Ignite Chicago

Thank you to the Chicago White Sox Volunteer Corps for joining us at Belfort House and Bronzeville Youth Shelter to help care for our gardens and outdoor spaces. 🪴

Your support helps make these spaces feel more welcoming for the young people we serve.

Chineze believes that when young people are met with compassion, consistency, and people who truly believe in them, resilience stops feeling out of reach and starts becoming part of everyday life.

At Ignite, we don’t just respond to crisis, we walk alongside young people as they rediscover their strength, reclaim their voice, and build futures filled with possibility.

For 50 years, Ignite has remained committed to creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to overcome hardship.

When we invest in youth and show up as a community, transformation happens.

We had the best time with our Associate Board at Midwest Coast Brewing Company

We would like to give a huge shoutout to our Associate Board for all they do to support Ignite and the young people we serve across Chicago. We’re so grateful for the time, energy, and care that they bring to our organization.

A special prom send-off made possible by our Community Hub team and generous community partners!✨

From the dress and photos to the food, treats, balloons, and makeup, so many people came together to help make the day feel thoughtful, fun, and memorable.

Thank you to everyone who donated their time, talent, and support:

The 828 Collection for the dress
Matt Gibson for photography
Charmaine Diane and Simone’s Sweet Shop for treats
Nina Press for food
Pookie’s Crack Cake for cakes
Dorene McClendon for balloon columns and treats
DIRC Hub Drop-In for support and makeup
The Ignite Hub team for helping bring it all together

We’re grateful for the people who show up for our young people in big and small ways.

We're hiring!

Ignite is growing our team and looking for people who care deeply about youth, housing, and community-based work in Chicago.

Interested or know someone who would be a great fit? Visit https://www.ignitepromise.org/employment to learn more and apply!

Join us in celebrating 50 years of Ignite!

On June 12th, we’re gathering at Belfort House for Ignite Day, a special afternoon honoring five decades of impact, community, and commitment to youth experiencing homelessness.

Together, we’ll mark the moment with a Time Capsule in the Belfort House Garden and a Proclamation from the City of Chicago recognizing Ignite’s 50 years of service.

June 12 | 1 to 3 PM
Program starts at 1 PM
Belfort House | 3745 S. Indiana Ave.

Come celebrate the past, present, and future of Ignite with us.

As we reflect on our 50th Anniversary Ignite & Shine Gala this past Saturday, we are filled with gratitude!✨

Because of you, we raised a record-breaking $925,500 to help Ignite expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and continue showing up for youth across Chicago with the care, stability, support, and opportunities they deserve.

Thank you to every donor, sponsor, community partner and friend who attended. We were honored to celebrate 50 years of Ignite with all of you, and we are grateful to look ahead to the next 50 together.

Tomorrow’s the night ✨

Join us as we celebrate 50 years of impact, community, and opportunity at Ignite’s Annual Gala. Your support helps create pathways to independence and brighter futures for youth experiencing homelessness. 💛

Say aloha to your dream getaway with Ignite & Shine Gala's final live auction item 🌺

Escape to Hawaii with this unforgettable island experience—5 nights in paradise, ocean views, and endless ways to relax and explore. Whether you choose Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island of Hawaii, this is your chance to unwind in true island style.

Every bid this Saturday helps create brighter futures for youth—learn more here: https://onecau.se/_dmny51

This Saturday, step up to the plate for a once-in-a-lifetime experience ⚾️

Every bid builds brighter futures for young people across Chicago. Don’t miss your chance to turn a dream day at the ballpark into lasting impact.

Click the link to preview auction items: https://onecau.se/_dmny51