 1987 with a mission to provide youth of color in low-income households a safe, healthy, and supportive after-school environment that fosters the essential leadership skills and character that kids ages 7-17 need to improve in school while breaking the cycles of poverty and violence.

Located on the border of North Lawndale and Little Village communities of Chicago’s southwest side, BSYC acknowledges the critical importance of out-of-school time for providing resources, hope, and opportunity to young people who lack positive influences. We minimize the impact of trauma by creating stability and safety nets through high-quality, dynamic, and consistent out-of-school-time programs.

The Safe Haven after-school program, which serves 75 students four days per week, addresses the impact of trauma in youth of color by helping them attain the sense of calm and safety needed to reclaim their ability to study, build relationships, develop leadership skills, and self-determine their life goals. Daily activities include tutoring, featured clubs (skating, dance troop, sports, arts & crafts, theater, etc.), and a hot meal. The goal is to reduce or eliminate as many stressors as possible. In addition to exposing young people to arts and cultural activities they could not otherwise access, our programs provide structure while developing life and leadership skills, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. Wraparound support for their families includes weekly food distribution, resource fairs, weekend recreation opportunities, and seasonal events that build connection and resilience.

Our mission is not to take kids off the streets. The streets belong to our young people. With your support, Blessed Sacrament Youth Center can continue to expand its reach to opportunity youth and their families so that they can be safely embraced by the love, hope, and faith of a neighborhood community.

Total Project Budget: $220,836.90

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Chicago Sunday Evening Club ($5,000 potential), CPS Safe Haven ($20,000 potential), Franciscan Foundation ($2,500 potential), Claretian Social Development Fund ($3,000 potential), Helen Brach Foundation ($10,000 potential), Individual Donations ($100,000 potential)

Project Duration: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
Geographical Area Served: Chicago, IL
Age Group To Be Served: 7-12 years

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Elizabeth
Contact Last Name: Young
Contact Title: Grant Consultant
Contact Phone: 872-205-6517
Contact Email: liz@commongoodgrants.com