Mission and Vision
Mission: R2C2 supports young people in Roseland at critical moments by building trusted relationships, stabilizing immediate needs, and coordinating support so they can achieve safety, stability, and opportunity and lead meaningful lives.
Vision: A thriving Roseland where community members are safe, supported, and able to build meaningful, fulfilling lives. In turn, what works in Roseland informs and strengthens how other communities support young people.
Approach
Reimagining Roseland Community Collective (R2C2) supports young people in Roseland and the greater Chicagoland community by providing them with services that enable them to build meaningful, fulfilling lives. Our work focuses on four core areas: 1) Building trust through relationships; 2) Responding to crises and stabilizing immediate needs; 3) Coordinating support across systems; and 4) Strengthening community and influencing systems.
Once youth are identified for services, R2C2 offers programs designed to support young people at critical moments, helping them build safety, stability, and opportunity for their future. While this can take many forms, our work includes:
Housing & Crisis Stabilization
We respond in moments of crisis to stabilize young people, whether through housing at Mattie’s Place or through crisis response and victim services, so they have the safety and support to move forward. We also help young people access resources and take steps toward longer-term stability.
Youth Engagement & Development
We build trusted relationships with young people through mentorship, advocacy, and programming that fosters confidence and connection. Through consistent support, we help young people stay engaged, strengthen decision-making, and explore pathways for their future.
Navigation & Advocacy
We help young people navigate systems like education, employment, and the justice system through hands-on support and advocacy. We show up consistently, coordinate across stakeholders, and ensure young people have the support they need to follow through and move forward.
Community Partnerships & Systems Work
We partner with schools, community organizations, and public systems to improve coordination and expand access to support. We also share R2C2’s approach and what we’ve learned to help strengthen how other communities support young people.
Values
Real change requires strong values. R2C2's values are in our DNA and guide how we show up every day.
Relentless Compassion
We show up with care and respect, without judgment, to create spaces where people feel safe. We do not give up on people.
Community-Rooted
We are from the community, with the community, and guided by its voice. Our work is shaped by lived experience.
Absolute Integrity
We do what is right and stay grounded in our values, even when it is hard. We challenge what is not working. Our word is
our bond.
Real Accountability
We do what we say we will. We follow through, own our results, and take responsibility for outcomes because people depend on us.
Transformative Liberation
We help people build confidence, take ownership, and shape their future. We believe in what is possible and do what it takes to get there.
"We want people to see the strength and aspiration of Roseland's youth, provide them with unwavering support, and join us in our mission to build a safe and thriving community on Chicago's south side."
Steve Gates, Founder and CEO
Connect
Get in touch with us to learn more about our services and how we can work together to support Chicago's youth.
R2C2 is a 501c3 organization. Your funding will support our organization and its mission to enable Chicago youth to thrive.