November 24, 2009

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Chicago law firm Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg, LLP (“BFKN”) presented books, furniture, games, art supplies, music, and a CD player to help complete Oglesby Elementary’s “Peace Room” on November 24, 2009. The firm’s Women’s Initiative organized a donation drive to collect the van full of supplies for the Peace Room in support of the firm’s partnership with Alternatives, Inc., a youth and family agency that works in Chicago’s public schools to help students and their families practice non-violent conflict resolution. 

Oglesby Elementary, located in Chicago’s Englewood community, is one of nine Community Schools with which the YMCA has partnered to promote the concept of the school as the center of the community through before and after-school programs, adult education, health and wellness programming, and whole-family events. 

The majority of YMCA Community Schools are located in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, and predominantly serve members of racial minorities. Through its partnership with Alternatives, Inc., restorative justice is employed within the YMCA Community Schools via Peace Circles that build trust and communication within the schools, an adapted Peer Mediation model for young students, and family exposure to Positive Parenting techniques. Since 2003, BFKN has partnered with Alternatives, Inc. to support Restorative Justice programs in Chicago’s public schools. The firm provides volunteers and financial support to Alternatives and has worked with directly with student leaders to advise on Restorative Justice concepts and program implementation.

ABOUT BARACK FERRAZZANO

Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP provides a wide range of business-oriented legal services to some of the most respected companies in America and around the world. Founded in 1984 by two highly regarded law professors at Northwestern University and two former members of a prominent Chicago law firm, Barack Ferrazzano has grown to approximately 100 lawyers from some of the most renowned firms and law schools in the U.S. 

ABOUT THE YMCA of METRO CHICAGO

Through its 65 locations and more than 100 extension sites, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago helps children learn and grow, teaches young people to lead, brings families closer, and encourages individual health and well-being. As one of the largest non-profit organizations in Chicago and one of the largest human services organizations in the nation, YMCA programs impact hundreds of thousands of lives annually, helping to strengthen neighborhoods and respond to community needs across Chicagoland. To learn more, visit www.ymcachgo.org.

ABOUT ALTERNATIVES, INC.

Since 1971, Alternatives, Inc. has worked to facilitate personal development, strengthen family relationships, and enhance the community’s well being. Through dynamic, youth-led programs serving more than 3,000 young people every year at our Uptown Youth Center and at locations throughout Chicago, Alternatives addresses leadership development, academic enrichment, counseling, and violence and substance abuse prevention. For more information about Alternatives’ essential programs, please visit www.alternativesyouth.org.