At Youth Guidance, we are proud to continue our partnership with Bears Care, the charitable arm of the Chicago Bears, as we work together to uplift and empower students across the city. Through programs like Becoming A Man (BAM) and Working on Womanhood (WOW), Bears Care’s support has helped us profoundly impact the lives of young people in under-served communities. This collaboration, which includes the invaluable involvement of Bears players, has provided essential funding and brought mentorship, inspiration, and hope to our students.
Various Bears players visit schools across Chicago weekly, joining students in their circles. Circles provide a safe and supportive space for middle and high school students to open up, share their experiences, and develop emotional intelligence and social skills. The players engage in meaningful conversations, often sharing their stories of overcoming challenges and achieving success. Whether discussing resilience, leadership, or goal-setting, these interactions leave a lasting impact on our students, showing them that they too can overcome adversity and succeed.
A shining example of this involvement is Justin Jones, who has become a regular participant in BAM and WOW programs. His dedication to empowering young people earned him a nomination for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which honors NFL players for excellence both on and off the field. Jones’s commitment mirrors the legacy of Walter Payton, a Bears icon known for his humanitarian work.
Expanded Reach
Beyond these personal connections, Bears Care has also made significant financial contributions to Youth Guidance, allowing us to expand our programs and provide the resources our students need to thrive academically and emotionally. Their ongoing generosity ensures that we can reach more young people throughout Chicago to help them develop the skills necessary to succeed in school and life.
In addition to their ongoing support, the Chicago Bears delivered a truly unforgettable experience to one of our students in 2023 by surprising them with the opportunity to attend Super Bowl LVII. This once-in-a-lifetime moment exemplifies the Bears’ deep commitment to making dreams come true for Chicago’s youth. It’s not just about what happens on the field—it’s about showing our students that anything is possible when they stay focused on their goals.
As the 2024-25 school unfolds, we are filled with excitement and gratitude for our continued partnership with Bears Care. Our students are incredibly thankful for the opportunities to engage with their role models, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact of this partnership.
Together, we are building a brighter future for Chicago’s youth—one filled with hope, opportunity, and success. Thank you, Bears Care for your unwavering support of our students and for believing in the power of mentorship, education, and community engagement. We look forward to another transformative year!