Helping the Greater Chicago community, one step at a time

After Donated Toys Stolen, Wicker Park Frame Shop Launches Easter Basket, Toy Drive For Kids In Need

The Black-owned frame shop saw a spike in customers in 2020, but is now struggling. Still, Helendora Samuels Picture Framing is focused on helping Chicago kids in need.

Stepping Out in Faith allows us to support our community.

Stepping Out In Faith/I Am Austin is a part of the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization The Righteous Way of Living Ministries. Helendora grew up in the Austin neighborhood, and still is connected with friends and family who live there currently. Her vision is to give back to the neighborhood, particularly the youth. SOIF/IAA is focused on rebuilding and restoring this underserved Chicago neighborhood through job training classes, education, and mentorship. Our objective is to increase low self-esteem and develop interpersonal skills in Chicago’s youth, and most of all allow these youth to discover their talents and capitalize on them.

Community Outreach

The goal of our community outreach is to develop a forum for workshops and presentations from local business leaders to drive employment opportunities for diverse professionals. Through workshops based on skill development, such as framing and woodworking, sewing, floral arranging, and more, we plan to make it easier for local professionals to pursue employment and avoid crime in Chicago.

Childcare and Youth Mentorship

In Cook County, only 24 percent of children potentially in need of child care can be served in formal childcare settings (via Illinois Action for Children). The goal of our childcare program is to offer affordable child care for Chicago families in need through our ministry. Our initiative is to teach the participating children a variety of trade skills and life skills, so as to keep these at-risk children off the streets and have a better chance at living productive and fulfilling lives as law-abiding members of our community.

2022 Book Bag Giveaway

With the help of our sponsors, Case Integrative Health, Colleen’s BBQ, DLV Printers and Under New Construction, we gave away bookbags to Chicago youth.

Learn more

Find us in Block Club Chicago!

Holiday Toy and Coat Drive

Each winter, SOIF/IAA facilitates a boot, coat, and toy drive for children and families in the Austin community.

This Spring, we led our largest donation drive yet of food and Easter baskets for families throughout greater Chicago. We gave away over 1,000 Easter baskets and meals to families and people in need.