The Heart Behind Our Mission
Growing up in North Lawndale, I watched my mother welcome every neighbor who needed help. She taught me that real community means showing up for each other, especially when times get tough. Her example planted seeds that would later grow into something much bigger than I ever imagined.
As a pastor serving this community, I faced a painful reality. Years of broken promises had left my neighbors feeling hopeless and forgotten. Young people couldn't see a future for themselves. Families were struggling just to get by. Our seniors felt invisible and alone.
I realized North Lawndale didn't need another program that would disappear after a few years. Our community needed something deeper—a complete transformation of heart and spirit. We needed someone willing to rebuild trust one relationship at a time, no matter how long it took.
That's when I asked myself the question that changed everything: if not me, who?
My mother always said, "When someone's hurting, you walk toward them, not away." This simple truth guides everything we do at Fuel Movement. Everyone deserves dignity, respect, and real opportunities to succeed.
Today, I'm working to create the North Lawndale my mother always believed was possible. A place where families support each other. Where children know they matter. Where hope feels real and within reach.
—Darrell Glover, Executive Director
Our Comprehensive Approach
Most organizations focus on just one problem at a time, but we knew that wouldn't work for North Lawndale. Real change happens when we address all the challenges families face together. That's why we built our work around six connected program areas that support each other.
Our holistic model means when a family comes to us for help with food, we can also connect them to job training, healthcare, and educational support. When a teenager joins our fitness program, they might also get tutoring and mentoring. Every program builds on the others to create lasting change.
Here's how we serve our community through integrated programming:
Health and Wellness programs provide medical screenings, mental health support, and health navigation services that help families access quality care.
Education initiatives support learning from early childhood through adult education, including tutoring, college prep, and digital literacy training.
Nutrition and Meals services fight food insecurity through our pantry, meal distribution, and community garden while teaching healthy cooking skills.
Family Support programs strengthen households through parenting classes, childcare resources, and crisis intervention services.
Workforce Development opportunities prepare residents for good jobs through training, career counseling, and entrepreneurship support.
Community Advocacy efforts amplify resident voices and build leadership skills while addressing systemic barriers to equity.
This approach works because it treats families as whole people with connected needs, not isolated problems to solve.
Making Real Impact
Numbers tell an important part of our story, but they can't capture the full picture of transformation happening in North Lawndale. Every year, we proudly serve over 1,000 families through our comprehensive programs. These families represent thousands of individual lives touched by hope and opportunity.
Our impact goes beyond the services we provide directly. When we help one parent find stable employment, their children see new possibilities for their own futures. When we support a teenager's education, they become a mentor for younger kids in their neighborhood. When we advocate for better community resources, everyone benefits.
The real measure of our success shows up in smaller moments that matter deeply:
Families gathering for community meals and finding new friendships that last beyond our programs.
Teenagers discovering their voices through leadership development and civic engagement opportunities.
Different generations connecting across age lines to share wisdom, stories, and mutual support.
Neighbors helping neighbors because they've learned what community support can accomplish together.
These connections create ripple effects that spread throughout North Lawndale, building the foundation for long-term community transformation.
Understanding Our Community
North Lawndale is home to 35,000 residents who bring incredible strength, creativity, and resilience to our neighborhood. Our community has a rich history connected to the civil rights movement and features beautiful architecture that tells the story of Chicago's development over generations.
Today, North Lawndale is experiencing a resident-led revitalization that focuses on hope, collaboration, and community ownership. This transformation isn't being imposed from outside—it's growing from within, led by people who call this place home.
But we also face real challenges that decades of disinvestment and systemic barriers have created:
Healthcare access remains limited, making it hard for families to get preventive care and manage chronic conditions effectively.
Educational opportunities need strengthening so our young people can compete for good jobs and higher education.
Economic mobility requires more pathways to stable employment and entrepreneurship that build generational wealth.
Community resources need expansion to meet the full range of family needs in our neighborhood.
We're working to address these challenges while building on the incredible assets our community already has—strong families, cultural richness, and neighbors who care about each other.
Join Our Transformation
Whether you live in North Lawndale or want to support our community from elsewhere, there's a meaningful way for you to be part of this transformation. We believe change happens best when everyone contributes their unique gifts and talents to the work.
Our community has room for residents seeking services, partners wanting to make a difference, and volunteers ready to share their time and skills. Each person who joins us makes our movement stronger and our impact deeper.
For North Lawndale residents, we offer comprehensive services designed to meet you exactly where you are:
Connect with programs that support your health, education, housing, and economic stability needs through our integrated approach.
Access resources that help your family build stability and work toward your goals with dedicated support staff.
Join community activities that bring neighbors together and create lasting friendships across our neighborhood.
For partners and donors, your investment creates lasting change by addressing root causes instead of just symptoms:
Fund comprehensive solutions that tackle multiple challenges simultaneously for maximum community impact.
Support resident leadership development so community members can drive their own transformation efforts.
Build sustainable programs that will continue serving families for years to come.
For volunteers, your time and talents directly strengthen our community in ways that matter:
Mentor young people who need caring adults to believe in their potential and support their dreams.
Support our food pantry by helping families access nutritious food with dignity and respect.
Share your professional skills through workshops, training, or one-on-one coaching that builds community capacity.
This work isn't easy, and trust must be earned every single day. But when we see families thriving, young people leading, and neighbors supporting each other, we know we're building something that will last.
Fuel Movement is North Lawndale's community center where neighbors become family, challenges become opportunities, and residents lead their own transformation.
For twelve years, we've created space where community members access resources, develop skills, and take leadership in neighborhood improvement. We believe lasting change happens when communities lead their own development.
Fuel Movement is your place to grow, contribute, and thrive in North Lawndale.
Our Comprehensive Programs
We address the interconnected challenges and opportunities that North Lawndale families face through five core program areas that work together to strengthen individuals, families, and our entire community.
Family Support & Development
Strengthening families through holistic programming that addresses real needs.
We provide comprehensive support for families including parenting resources, financial literacy education, health and wellness programming, and case management services. Our approach recognizes that strong families are the foundation of strong communities, and we work with each family to achieve their goals and overcome challenges.
Programs include: Family case management, parenting workshops, financial planning assistance, health and wellness education, emergency support services, and family advocacy.
Learn More About Family Support →
Youth Programming & Leadership Development
Empowering young people to reach their potential and lead positive change.
Our youth programs provide safe spaces, educational support, leadership development opportunities, and positive adult mentorship for young people ages 8-24. We focus on building skills, confidence, and community connections that help youth succeed in school, work, and life while developing their capacity to contribute to community improvement.
Programs include: After-school programming, summer camps, youth leadership development, educational support, career exploration, and community service opportunities.
Learn More About Youth Programs →
Adult Education & Workforce Development
Creating pathways to economic stability and career advancement.
We offer educational opportunities and workforce development programming that help adults achieve their career goals, increase their earning potential, and build economic stability for their families. Our programs are designed to be flexible and supportive, recognizing the complex challenges that adults face while pursuing education and career development.
Programs include: GED preparation, computer training, job search assistance, interview skills workshops, career counseling, and professional development opportunities.
Learn More About Adult Education →
Community Health & Wellness
Promoting health equity and wellness for all community members.
Our health and wellness programming addresses the social determinants of health while providing direct services and education that help community members improve their physical and mental health. We focus on prevention, education, and connecting residents to healthcare resources and support systems.
Programs include: Health screenings, nutrition education, fitness classes, mental health support, healthcare navigation, and wellness workshops.
Learn More About Health & Wellness →
Community Organizing & Advocacy
Building resident leadership and collective power for systemic change.
We support community members in developing organizing skills, advocating for policy changes, and working together to address systemic issues that affect North Lawndale. Our organizing work is resident-led and focused on building long-term power and capacity for community-driven change.
Programs include: Leadership development, community organizing training, policy advocacy, community forums, and resident-led initiatives.
Learn More About Community Organizing →
Our Impact in North Lawndale
After more than a decade of community-centered work, we've seen firsthand how authentic partnership and comprehensive programming create lasting transformation in North Lawndale families and neighborhoods.
Community Transformation Stories
"Fuel Movement didn't just help me get my GED - they helped me believe I could do anything I set my mind to. Now I'm in college and working as a peer counselor here, helping other community members achieve their goals."
- Maria Santos, North Lawndale Resident and Fuel Movement Program Graduate
"This place became our second home. The support we received during our family's difficult time made all the difference. Now we volunteer here because we want other families to have the same support we received."
- James and Patricia Williams, North Lawndale Residents
"The youth program at Fuel Movement taught me leadership skills and gave me confidence to speak up for my community. I'm now in college studying social work so I can come back and continue this work."
- Destiny Johnson, Former Youth Program Participant
Get Involved with Fuel Movement
There are many meaningful ways to connect with our community and contribute to North Lawndale's ongoing transformation, whether you're a resident, partner, or supporter.
For North Lawndale Residents
Join Our Programs
All of our programs are free and open to North Lawndale residents and their families. Whether you're looking for educational opportunities, family support, youth programming, or ways to get involved in community improvement, we have something for you.
Volunteer in Your Community
Community members can volunteer with our programs, help with events, mentor youth, support other families, and contribute their skills and experience to strengthen our community.
Take Leadership
We're always looking for residents who want to take on leadership roles in programming, community organizing, event planning, and neighborhood improvement initiatives.
For Corporate Partners
Authentic Community Partnership
We work with corporations who want to build authentic, long-term partnerships with North Lawndale that benefit both community development and corporate social responsibility goals.
Employee Engagement Opportunities
Your employees can engage with our community through volunteer opportunities, skill-sharing, mentorship, and collaborative projects that create meaningful connections between your company and our neighborhood.
Strategic Community Investment
We help corporate partners develop community investment strategies that create genuine impact while meeting ESG goals and stakeholder expectations.
Explore Partnership Opportunities →
For Individual Supporters
Donate to Support Our Work
Individual donations help us maintain our programs, expand our services, and respond to emergency needs in our community. Every contribution makes a difference in the lives of North Lawndale families.
Volunteer Your Time and Skills
We welcome volunteers who want to share their skills, mentor community members, help with events, and contribute to our programming in meaningful ways.
Spread the Word
Help us reach more people who could benefit from our programs by sharing information about Fuel Movement with your networks and communities.
Upcoming Events & Activities
Every month brings new opportunities for learning, connection, and community building through our diverse programming and special events.
This Month at Fuel Movement
Community Health & Wellness Day
Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Free health screenings, fitness activities, nutrition education, and wellness resources for all community members and families.
Back-to-School Community Resource Fair
Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Get ready for the new school year with free school supplies, backpacks, health screenings, and information about educational resources.
Family Financial Planning Workshop
Wednesday, August 7, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Learn practical strategies for family budgeting, saving money, and planning for financial goals. Childcare and dinner provided.
Regular Weekly Programming
- Monday - Senior Social Hour | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Tuesday & Thursday - Youth After-School Program | 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday - Adult Computer Class | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Friday - Community Fitness Class | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Saturday - Children & Family Activities | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
View All Events & Activities →
Community Partnerships & Recognition
Our work is strengthened by authentic partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to community-led development and resident empowerment.
Our Partners
We're grateful to work alongside community partners, corporate supporters, and individual donors who share our commitment to North Lawndale's transformation:
- Corporate Partners: Companies investing in authentic community development
- Healthcare Partners: Organizations supporting community health and wellness
- Educational Partners: Schools and colleges creating pathways for residents
- Nonprofit Partners: Community organizations working together for neighborhood improvement
- Government Partners: City agencies supporting community-led development
Learn About Our Partnerships →
Visit Fuel Movement
We welcome community members, visitors, and potential partners to experience our work firsthand and learn how you can be part of North Lawndale's transformation.
Location & Hours
Fuel Movement Community Center
4244 W Cermak Road
Chicago, Illinois
60623
Regular Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed (except for special events)
Contact Information:
- Phone: (312) 489-4755
- Email: fuelmovement24@gmail.com
How to Find Us
Public Transportation:
- CTA Pink Line: Cermak stop (2 blocks from our center)
- CTA Bus Routes: #21 Cermak, #60 Blue Island/26th
- Parking: Free street parking available
Accessibility: Our facility is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms, parking, and programming spaces. We work to accommodate different needs and abilities in all of our programs.
What to Expect
When you visit Fuel Movement, you can expect:
- Welcoming, friendly staff who are part of the North Lawndale community
- Clean, safe, and comfortable facilities designed for community use
- Information about all of our programs and services
- Opportunities to connect with other community members
- Respectful, culturally responsive service that honors your experience and goals
First-time visitors are always welcome. Stop by during our regular hours to learn about our programs, meet our staff, and see how you can get involved in your community.
Our Community-Centered Approach
Everything we do is grounded in the belief that communities have the wisdom, strength, and leadership capacity to drive their own transformation when provided with appropriate support and resources.
What Makes Fuel Movement Different
Community-Led Development
We believe that lasting change happens when communities lead their own transformation. Our role is to support, resource, and amplify the leadership and vision of North Lawndale residents.
Comprehensive Programming
We address the interconnected challenges that families face by providing holistic support that includes education, health, economic development, and community organizing.
Authentic Partnerships
We build genuine relationships with community members, corporate partners, and other organizations based on mutual respect, shared goals, and long-term commitment.
Strength-Based Approach
We focus on the assets, skills, and leadership that already exist in North Lawndale while providing resources and support that help individuals and families reach their goals.
Cultural Responsiveness
Our programming is designed to be culturally relevant and responsive to the specific needs, experiences, and priorities of North Lawndale residents.
Our Values in Action
Community Ownership: Residents have voice and leadership in all aspects of our work
Family-Centered: We recognize that strong families are the foundation of strong communities
Holistic Support: We address the full range of challenges and opportunities that community members face
Authentic Partnership: We build genuine relationships based on mutual respect and shared commitment
Sustainable Change: We focus on creating lasting transformation that continues beyond specific programs or funding
Learn More About Our Approach →
Connect with Fuel Movement
Building relationships and maintaining open communication with our community is essential to our work and central to how we operate.
Stay Updated
Get information about our programs, events, and community news:
- Visit our facility during regular hours for the latest information
- Call us at (312) 489-4755 to speak with staff
- Email us at fuelmovement24@gmail.com with questions or to get involved
- Stop by our community center to pick up program information and event calendars
Join Our Community
There are many ways to connect with Fuel Movement and become part of our community:
For Residents: Join our programs, volunteer, take leadership, and help shape the future of North Lawndale
For Partners: Explore authentic partnership opportunities that benefit both community development and your organization's goals
For Supporters: Contribute your time, skills, or resources to support community-led transformation
Fuel Movement is more than a community center - we're a place where North Lawndale residents come together to build the community we want to see. Every person who walks through our doors contributes to the collective strength that makes transformation possible.
Ready to get involved in North Lawndale's transformation?
Contact us today to learn how you can be part of building stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger future for North Lawndale.