Some of the ideas we’ve been working on behind the scenes are officially beginning to move into action.
This fall brings the launch of MAC Lab, the development of the Hope WINS STEPS Program, continued planning for our new space, and another important step in telling the Hope WINS story. Each looks different, but they share the same purpose: responding to needs we’re seeing in our community with practical, meaningful support.
MAC Lab: Mentoring, Activities & Connection
Hope WINS is launching MAC Lab, a free after-school program serving 20 Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students at Jones-Farrar Magnet School.
Students participate by teacher referral and stay after school from 3:45–5:30 PM, generally Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with parent pickup afterward. This first session will continue through Christmas break.
MAC Lab combines reading and math support with mentoring, social-emotional skill building, hands-on learning, movement, connection, and plenty of fun. With recent school district cuts affecting available supports, the program gives participating students another layer of academic and relationship-based support right where they already are.
Our goal is bigger than completing homework or practicing a skill. We want kids to build confidence, experience success, develop healthy relationships, and leave believing:
“I can do this!”
We are incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois for grant funding that helps make MAC Lab possible at no cost to families.
Hope WINS STEPS Program
We’re also developing the Hope WINS STEPS Program, designed to help families overcome an identified barrier when they already have a realistic plan for what comes next.
STEPS isn’t simply about fixing the immediate problem. It starts with a family identifying a specific stability goal, the barrier standing in the way, what they’ve already done to move forward, and how they plan to maintain that stability.
Hope WINS becomes one part of that next step, while families remain invested in their progress through participation, connection, and giving back.
We’ll share more about the Hope WINS STEPS Program as it continues to develop.
Capturing Our Story
September also marked the completion of interviews for our videography project with Danairo Thomas.
The project captured voices from across our village and will help us tell the Hope WINS story through the experiences of the people who are part of it.
Between new programming, a new space, and new ways of sharing our work, we’re moving beyond asking “What if?”
We’re beginning to discover what’s next.