New Community Outreach

RAGV 2026 Team NCO Spotlight:
Candice - Board Member & Volunteer (left, both photos)

Participating in the Race Against Gun Violence is more than just a run for me; it is a vital extension of my life’s work. As an educator who has been committed to supporting children for over 25 years, I have seen firsthand how much a young person’s environment dictates their ability to thrive. Adolescence is a naturally vulnerable stage defined by identity development and career exploration, but for some of our youth in Bronzeville, these milestones are often overshadowed by the weight of trauma.

The statistics are sobering: nearly every middle and high school student in this community has witnessed or personally experienced violence. When academic pressures and social development are compounded by the hyper-vigilance required to navigate gun violence and systemic oppression, the need for intentional intervention becomes a matter of urgency.

I am racing in support of New Community Outreach because they provide the safe space our children need. Their commitment to violence prevention and trauma care doesn't just offer a temporary refuge; it equips students with the tools to break cycles of violence and envision a future defined by opportunity rather than fear.

On a personal level, I am running alongside my 13-year-old daughter. I want to inspire her to understand that we can not be passive observers in our community. By supporting New Community Outreach, we are investing in the mental and physical health of Bronzeville’s youth, ensuring that every child has a safe space to grow, lead, and succeed.

Donate now: Runsignup.com/NCO

Sonia Wang is a south side Chicago educator and community builder. With over 15 years of experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator in West Englewood, Woodlawn, and North Lawndale, Sonia has devoted her career to creating spaces where young people can find their voice, advocate for their needs, and see themselves as active participants in shaping the world around them.

After being trained as a restorative justice practitioner, Sonia joined New Community Outreach as a circle keeper before stepping into her role as Executive Director in 2020. Since then, she has worked to build NCO's infrastructure, develop impactful programming, and deepen the organization's roots in the Bronzeville community — all grounded in the belief that centering humanity and prioritizing relationships is how real change happens.

Help NCO Cross the Finish Line as We Race Against Gun Violence! - Read more about where we are with our fundraising efforts - https://mailchi.mp/568fa9beeb26/help-nco-cross-the-finish-line-as-we-race-against-gun-violence-14191913

Or go directly to our fundraising page and give now - runsignup.com/nco

THANK YOU!

People often talk about our young people as the next generation, those who will lead us in the future. While we hope they will grow up to be great leaders in the future, at NCO, we believe that our young people are leaders now, even our youngest students.

As we closed out our Elementary KEY Program, we talked about what it means to be good leaders, those who treat others fairly and look for ways to help. We wrote self-affirmations that empower us, long after the program ends.

As we shared our affirmations to close our time, one student shared: “I am unstoppable!”

Our young people are, and will be, an unstoppable force for good in our community! 💫

Congratulations to our Executive Director, Sonia Wang, for being honored by Illinois State Comptroller, Susana Mendoza, as a leader making significant contributions to the community.

Every May for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Comptroller Mendoza recognizes individuals who are trailblazers throughout the State of Illinois. Sonia was one of five honorees this year.

RAGV 2026 Team NCO Spotlight:
Morgan - Board Member & Volunteer

I run in honor of my brother Brandon, whose young life was tragically taken by gun violence. I also think about the teenager who pulled the trigger and how different his story could have been with access to the right support. NCO offers exactly that to our young people. Maybe he would've learned to name his pain, to channel hurt more constructively. We ask so much of our young people, often without pouring enough into them, giving them the tools and frameworks they need to make the best possible choices. And yet, they have the power to change lives. One teenager's act forever changed mine — so I've been doing my part to help build a kinder world.

3 Reasons I Fundraise for NCO:

1. Real relationships — Kids have a fun, safe space to learn how to name their feelings, resolve conflict, and express themselves in healthy ways.

2. Dedicated leadership — In my 3rd year on the board, I'm still inspired by the people running this organization. They are truly living the work.

3. Smart stewardship — NCO runs lean, so your donations go directly to youth and programming.

Thank you for being in my corner and theirs 🙏🏾.

Donate now: Runsignup.com/NCO

In KEY fashion, we ended our year in reflection and play! KEY students, mentors, families, partner school administrators, and staff gathered as we celebrated another amazing year of collective growth and impact.

We engaged in circle conversation, played games, ate lots of food, and KEY participants had opportunities to share reflections during an open mic time.

We loved wrapping up the year in community. 🎉💕

We're TWO weeks away from Race Day. Support Team NCO as we raise funds to ensure consistent, impactful restorative justice programming for youth & neighbors in Bronzeville.

We're halfway to our goal of raising $40,000!

Make a donation today and be part of cultivating safe, restorative dodges spaces on the South Side!!

Our final school-year KEY circles have officially ended for this year! 😭 We had a wonderful time reflecting on our individual and collective growth in our circle communities. It has been amazing spending the past eight months with such amazing young people, and we are so grateful to our school partners!! 💕
See you next year!