MAAFA Redemption Project
MAAFA Redemption Project, Chicago, Ill.
- Sponsoring Organization: MAAFA Redemption Project
- Grant Program: GrantsPlus
- Grant Amount: $300,000
- Dates of Grant Term: Oct. 2020 – Oct. 2023
Project Summary:
The MAAFA Redemption Project is a faith-based residential institute for at-risk emerging adult men of color (ages 18-30) located in West Garfield Park, a neighborhood with one of the lowest life expectancies in Chicago. It offers dormitory-style residential support, workforce training, character/spiritual-development, and a host of wrap-around social services. MAAFA’s mission is to significantly improve the quality of life for high-risk young men of color and their families. With its unique direct-service and community-building approach, MAAFA aims to drive the community’s redevelopment plan. To accomplish this mission, MAAFA implements a multi-pronged approach: gun violence prevention/mediation, leadership development, and community outreach.
MAAFA’s approach is built on the understanding that basic human needs must be met to create an environment where transformation can begin to happen. The men live together as a cohort in a safe, stable, dormitory-style home for nine months. At the MAAFA house, they work with life coaches and support each other to build a sense of community, belonging, and shared responsibility. Recognizing the importance of education and the critical thinking skills it instills in students, MAAFA provides learning opportunities, allowing the men to successfully complete their GED and, for those seeking more, an Associate’s degree.
Each MAAFA man is matched with a spiritual life coach to support them in the development and implementation of both their personal life and career plan. The men participate in spiritual meditation each morning and actively participate in counseling around drug abuse, mental health and family development. They also learn soft and technical job skills through rigorous training in the construction trades, landscaping, as well as their leadership roles in the residence. MAAFA also provides the men with a stipend that mirrors real-world employment and incentivizes their engagement for the duration of the program.
[This grant was awarded in partnership with MIGMIR Fund. MIGMIR and His Fund are faith-driven funds, focused on granting for impact and investing for Kingdom purposes. MIGMIR Fund supports Christ-centered ministries that meet the spiritual and physical needs of individuals in under-resourced communities in Chicago, East Africa, Central America and Southeast Asia. His Fund invests in Christ-centered, socially-focused entrepreneurs who create employment opportunities for impoverished communities. Learn more – migmir.org]
| We’re so thrilled the work of the MAAFA Redemption Project and their partnership with Chicago CRED was highlighted by the Obama Foundation in October 2020! |  |
