Of Color, Inc.

Sometimes, a few simple words can remind a person that they are seen, supported, and not alone.

Swipe through for 3 important reminders every young person deserves to hear. Whether you’re a parent, educator, mentor, or friend, your words can make a lasting impact.

For local mental health resources and service options, visit the City of Chicago website: https://tinyurl.com/5b4fzs3n

Save and share this post with someone who may need it.

Starting the conversation can make a bigger difference than you think.

During Youth Mental Health Month, we’re reminding our community that supporting young people’s mental health begins with listening, showing up, and creating space for honest conversations. Of Color, Inc. is proud to serve and support young adults and families across Chicago through our housing and workforce development programs.

Swipe through for simple ways to talk with young adults about mental health and healthy coping skills that can help during stressful moments.

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave service members who gave their lives in service to our country. We also recognize the veterans and families in our community who continue to carry the impact of that sacrifice every day.

At Of Color, Inc., we remain committed to supporting veterans through housing assistance, workforce development, and community resources that help create stability and opportunity.

As we reflect and remember, we invite you to support our mission by donating, following our page, and staying connected to the work we do to serve veterans and communities across Chicago: https://www.ofcolorinc.org/donate

Now Enrolling: Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP)!

Take the next step toward your future with Of Color, Inc. through the Illinois Youth Investment Program.

Gain real-world experience, earn money, and get connected to new opportunities.

Program Details:
✔ Ages 18–24
✔ Earn $16/hour
✔ Worksite placements starting soon

Requirements:
✔ Valid State ID
✔ Social Security Card

📍Applicants must reside in eligible Chicago communities, including the following zip codes: 60617, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60624, 60628, 60637, 60643, 60649, and 60655.

📞 Ready to enroll or need help getting started?
Contact Maya Thompson at 773-383-4280.

Executive leadership in the human services sector requires resilience, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community.

Our Executive Director, Renita White, was featured alongside fellow nonprofit leaders in the Profiles in Perseverance interview series hosted by Illinois Partners for Human Service.

The conversation highlights the realities nonprofit leaders face today—from funding challenges to policy shifts—and the perseverance required to continue serving communities across Illinois. As Renita shared in the interview, “we have to remain committed to the mission and the communities we serve, even when the environment around us is uncertain.”

We’re proud to see nonprofit leaders, including Renita, sharing their voices and leadership in this important dialogue. Click the link to read the full interview series.https://illinoispartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Profiles-in-Perseverance.pdf

On this Mother’s Day, we celebrate the mothers, caregivers, and motherly figures who nurture, guide, and uplift those around them.

We also recognize that every story and every family looks different. Some families are built through love, community, resilience, and support, and every version deserves to be honored.

Today, we’re especially grateful for the mothers and motherly figures within the Of Color Inc. community, including the veterans, families, and clients who show incredible strength while building brighter futures for themselves and their children.

To every mother and every person who has stepped into that role with care and compassion—today we celebrate you.

In 2025, Of Color, Inc. continued creating pathways to stability and opportunity across communities in Chicago.

✨ 1,696 people served across more than 20 communities
🏠 627 families and children connected to housing
💼 1,367 individuals secured employment with an average wage of $18.04/hour

Every number represents someone moving closer to stability, opportunity, and a stronger future.

Your support helps make this work possible. Donations allow us to expand our programs, reach more families, and increase the number of people we serve each year. If you’d like to be part of this impact, consider making a gift today: https://www.ofcolorinc.org/donate

Investing in the next generation.

Through the Illinois Youth Investment Program, young adults gained real-world experience, job readiness skills, and opportunities for long-term success.

📊 173 youth served
🎓 92% completed work-based learning opportunities

Programs like this help young people across Chicago prepare for careers, education, and brighter futures.

Your support helps make opportunities like this possible. Donations allow us to expand programs, reach more young adults, and continue building pathways to employment and stability. Learn more or give today: https://www.ofcolorinc.org/donate

A great conversation on building strong leadership partnerships.

Our Executive Director, Renita White, and Board Chairwoman Angela Whiteside Smith, Esq., had the pleasure of joining a panel at the Chicago Foundation for Women Board Boot Camp Workshop to share insights on creating a strong Board/Chair relationship and the importance of collaborative leadership in nonprofit organizations.

Thank you to the Chicago Foundation for Women for hosting such an impactful discussion.

Pictured (left to right): Angela Whiteside Smith, Esq., Renita White, Keenya Lambert (President/CEO of CFW), and Lora York (Director of Programs at CFW).

Housing is the foundation for stability. Since the beginning, we’ve helped 627 families and children secure housing.

Through programs like Rapid Rehousing and the Flexible Housing Pool, Of Color, Inc. helped families move toward stable housing in 2025.

When families have a place to call home, everything else becomes possible.

You can help expand this impact. Your donation helps us support more families, provide critical resources, and connect even more people to safe, stable housing. Learn more or give today: https://www.ofcolorinc.org/donate