History
God's
Gang is a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and
strengthening the residents of the community with an all volunteer, staff. We
promote self-esteem and providing support to youth driven sustainable
agriculture projects and initiatives. Perceived by many as a new organization,
God's Gang was established by Grand Boulevard residents and St. Mary's A.M.E.
Church members over thirty years ago. It has been maintained and supported
primarily by donations and volunteerism.
In the middle 70's, God's Gang initially invited youth to St. Mary's AME Church
on Sunday mornings for a nutritious breakfast. Some of the kids began to sing
in the choir and dubbed themselves God's Gang. The group hosted an emergency
feeding program they called Mother's Cupboard Food Pantry.
Today, God's Gang supports a variety of activities that enable youth and adults
to choose a life of self-help at the same time they contribute to strengthening
their community. Through Planting Dreams, youth are engaged in urban
agricultural, landscaping activities and crafts. SSUGA, the South Side Urban
Gardeners Association provides family and senior citizens opportunities and
assistance to develop neighborhood/ backyard gardens. The Energy Action Network
assists with applications for CEDA and Weatherization programs for the entire
family.
There is no 'typical' God's Gang volunteer or member. Our members span birth to
nearly 100 years old. They work, attend school, raise their children or
grandchildren, sometimes all of the above. Members and supporters of God's Gang
serve as tutors, farmers, trip chaperones, teachers, choreographers, and tour
guides. They dig holes, build greenhouses, pick the vegetables, feed the
chickens, ducks and geese and teach youth to catch fish. Working with the Red
Cross Fire Stopper program, they conduct fire safety inspections and distribute
a safety kit. Working with community pantries and block clubs, they distribute
organization produced herb bottles and as part of the Energy Network, and
Citizens Utility Board (CUB) they distribute weatherization kits.We help
community members who want to start their own growing sites, we provide a view
into the past at a local Chicago school with our heritage and legacy displays
and historical re-enactments in period dress and presentations.
God's Gang provides teens with urban farming, employment and training, life
skills through their After School Matters Planting Dreams group, and cultural
awareness programs, mentoring, and recreational activities for the youth and
families. The purpose of this is to develop and implement an independent and
all-encompassing urban agriculture program as a means of enhancing food
security, economic self-sufficiency, and positive youth development for
impoverished members of these communities. Run by the children and families it
serves, the organization promotes food security, economic self-sufficiency, and
positive youth development
GOD’S GANG NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
God’s Gang is a 501(C)-3 not-for-profit organization founded to promote self-esteem, entrepreneurial training and opportunities for personal growth for youth through sustainable agriculture projects and initiatives. As a direct food supplier through urban farming, we provide agricultural training to youth and families. families. We serve ethnically diverse, low-income Chicago residents.
GOD’S GANG NEEDS YOU!!!
Have you been searching for a charitable organization to support? God’s Gang is just the organization for which you have been looking.
We are appealing to you as a current or future friend of God’s Gang to join us as we move forward. We need your assistance in reaching our objectives
More than twenty five years ago, GOD'S GANG was founded on the premise of"Raising Village Children Higher". Seeing children enter the doors of St. Mary's AME church without shoes and proper clothing, GOD’S GANG founder, Carolyn Thomas set about making a positive difference in the lives of families in the CHA Robert Taylor housing project at 52nd and State Street, Chicago.
The Robert Taylor housing project is no longer on the horizon, but the needs still exist. Our ongoing objective is to meet needs of Chicago and her neighbors. Needless to say, the mission has not changed in purpose but in scope.
Farms – We farm in backyards, park spaces, and through the generosity of farm owners – Joyce Mims of Hidden Haven Farms in Union Pier, Michigan and Carzella Pritchett of Karaal Farms in Dawson, Wisconsin – in traditional farm settings. Planting Dreamsprovides families with opportunities to establish micro-farm enterprises.
Exhibits - The Evolution
of a Village exhibit begins in Mother Africa and combines the teachings of
history, stewardship of the land, the understanding that we came from a race of
princes and warriors and that we are born survivors. It is an educational
opportunity to teach African American children to learn and appreciate their
history. It provides countless opportunities for positive peer
interaction and discussion.
Recycling -
GOD'S GANG has been the past recipient of endowments from individuals and organizations that understand and appreciate our vision; but with so many more needs to be met, God’s Gang needs you!
Planting Dreams, The Agricultural Arm of God's Gang
Planting
Dreams, the agricultural arm of God's Gang, is a direct food supplier through
urban farming, and training, serving ethnically diverse, low-income residents
primarily in Chicago's Southside communities.
We have established satellite farms in Union Pier, Michigan and Dawson,
Illinois for the purpose of training, food production and expansion as
additional farmers are trained.
Planting Dreams continues to develop and support member grown efforts to grow
food in their backyards and on vacant neighborhood lots, providing
supplementary sources of food supply
Heritage Exhibits
The Evolution of the Village exhibit begins in Mother Africa, and combines the teachings of history, stewardship of the land, the understanding that we came from a race of princes and warriors and that we are born survivors.
The core of this exhibit was created in 2005 with a nod to the Milwaukee Holocaust Museum to recognize our beginnings.
Green Cheeks is providing Chicago area field research for the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, for “The Will to Adorn” project, which explores the significance of adornment and the dress arts in the African-American community.
Energy Action Network - God's Gang
Residents who meet eligibility criteria for the programs will receive assistance.
ENERGY ACTION NETWORK INFORMATION - CITIZEN UTILITY BOARD
God's Gang Energy Action Network
1033 E 95th St
Chicago,
IL 60619
773.213.-0229