Community Service
Sail Chicago is proud to be affiliated with two programs for disadvantaged youth in the Chicago area. These programs assist young people in our community in finding ways to better themselves and to become productive citizens. We provide these youths with sailing opportunities on our fleet of boats on Lake Michigan. We continue to seek volunteers among our members to help with these programs
Urban Youth Sailing Program
What is the Urban Youth Sailing Program?
For more than 25 years, the Urban Youth Sailing Program has shared the thrill of sailing with hundreds of under-privileged children in cooperation with Association House of Chicago. Association House works to promote health and wellness, and to create opportunities for educational and economic advancement. Association House has been helping people help themselves for more than a century. Sail Chicago volunteers support this mission week after week by introducing participants to the joy of sailing on Lake Michigan.
Who are Urban Youth Sailors?
These young people are typically 10-13 years old, and are enrolled in targeted programs with the Association House of Chicago, one of Chicago’s oldest social service organizations, serving families in need in greater West Town, Humboldt Park, and surrounding communities.
Why is Sail Chicago involved?
Sail Chicago’s Urban Youth Sailing Program and Association House have collaborated for over thirty years to provide targeted youth (identified by Association House) with the opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of sailing, while practicing cooperation, building confidence, realizing untapped potential, and expanding their horizons – all while learning a little about sailing, and discovering new ideas and activities.
How can I get involved?
We invite you to make a difference by sharing your time, your talents, and your enthusiasm. Volunteer to Skipper one of the Urban Youth sails, and experience the thrill of sailing through the eyes of a child. You share the gift of sailing, and in return reap the rewards, knowing you made a positive contribution in the lives of these children. 22 Skippers are needed for each Tuesday of the program, and are welcome to sign up for one or more Tuesdays. (Skippers are not required to do all eight sessions.) We welcome volunteers for as many Tuesdays as you are available! Skippers should be child-friendly, and have at least one year of experience sailing as a certified basic keelboat skipper. Skippers with less experience are welcome to assist.
Questions? Want to volunteer? E-mail Betsy Timm Newton at urbanyouth@sailchicago.
Lawrence Hall Youth Services Sailing Program
Sail Chicago has been proud to support the Lawrence Hall Youth Services Sailing Program since 1996. Lawrence Hall Youth Services is committed to helping at-risk children in Chicago to redefine the paths of their own futures. They treat, educate and provide homes for these under-privileged children, and work to provide programs to set them on the path to become proud, productive participants in society. Sail Chicago volunteer Skippers and crew provide opportunities for these youth, enabling these young people to experience the joys and exhilaration of sailing on Lake Michigan.
Who are they?
Lawrence Hall Youth Services serves disadvantaged children in Chicago, providing highly specialized and individualized care for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral challenges. Each year, Lawrence Hall’s continuum of care offers a full array of services to nearly 1,000 children, adolescents, and their families. Lawrence Hall strives to provide a safe environment to support these children to move toward adulthood with resiliency and hope.
Why is Sail Chicago involved?
Sail Chicago volunteers work with Lawrence Hall Youth Services offering at-risk youth the opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of sailing, while practicing cooperation, building confidence, realizing untapped potential, and expanding their horizons – all while learning a little about sailing, and discovering new ideas and activities.
How can I get involved?
Volunteer to skipper or crew on one of the Lawrence Hall Youth Services sails, and experience the thrill of sailing through youthful eyes. You share the gift of sailing, and in return reap the rewards, knowing you made a positive contribution in the lives of these children. Skippers and crew are welcome to sign up for one or more Thursdays. We welcome volunteers for as many sails as you are available! Skippers and crew should be child-friendly, and have at least one year of experience sailing as a certified basic keelboat skipper. Skippers with less experience are welcome to crew.
Questions, or want to volunteer? E-mail Jay Owens at lawrencehallprogram@sailchicago.org