Community Partner Spotlight: Hey Benji Foundation

Mission

Our mission is to provide comprehensive support and enriching experiences that foster holistic development and empower young individuals to thrive through summer programs.

Executive Director Barbara established the Hey Benji Foundation as a platform to address the unique needs of underserved communities, starting in Englewood. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Foundation’s mission of creating a thriving, equitable, and connected Chicago region. In addition to her role as the Executive Director, Barbara is also the author of the self-published children’s book, “Benji Learns Kindness.” Through this heartwarming tale, Barbara encourages young readers to embrace the values of compassion and empathy, reinforcing the HBF’s commitment to instilling positive values in the community’s youth.

Services Offered

Hey Benji Foundation is dedicated to providing free food, skill-building enrichments, exploratory programs, social-emotional learning (SEL) programs, and resources to youth and families in our community. We are committed to supporting the well-being and development of young people by offering a range of valuable opportunities and resources. Through partnerships with a local church, we offer wrap-around services for adults in need throughout the summer months.

Current Projects

No Hunger Program: By alleviating hunger, we enable youth to focus on learning, growth, and enjoyment during summer:

• SEL: Children will learn through interactive workshops, group activities, and reflective discussions, where they develop emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and empathy.
• Exploratory: Exciting opportunities to discover their city’s diverse cultural heritage, history, and resources.
• Enrichments: Daily enrichments that stimulate creativity, promote physical activity, and foster personal growth.

Organizational impact to the community

Hey Benji Foundation’s programs play a crucial role in empowering Englewood’s youth, providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed and thrive in the face of adversity. By addressing immediate needs like hunger and focusing on long-term personal and academic development, the foundation contributes to creating a brighter future for the community.

Funding Sources

80% of our funding has been generously provided through corporate grant support, while the remaining 20% has come from individual support. We are grateful for the invaluable contributions from both our corporate partners and individual donors, which have enabled us to continue our important work in the community.

This spotlight is part of the Healthy City Collaborative, a program within the UIC Office of Community Engagement And Neighborhood Health Partnerships.

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