Community Partner Spotlight: Seeds of Roseland

Mission

Seeds of Roseland is a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to violence prevention, trauma recovery, mentorship, workforce development, and community empowerment throughout Chicago communities most impacted by violence and systemic inequities.

CEO

Jason Cox is the Founder and CEO of Seeds of Roseland.  Born and raised in the Roseland community, Jonas has dedicated his life to mentoring youth, advocating for peace, and creating opportunities for individuals and families affected by violence. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, and continues to further his education and leadership development while remaining committed to advocating for underserved communities on both the micro and mezzo levels.  Rooted in lived experience and strong community connections, Jonas is passionate about creating sustainable change through education, empowerment, healing, and opportunities for the next generation.

Services Offered

Seeds of Roseland provides comprehensive violence prevention and community support services throughout Chicago communities impacted by violence. The organization offers mentorship, workforce development, crisis intervention, trauma-informed support, street outreach, conflict mediation, youth engagement, reentry assistance, therapy referrals, and educational programming designed to empower individuals and strengthen families.

In addition, Seeds of Roseland coordinates community-centered initiatives, including toy giveaways, holiday meal distributions, peace zone activities, leadership development opportunities, and community events that promote healing, safety, and long-term neighborhood stability. Through its holistic, grassroots approach, the organization works to reduce violence, support youth and families, and create pathways to personal growth and community transformation.

Current Projects

Current projects include workforce development programming focused on restoring older vehicles through direct, hands-on training in painting, engine work, suspension systems, detailing, brakes, and basic automotive repair. These programs are designed to equip participants with practical trade skills, increase employment readiness, and provide pathways to sustainable careers in the automotive industry.

Seeds of Roseland is also developing a barber training program to create entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for youth and young adults. The program will combine barbering instruction with mentorship, professional development, and life skills training to promote positive community engagement, economic empowerment, and long-term personal growth. Through these initiatives, the organization continues to invest in violence prevention by creating constructive opportunities that foster stability, confidence, and self-sufficiency.

Organizational Impact to the Community

Seeds of Roseland has created peace zones throughout the Roseland, Pullman, West Pullman, North Lawndale, Fernwood, Atgeld Gardens, and the Dearborn Homes, while providing violence prevention, mentoring, outreach, and workforce development services. The organization has supported hundreds of high-risk young adults through community engagement, holiday giveaways, Juneteenth peace events, trauma-informed support, and positive alternatives.

Funding Sources

Seeds of Roseland receives support through community partnerships, donations, grassroots fundraising efforts, collaborative programming, philanthropic support, and service-based partnerships with local organizations, churches, violence prevention initiatives, and community stakeholders committed to youth development and neighborhood healing.

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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