Missions and goals

Mission Statement

Developing lasting solutions to break the systems of poverty through the creation of social enterprises

and financially freeing education that empowers people to become robust participants in the global economy.

Vision Statement

We want to see every seeking and able person have the opportunity to maximize their individual purpose

within society and become part of the sustainable solution within their community.

Through meaningful work, relevant education, discipleship and access to broader networks we will see

transformation take place in the lives of marginalized individuals throughout the global community.

Values

Community, integrity, dignity, empowerment, action, sustainable solutions

Community: We believe we were created to live in community with each other, challenging, supporting, understanding and building up. This sense of relationship should go beyond our physical dwelling and be evident in our neighborhoods, schools, place of worship and workplace.

Integrity: We want to be known for operating in a trustworthy and honest manner, by clients, supporters, team member and competitors.

Dignity: The desire to live in dignity is a common denominator throughout the world for all of time. True transformation will never take place for any individual if they do not experience a sense of worth.

Empowerment: It is crucial to resist the temptation to “do” for others. To give a hungry person a fish is good. Teaching them how to fish is better. Teaching that person how to make fishing poles and how to sell them to fishermen is best.

“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. If you have come to because your liberation is bound up in mine, we can work together.” - Lilla Watson

"I don't believe in charity. I believe in solidarity. Charity is vertical, so it's humiliating. It goes from the top to the bottom. Solidarity is horizontal. It respects the other and learns from the other. I have a lot to learn from other people." - Eduardo Galeano

Action: Awareness of an issue without taking action is inexcusable. Far too often life changing work is considered to be sacrificial. On the contrary, the opportunity to be part of a movement that ignites lasting impact can only be classified as a privilege.

“One of the great liabilities of history is that all too many people fail to remain awake through great periods of social change. Every society has its protectors of status quo and its fraternities of the indifferent who are notorious for sleeping through revolutions. Today, our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change." - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sustainable Solutions: The all-encompassing value that ties all of our other values together.  We believe that determining and creating sustainable solutions alongside indigenous leaders will withstand the test of time. Otherwise, the venture may experience success, but will ultimately fail.

Goals

·         To share reach 400 new students annually with Financial Foundations and ARTrepreneur programs.

·         Grow the revenue stream of our two social ventures, King Lizzy Apparel, and S.O.A.P., so that The Stewards Market is self-sufficient by 2014.

·         Reduce the unemployment rate in Humboldt Park to be below the national average by 2020.

·         Become the leading provider of internships for students attending Wells High School, Pritzker College Prep and Roberto Clemente High School.

·         Help social enterprise become a top 10 sector for investors worldwide by 2016