About

KIDS OF THE BLOCK, INC. (KOB) is a non-profit corporation founded by Diane Latiker in 2003. It is recognized by Internal Revenue Service under code 501(c)3 and is in good standing with Internal Revenue Service, Secretary of State and the Office of the Attorney General.

 

KOB serves primarily the Roseland area - a low-to-moderate income community located on the far south side of Chicago.  KOB programs provide diverse youth development programs which build character and enhance academic ability of its participants.  Youth who live in Roseland are generally labeled as “at-risk” youth.  The crime rate is high.  The socioeconomic status of families in the community is severely low.  Human service organizations and recreation centers are either far in-between or non-existent.

 

The mission of KOB is social change – an offer of alternatives to gangs, violence, drugs, truancy and the juvenile justice system. KOB provides services to over 300 youth in the Roseland Community (inner-city Chicago) on a yearly basis through after-school programs such as;

                                                                                                        Tutoring, homework assistance

            GED Preparation

            Financial literacy

            Physical education, health & nutrition

            Male & female mentorship

            Music

            Drama/Theatre

            Community Service

            Local/Out of Town Travel

            Leadership Workshops

            Community Organizing

            Career Development/Workshops

            Job Referral/Training Programs

 

 

94.8% of the Roseland population is African-American

 

  • 12.5% have a college degree
  • 20.2% have not completed high school
  • 43.1% are unemployed
  • 37.5% of the population is  below poverty level
  • 26.3% of the families are headed by women

 

These statistics show why the Roseland area is a breeding ground for at-risk youth to be involved in negative behaviors.  During the past 5 years, the level of violence has increased to the point where it is impossible for youth not to be affected – either directly or indirectly. 

 

Youth from the ages of 12 through 24 years are targeted for the programs; however no one is turned away or denied benefit of KOB programs.  As of August, 2009 KOB had an active membership of over 300, with a waiting list of more than 100 youth. Youth enjoy being involved in KOB activities.

                                                                                    Our goals are:

 

 

  • To increase awareness and understanding of violence prevention
  • To develop and apply violence prevention skills
  • To increase self respect, self awareness, and pride
  • To give youth the opportunity to become caring and successful adults in their communities

 

To accomplish these goals, the KOB board of directors plans to provide a safe haven for the youth to congregate and enjoy learning. From its inception to date KOB activities have been held in the home of its founder – Diane Latiker.

 

Kids Off the Block operates five days a week, on average, 25 to 35 attend daily, we service young people between 12-24 years, for 42 weeks a year and from 4 pm-8 pm in the evening Monday thru Friday. In the summer, KOB provides 2 months filled with various activities (sports, workshops, field trips) from 2 pm – 6 pm. KOB’s volunteer staff recognize the importance of being there for the youth in the community. Our program offers the tutoring needed to improve grades and test scores. Featured speakers expose the youth to information concerning careers, the environment and issues on handling life skills topics.