Chicago is a spectacular city that draws millions of visitors each year. From shopping and sports to music and art, the “Windy City” offers a variety of recreational attractions. Look beyond the tourism spotlight, however, and you’ll find many residents struggling to make ends meet. Your group can help meet the needs of this community by partnering with local ministries working with children, the elderly, and the homeless. The ministries that we partner with at Chicago Site 1 are on the south side of the city.

Demographics

Located on the Shores of Lake Michigan—in the heart of the Midwest—Chicago is a great place to work and play. More than 200 theaters and 54 museums offer a variety of unique arts and culture experiences. With a population of 3 million, Chicago is the financial, business and cultural capital of the Midwest. The downtown area displays impressive architecture, including skyscrapers such as the 1,450-feet tall Sears Tower. The city is characterized by great ethnic diversity, including a rapidly growing Latino population. The U.S. Census estimates that up to 37 percent of residents speak a language other than English in their home. Chicago’s residential areas are broken out into several distinct sections, and, with a median home price of $245,000, finding affordable housing is a challenge. Many families live in poverty and approximately 166,000 people in the metro-area experience homelessness each year. Your group will have the opportunity to show the love of Jesus as you serve in this wonderful city.

About the Ministry

Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Our goal is to partner with local organizations and programs that seek to address the very basic needs of residents. Students may serve at places like: Children’s Programs, Elderly Centers, Soup Kitchens/Homeless Shelters and Thrift Stores. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. Below is a list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past: an immersion experience in Chicago; take part in a community educational experience; attend a local church service;and visit Michigan Beach. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.

Ministry Week

Partnering with Local Ministries. Due to school end dates, work with kids will begin end of June.

Mileage

Chicago is located in northeast Illinois and is home to Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway Airport.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Chicago Site One can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller and cannot accommodate trailers.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Chicago and surrounding areas before or after your trip, visit the following Web sites: www.chicagotraveler.com/chicago_tourism.htm and www.cityofchicago.org.