Discover
#TheCABImpact

Our Plan. Our Mission.
C.A.B Studios and Recreations is a youth-powered, community-rooted organization dedicated to transforming the lives of young people through creative arts, athletics, education, and mentorship. Our team is made up of individuals who know the stakes — every member of our board was raised in Cook County, and half of us grew up in poverty. This isn’t just our work — it’s our lived experience.
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In Cook County, individuals aged 16 to 30 account for more than 60% of all homicide victims. In 2024 alone, 773 homicides were recorded, with the majority linked to gun violence. At the same time, over 35% of households in our area live below the financial survival threshold. These statistics aren’t just numbers — they represent our neighbors, our friends, and the realities our youth face every day.
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C.A.B exists to change that. We provide safe, vibrant spaces where young people can thrive — mentally, physically, and emotionally. Our programs span from sports and recreation to music education, financial literacy, creative production, and leadership development. We offer alternatives to the streets and the system — opportunities for youth to find their voice, build skills, and become confident, connected contributors to their communities.
In 2025–2026, we’re expanding our reach through the development of a new gym, creative studios, and sustainable access to aquatic recreation — addressing one of the most underfunded yet critical needs in our neighborhoods.
At C.A.B, we’re not just building programs — we’re building a movement. One rooted in trust, led by example, and committed to giving every young person a hint more of what they need: safety, structure, opportunity, and love.

OUR AREAS OF IMPACT
Recreation & Athletics — Gymnasium, boxing gym, and fitness programming that teach discipline & teamwork.
Music & Creative Arts — Recording studios and mentorship that help youth express safely and productively.
Early Learning & Education — Programs for ages 3–13 focused on literacy, STEM, and personal growth.
Community Support — Family engagement, mental-health awareness, and youth employment pathways.
Workforce & Business Development — Internships, small-business training, and financial literacy through the South Suburban Business Center (SSBC).
WHY CAB IS NEEDED
Park Forest and greater Cook County face shrinking recreation infrastructure, school closures, and rising youth trauma.
From outdated facilities to the loss of community anchors, the Southland needs unified spaces that restore belonging, safety, and opportunity .
“After years of declining enrollment, south suburban School District 227 has voted to close Rich East High School.” — FOX 32 Chicago
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“The Rich East crisis has arrived… ‘The option of a two High School District seems to be the direction of the board.’” — eNews Park Forest
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Frustration is growing across Cook County as community spaces vanish:​
“Revenue has declined from $57,000 in 2021 to $35,000 in 2024, while the general fund has been transferring at least $250,000 annually to cover expenses.” — Village of Park Forest Recreation Department
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“The Aqua Center has been a gathering place for generations … Now it faces major repair costs.” — Kevin Adams, Director of Recreation, Parks & Community Health (villageofparkforest.com)
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“The Park Forest Aqua Center was not open for the 2025 season.”— eNews Park Forest
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These closures compound a broader public-safety crisis. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office recorded 1,002 gun-related homicides in 2021, the highest since 1994 (cookcountyil.gov).
Community frustration is palpable:
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“Children getting killed, mothers getting killed, young men getting killed — and we’re not getting any help.” — Community member, Fox News
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“The average age at which Black and Latino Chicagoans witness a shooting is 14 … Schools need support to help them heal.” — Jemia Cunningham-Elder, Chicago Sun-Times
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“This community has been left out by the city and by the state … Youth employment is a critical solution to curbing violence.” — Rev. Robin Hood, FOX 32 Chicago
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These voices reflect a shared truth: the crisis is local and urgent.
CAB stands as a proactive, community-built solution — using mentorship, recreation, and creative programs to fill the void left by disinvestment.
IMPACT BY THE NUMBER
JOBS CREATED
55+
VOLUNTEER HRS OFFERED
5,000+
PROGRAMS
25+
EVENTS HOSTED
30+
YOUTH IMPACTED
1,200+
MONEY REINVESTED
$1.5 - $2M
