WELCOME!
Thanks for stopping by! We are an organization committed to making a difference in our community with our activities which are centered around empowerment and service. Please look around and discover the programs and activities we are pursuing in the western suburbs of Chicago and beyond.
​VISION
Our vision is a community where children, youth, young adults, parents, and the entire family reach their highest potential and become contributing members of society.

MISSION
Our mission is to empower and support families, especially children, youth, and young adults by providing opportunities for learning, critical thinking, exposure, mentoring, and resiliency.
"At the dawn of a new beginning."
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WE SUPPORT FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
OUR CURRENT INITIATIVES ​​
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AALR is about being a force for good and we are always undertaking initiatives that will benefit the community. Currently, we are actively working on promoting the following:
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Youth Arts, Music & Culture (YAMC)
The goal of this program for students (and their parents/guardians) is to expand their view of the world through arts and music.​
We are excited that for our first outing we have a group of 21 persons attending the musical comedy, Sister Act at the Drury Lane Theatre on November 22, 2025! In addition to the show, our attendees will enjoy dinner afterwards at Miller's Ale House. Special thanks to Pam Herron for coordinating this event.
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College Senior Program
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The College Senior Program is a career readiness initiative we are piloting with Lewis University and Chicago State University. We are working to support college seniors by providing mentoring and coaching.
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Ubuntu House
From the Bantu language, Ubuntu means "I am because we are." The dream child and passion project of AALR President, Amania Drane, Ubuntu House seeks to provide a restorative retreat space where people can gather to experience healing from racial trauma through a historical lens, utilizing healing circles and other restorative justice and empowerment practices. We are committed to developing collaborative partnerships to overcome generational racial trauma and promote opportunities that support healing, wholeness, and thriving. See more about Ubuntu House here.
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HEAL Well​​​
This program engages with United Methodist volunteers and community members to support Austin Garden
Collective throughout the summer (May-August) to do what is needed to support the 25 gardens in the community of Austin in Chicago. In addition, HEAL Well pays stipends to students living in that community to plant trees and maintain them to maturity.
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OUR GOAL FOR 2026
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As we continue to do this work, we aspire to expand our footprint into areas where we can provide the most support through collaborative partnerships. We are continuing to fundraise to obtain a property in the future. As we build our brand, we will continue our programming for children, increase the number of Board of Directors, volunteer, and expand our social media presence.
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Please help us reach this goal by making a donation.