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Giving Tuesday on December 2nd

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 23:16:49 GMT

Give to Grow: Help Us Reach Our $10,000 Giving Tuesday Goal

Strengthening Our Community Alliance (SOCA) is dedicated to uplifting Chicago communities through:

Scholarships
Violence Prevention
Economic Development
Community Engagement

This Giving Tuesday, your support helps us expand programs that serve residents across Chicago—providing resources, safety, stability, and opportunity to youth and families citywide.

Your gift strengthens entire communities, not just one neighborhood. Please click HERE to donate.

Strengthening Violence Prevention Initiative Partners with Fuller Park Advisory Council

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 22:13:45 GMT

Strategic Partnerships Changing Communities

Fuller Park, Chicago – The Strengthening Violence Prevention Initiative (SVPI), led by Strengthening Our Community Alliance (SOCA), in partnership with Fuller Park Fieldhouse of the Chicago Park District, and the Fuller Park Advisory Council (FPAC), held a kickoff meeting to begin developing community-driven strategies for violence prevention and neighborhood revitalization.

The meeting opened with introductions from all attendees. Ronald Hughes, Director of Community Partnerships for SOCA in Fuller Park, provided an overview of SOCA’s mission and described the recent state of Illinois Department of Human Resources (IDHS) funding awarded to support violence prevention programming. He emphasized the importance of community voices in shaping the implementation plan, noting that SOCA aims to align its goals with the real needs of Fuller Park residents.

Community Priorities Identified
- Traffic Safety: Ongoing issues with speeding along Princeton and Wentworth.
- Youth Engagement: The need for male role models to connect with young people in the neighborhood.
- Creative Youth Opportunities: Innovative and positive activities to keep youth engaged.

Upcoming Events
The Advisory Council also shared details about upcoming community events:
1. Nightclub at Noon – A senior-focused event scheduled for next week.
2. Fuller Park Reunion – Taking place on the last Sunday of the month.

To support these efforts, SOCA announced plans to host an outreach event during the Fuller Park Reunion and is also considering organizing a community job fair. Additional ideas discussed included hosting a prayer breakfast and implementing midnight basketball programs to offer safe, constructive outlets for youth.

Addressing Barriers
One of the most pressing issues raised during the meeting was transportation access. Many residents struggle to attend events and activities due to limited transportation options, a challenge SOCA and FPAC acknowledged will need creative solutions.

Moving Forward
The kickoff meeting marked an important step in building a stronger partnership between SOCA and Fuller Park residents. By grounding the violence prevention initiative in the voices and priorities of the community, the effort aims to foster safety, opportunity, and lasting change in the neighborhood.

Photo from Left to Right: John McClain, Cynthia Leggett, Ronald Hughes, Elaine Spencer, Lawrence Dixon Jr., Veronica Barney, Spankey Davis.

Strengthening Violence Prevention Initiative--Apply Now!

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 20:02:24 GMT

Apply here for the roles of Area Violence Interrupter, Area Field Manager, Case Manager, and Victim Services Facilitator.

Click below to schedule your interview for the SVPI Initiative, only if you have applied. Check back for updated interview times.

Please select the date and time slot that you're available (select only one).

August 7 at 09:00 am (unavailable)

2025 Talent Hunt Competition

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 20:23:04 GMT

Chicagoland High School Students Showcase Their Talent

On March 22, 2025, Strengthening Our Community Alliance provided scholarship awards to participants who wowed the attendees with vocal and instrumental performances. This event took place at the Vandercook College of Music.

Tiffany Tyus was this year's winner with her amazing piano performance of "Spain" by Chick Corea. The other students did an outstanding job performing as well. Congratulations to them, their loved ones, teachers, and mentors who have assisted them along the way. All of these students are inspiring and give us hope to see what their future will bring.

We thank Sigma Omega Chapter for allowing us to sponsor this showcase of the arts. We look forward to continuing support of our youth.

Omega Mardi Gras Fundraiser 2025

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 18:38:44 GMT

Save the Date March 8, 2025

�� A Night to Remember, a Legacy to Celebrate ��
Step into the magic of Mardi Gras as we mark 20 extraordinary years of cultural celebration and community impact. Hosted by the SOC Alliance in partnership with the Sigma Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., this year’s gala is a landmark event you won’t want to miss!

CLICK HERE to get information on ticket options and sponsorship packages!

Giving Tuesday 2024

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 20:33:49 GMT

Please consider a generous donation to support our mission.

Your generosity has the power to enhance the community at large. Together, we can make this Giving Tuesday our most impactful one yet! Please click this link to donate.

Strengthening Our Community Alliance Secures Starting Block Grant from Cook County Government

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 12:00:07 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Strengthening Our Community Alliance Secures Starting Block Grant from Cook County Government

Chicago, IL – [July 9, 2024] – Strengthening Our Community Alliance (SOCA) is proud to announce the receipt of a Starting Block Grant from the Cook County Government. This substantial funding will be instrumental in expanding our community-focused programs, aimed at improving education, health, economic, and other community opportunities for residents throughout Cook County.

Transformative Impact of the Grant

The grant from Cook County is a significant endorsement of SOCA's mission and efforts to foster a supportive and thriving community. These funds will build capacity to enhance and expand several critical programs, including youth educational services, comprehensive health outreach, and community support networks.

Expanding Our Reach and Services

“With this generous grant from Cook County, we can deepen our impact and reach more residents in need,” said Theodore Davis, Board Chair of SOCA. “We are excited to expand our educational initiatives, improve access to health services, and bolster our support for local entrepreneurs. This grant will truly make a difference in the lives of many.”

About Strengthening Our Community Alliance

Strengthening Our Community Alliance (SOCA) was established in 1995 with a mission to uplift and improve the life of the community through educational opportunities, mentoring, and other charitable acts. Our goal is to create sustainable opportunities for individuals and families to lead healthier, more prosperous lives.

About Cook County Government’s Commitment

This grant is part of Cook County Government's ongoing commitment to support community organizations that drive positive change and foster equitable opportunities for all residents. Their investment in SOCA underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in building stronger, healthier communities. More information can be found here:

https://www.cookcountyil.gov/news/cook-county-announces-nearly-3-million-additional-starting-block-grant-awards-community-based

For more information, please contact:

Theodore Davis

Strengthening Our Community Alliance

Phone: (773) 693-2222

Email: info@socalliance.org

Website: https://www.socalliance.org

#socalliance #nonprofit #capacitybuilding

@CookCountyGov

Join us at the Kroc Center for a Blood Drive

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 03:01:31 GMT

Join us at the Kroc Center for a Blood Drive

Join us at the Kroc Center for a Blood Drive.

Interacting with Law Enforcement

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:34:15 GMT

SOC Alliance in conjunction with the Westside Justice Center presents April Preyer, Esq, a criminal law expert. During this session, April walks through strategies about police stops, warrants, searches and seizures, interrogations, courtroom procedure and more.

SOC Alliance in conjunction with the Westside Justice Center presents April Preyer, Esq, a criminal law expert. During this session, April walks through strategies about police stops, warrants, searches and seizures, interrogations, courtroom procedure and more.

Soft Skills Training with Michelle Relerford

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 23:09:33 GMT

Student Professional Skills Training

The purpose of the program is to train and prepare participants on "soft-skills" to enter the workforce. Participants will learn professionalism, corporate culture, emotional intelligence, how to be a good employee, conflict resolution and professional dress that will guide them in a variety of situations.

Webinar Series Finance Matters

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 16:17:11 GMT

SOC Alliance partners with Tamara Dervin, Certified Financial Educator, offering “Finance Matters,” a three-part webinar focusing on Budgeting Sept 8, 2022, Demolishing Debt Sept 15, 2022, and Saving & Investing Sept 22, 2022. Reserve your virtual seat now by registering here: www.bit.ly/3wtU6x9

SOC Alliance Promotes Positive Loitering

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 02:42:34 GMT

Community members, neighbors, and officers from the Chicago Police Department join us for our Promoting Positive Loitering event.

SOC Alliance invites the community to its facility for "positive" loitering. This builds trust with neighbors and is a tool to decrease violence.

EUGENE WILLIAMS MEMORIAL

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 14:06:34 GMT

Support the Eugene Williams Memorial fund. Proceeds will benefit the making of a tombstone commemorating his life and sacrifice. Click here to make your tax deductible donation.

Who was Eugene Williams? The black teenager’s death sparked Chicago’s 1919 race riot, but few facts are known about Williams himself. He died in the waters of Lake Michigan on the afternoon of July 27, 1919, after a white man threw rocks at him — a tragedy that spiraled into a spate of violence lasting several days, with 38 people dead. Read more .

ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL BBQ

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 14:15:54 GMT

Join us for our annual Back To School BBQ! Click the image below for details.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS – SEMINAR ON PROPERTY TAXES

Wed, 04 Oct 2017 14:17:12 GMT

Please join us on Thursday, October 5, 2017 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm we will host a “Know Your Rights” seminar by Attorney Tanya Woods of the Westside Justice Center on home ownership entitled “So you can’t pay your taxes, now what?”

Free to the Public
Light refreshments served

Please join us and pass the information along to anyone who might benefit.

F inally, please feel free to bring and drop off canned goods and support our quarterly food drive.

BACK TO SCHOOL BBQ

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 14:18:24 GMT

Join us for our first annual Back To School BBQ! Click the image below for details.