Inner-City Youth Program
Off The Street Club: Where Hope Has A Home
Providing hope, play, and Casual Joy for the boys and girls of Chicago.
The safest block in Chicago (1:23)
Our Mission
Who We Are
Founded in 1900, Off The Street Club is Chicago’s oldest inner-city youth program for boys and girls. Against the backdrop of West Garfield Park, where violence, gangs, and drugs are a daily threat, we offer hope.
The Club is a place where more than 3,000 kids and young adults living in this neighborhood have a safe place to learn, laugh, and play without worry.
Many of us hear negative stories about Garfield Park every day. At Off The Street Club, we choose to focus on a different story: the well-being and happiness of the many families and kids that live here. Every young person deserves to experience Casual Joy. Our goal is to provide a space for that to happen, where hope can have a home.
Casual Joy is the simple childhood moments that most of us took for granted.
It lies dormant inside many of the children who come to us, until it bursts out. Or sometimes, it is just a sweet, certain look that a child has in his or her eyes when they’re loved and safe and know it.”
Ralph Campagna
Former Executive Director, Off The Street Club
Our Programs
What We Do
Off The Street Club is a safe space in West Garfield Park, providing kids ages 4 to 18 a place to hang out, learn, play, grow, and thrive.
We support our kids through a range of activities and programs that help them visualize and reach their full potential.
Because of the work we do at the Club, our kids regularly experience improved grades, meaningful friendships, and a newfound sense of safety and hope.
Afterschool Programs
Activities at the Club range from playing basketball to making friendship bracelets to experiencing art, culture, and sports around Chicago. Our priority is to offer a fun and safe place for kids to be kids.
Tutoring and Mentoring
Off The Street Club gives the kids a chance to learn, grow, and thrive outside of the classroom. From tutoring and mentoring to using the computer center for homework.
Summer Camp
The Club’s very own summer camp, Camp Mathieu, is a 30-acre facility located 30 miles from Chicago. Camp Mathieu allows the kids a chance to swim, camp, and enjoy nature outside of the city.
Special Events
Outside of regularly scheduled programs, the Club hosts special events, fundraisers, and more to spread the word about the kids and the Club. Check out our events page for more information on upcoming programs.
Off The Street Club is a truly one-of-a-kind shelter and haven that insists that kids be kids.
From the leaders who have made its operation their vocation to every member who brings light, life, and joy to the volunteers, aux board, and other club members, OTSC keeps its kids safe, and, most importantly, happy. The club has opened my eyes to the beauty of hope amidst the complexities and chaos that plague this community.”
Keeley Carson
Volunteer and Auxillary Board member
Meet The Kids
The kids are what make Off The Street Club so great, and make it so easy for our volunteers, donors, and staff members to keep showing up.
The Club provides a safe space for these kids to be themselves and reach their true potential.
We love to highlight the kids, their successes, and their stories. Recently, we put together a list of 18 kids under the age of 18 who are all honest, hardworking, kind, resilient, humble, and so much more. Here are a few of their favorite things about Off The Street Club.
“It teaches me how to be a great kid, better athlete, and how to stay out of trouble.”
Brandon Standberry, 12 years old
“I like playing on a team. It builds my character.”
Kanye Conley, 13 years old
“The club allows me to be free to be a kid.”
Khalia Hall, 13 years old
“Making new friends and learning how to be nicer, kind, smart, and to work hard.”
Melayha Morgan, 8 years oldJoin the Club
How You Can Help
The difference we make in these kids’ lives is made possible by our generous donors, volunteers, and staff members.
You can help us make an impact by getting involved and spreading the word about the Club.
Volunteering
We welcome everyone’s help at Off The Street Club. There are countless volunteer opportunities to support our youth programs and make a positive impact on these kids’ lives. From chaperoning day trips, to tutoring or mentoring a child, or to joining us at Summer Camp, we can always use a helping hand. Help us spark joy!
Donating
Generous support from our donors gives our kids the opportunity to grow, thrive, and imagine a brighter future. Donations help us keep our lights on, purchase new toys for the kids, take them to museums, and send them to summer camp. Give hope and donate today.
Where To Find Us
Interested in the Club? We’d love to hang out.
Phone: 773-533-3253
Address: 25 N Karlov Avenue, Chicago, IL 60624
Hours
Monday – Friday: 3:00 – 8:00pm
Saturday: 12:30 – 5:30pm
Sunday: 12:15 – 5:15pm
Donate to Off The Street Club
You Can Make An Impact
Our kids depend on the programs we offer. Donate today to support the boys and girls of Off The Street Club.