Community Empowerment & Healing: How The 1937 Foundation is Making a Difference

Community Empowerment & Healing: How The 1937 Foundation is Making a Difference

By: Collin Johnson / January 30, 2025

Community Empowerment and Healing

Community empowerment and healing are essential for building strong, resilient neighborhoods. At The 1937 Foundation, we believe that sustainable change happens when communities come together to support one another, advocate for justice, and invest in growth opportunities. Through our programs and initiatives, we are committed to uplifting individuals and families. We also provide resources for healing and foster a culture of empowerment in underserved communities.

We are a Chicago-headquartered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2020. For the past five years, we’ve been on a mission to promote healthy and financially sustainable life experiences in Illinois. The 1937 Foundation truly believes in the concept of “together we are stronger.” We are actively hosting events and bringing the greater Chicago area community together with the goal of widespread empowerment.

Join us on our mission to spread healing energy and stimulate your mind and body toward their full potential. Continue reading to discover our approach to community empowerment. You'll also learn about what a “trauma-informed” approach to healing is, and other local organizations we support. At the end, learn how you can get involved and RSVP for one of our upcoming events! Visit our website to explore all of our programs in Illinois.

Our Approach to Community Empowerment

We have our own unique approach to achieving community empowerment in the greater Chicago area. At the core of our mission is the belief that empowerment starts with education, advocacy, and access. The 1937 Foundation works to address social disparities by:

  • Providing Educational Programs: We offer workshops, mentorship programs, and skill-building opportunities to equip individuals with the knowledge they need to create change in their own lives and communities.

  • Economic Empowerment Initiatives: From small business support to job readiness training, we help community members gain financial independence and stability.

  • Advocacy and Civic Engagement: We amplify community voices by organizing events, discussions, and policy initiatives that push for social justice and systemic change.

Healing Through Action and Support

We believe that true community healing requires more than just economic support. It also involves addressing historical injustices, fostering mental well-being, and creating safe spaces for dialogue and restoration. The 1937 Foundation takes a trauma-informed approach to healing by:

  • Mental Health and Wellness Programs: We provide access to counseling, community wellness events, and mental health education to help individuals heal from generational trauma and daily struggles.

  • Restorative Justice Initiatives: We support programs that focus on conflict resolution, rehabilitation, and reducing recidivism by providing second chances and alternative solutions.

  • Cultural and Historical Awareness: Through storytelling, art, and history-based initiatives, we educate the community about past injustices and celebrate resilience, ensuring that our history informs our healing.

Other Organizations Driving Change in Chicago

The 1937 Foundation is not alone in its mission to drive community empowerment and healing. There are many other organizations and nonprofits in the greater Chicago area that share similar values to us. They are all working tirelessly to empower and heal their communities and achieve calculable success. Some of these include:

  • My Block, My Hood, My City: This organization provides youth with exposure to different career paths, neighborhoods, and cultures, expanding their worldview and opportunities.

  • The Chicago Community Trust: Focused on economic development and racial equity, they invest in solutions that drive systemic change.

  • Mothers Against Senseless Killings (MASK): MASK creates safe spaces in communities affected by gun violence, fostering connections and community-led safety initiatives.

  • The Brave Space Alliance: The first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ center on the South Side of Chicago, offering resources and support for marginalized individuals.

These organizations, like The 1937 Foundation, are striving daily to make a lasting impact. They, like us, create this impact by fostering empowerment, healing, and justice in communities that need it most.

How You Can Get Involved

Live in the Greater Chicago area? Curious about how you can participate? Community empowerment and healing require collective action. This is the perfect excuse to get out of the house and not only heal yourself but help heal others in the process. Here’s how you can join us in making a difference:

  • Volunteer with The 1937 Foundation: Whether it’s mentoring, event organizing, or advocacy work, your time can change lives.

  • Donate to Support Our Programs: Your contributions help fund essential programs that uplift individuals and families.

  • Attend Our Events: Engage with our community initiatives and learn more about the issues affecting our neighborhoods.

  • Spread the Word: Share our mission on social media and help us reach more people who can benefit from our work.

Join Us On Our Journey

Empowering and healing communities is a shared responsibility. The 1937 Foundation is dedicated to being a force for change, but we recognize that true transformation happens when we all come together. By supporting initiatives that foster education, economic stability, justice, and healing, we can build a stronger, more equitable future for all.