WELCOME!
Thanks for stopping by! We are an organization committed to making a difference in our community with our activities which are centered around empowerment and service. Please look around and discover the programs and activities we are pursuing in the western suburbs of Chicago and beyond.
VISION
Our vision is a community where children, youth, young adults, parents, and the entire family reach their highest potential and become contributing members of society.
MISSION
Our mission is to empower and support families, especially children, youth, and young adults by providing opportunities for learning, critical thinking, exposure, mentoring, and resiliency.
"At the dawn of a new beginning."
WE SUPPORT FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
OUR CURRENT INITIATIVES
AALR is about being a force for good and we strive to undertake initiatives that will benefit the community and the world. Currently, we are actively working on promoting the following initiatives:
Financial Literacy Workshop
Beginning in May 2026, AALR is partnering with CLIMB USA to provide a novice investing program designed for youth, adults, and families. The Stock Market Experience is an 8-week, hands-on, team-based simulation that teaches investing fundamentals, portfolio strategy, and wealth-building skills.
The good news is that no experience is required.
The goal of this program is to demystify investing, build confidence and equip participants to be future investors.
Project Motherland
This project realizes a dream of developing partnerships, strategies, support,
and self-help initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa. Read more about this project here.
Young Professionals Board
AALR is searching for young professionals to support AALR's mission of
empowering African American youth and young adults and will be adding
new educational partners.
We are looking for individuals who are committed to making a difference
and who have experience working in or alongside communities of color.
Early career professionals, recent graduates or community advocates who
would like to contribute their skills andleadership to strengthen AALR's impact areinvited to sign up here.
Youth Arts, Music & Culture (YAMC)
The goal of YAMC is for students (and their parents/guardians) to expand their view and understanding of the world through arts and music. The first YAMC outing was held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Sister Act, the Musical, held at Drury Lane Theater (Oakbrook Terrace). The second outing was Fly Dance and was held on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Dominican University (River Forest). A complimentary meal is included with the outing. The Board of Directors has approved a 2026 budget for a summer and/or fall YAMC outing.
College Senior Program
The College Senior Program is a career readiness initiative we are piloting with Lewis University and Chicago State University. We are working to support college seniors by providing mentoring and coaching.
OUR GOAL FOR 2026
As we continue to do this work, we aspire to expand our footprint into areas where we can provide the most support through collaborative partnerships. We are continuing to fundraise to obtain a property in the future. As we build our brand, we will continue our programming for children, increase the number of Board of Directors, volunteer, and expand our social media presence.
Please help us reach this goal by making a donation.