Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation recently awarded grants to two Chicago nonprofits that support mental health work, including CLOZTALK partner Erika’s Lighthouse. CBS talked to the executive director of Erika's Lighthouse about the $25,000 award, which will be used to bolster its Adolescent Empowerment Program.
Erika’s Lighthouse is committed to raising awareness about teen depression in middle school and high school communities at no cost to schools. Founded in 2004 after Ginny and Tom Neuckranz lost their 14-year-old daughter to adolescent depression, Erika’s Lighthouse aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding depression and empower young people to take ownership of their mental health.
NBC Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, NBC Sports Chicago, and the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation teamed up to award Project Innovation grants to several nonprofits in the Chicago area, including CLOZTALK partner Chicago Commons.
The mission of Chicago Commons is to empower individuals, families, and communities to overcome poverty and systemic barriers, embrace opportunities, and thrive across generations. The grant will go toward funding the Pathways to Parents program, which enrolls a cohort of parents and provides career training in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago. Participants receive childcare, meals, transportation, and internet access as they gain credentials for a career in Early Childhood Education.
Alternatives For Girls (AFG) helps homeless and high-risk girls and young women to avoid violence, teen pregnancy, and exploitation including sex trafficking. The nonprofit helps them to explore and access the support, resources, and opportunities necessary to be safe, grow strong, and make positive choices in their lives.
As The Detroit Free Press reports, the Detroit-based organization has received a $1.2-million grant from the McGregor Fund that will go toward its Workforce Development program. The hub will provide employment readiness and job coaching for young women to help them and their families move out of poverty.