IMPACT OF THE ARK
THE IMPACT OF THE ARK
As the ARK celebrates its 25th Anniversary, the staff remains committed to developing innovative and high impact programs that are designed to help the youth discover the gifts and talents that lie within them.
The results of these programs can be seen in a number of areas and are based on a survey of ARK participants administered in December 2018.
THE IMPACT OF B.R.A.V.E.
The B.R.A.V.E. (Bold Resistance Against Violence Everywhere) Youth Leaders is a peer youth council geared towards violence prevention and creating agents of social justice.
The results of the B.R.A.V.E. program can be seen in a number of areas and are based on a survey of participants completed by an independent agency.
THE ARK COVERS CHICAGO
The ARK’s impact reaches far beyond the Auburn Gresham and Englewood communities. Students come from elementary schools and high schools across the city, including public, charter, and parochial schools. The map below shows the schools our students attend and represents a 15 mile radius around the ARK.
91 SCHOOLS
634 STUDENTS
DIRECTLY FROM OUR STUDENTS
“I like the fact that I’m involved in something positive to reduce and stop violence in Chicago.”
“Before I came to the ARK of St. Sabina I used to be a troubled kid because I didn’t have love like that. I had a lot of problems, but because of the love of the ARK’s staff I’ve grown into a great man and have a great future ahead of me. I think if they didn’t love me, where would I be?”
“I learned that you have to watch who you hang around with.”
“I learned youth play a big role in violence prevention.”
“ I learned that it is possible to make a change in my community.”
“I learned to dance like no one is watching and just be yourself.”
“Before I joined the ARK, I was a lost person. I just got in trouble every day, then was just messing with the wrong people. I lost 2 family members before I joined. I am tired of all of the killing and crime.”
“ I learned that you don't need to change yourself for anyone or anything.”
“I like the fact that I’m involved in something positive to reduce and stop violence in Chicago.”
“I learned that women should respect themselves.”
“Before I joined the ARK, I really didn’t care about anything that was going on in my community. Now I really, really care about the little things that go on and I feel that this youth council is very important.”
“I learned about modesty, to carry myself in a good way and not a bad way.”
"Before I came to the ARK, I thought violence was the answer. Since I joined, I’ve been less violent and learned how to have conversations with other people."
“To never give up. Keep trying and trying and you'll do great.”
“That I have a voice and I deserve to be heard.”
“Before I came to the ARK, I was following people and gangbanging. When I joined the youth council, it taught me to be a leader.”
“When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.”