In response to Chicago’s crime epidemic, several West Side churches have joined together to launch Austin DreamMakers, a new mentoring program for youth. A kick-off of the program took place March 9 at Mars Hill Baptist Church, 5916 W. Lake St. Along with Mars Hill and Greater St. John, the other participating churches are: Hope Community Church, New Birth Christian Center, Friendship Baptist Church, Great True Vine Baptist Church, Original Providence, Trinity Baptist Church, Rising Sun Baptist Church, and St. Rest Baptist Church.
“The senseless violence has destroyed the lives and dreams of our youth for far too long. The Austin DreamMakers is just one of several strategic solutions we’ll be rolling out in the next several months,” said Rev. Ira Acree of Greater St. John in a press statement.
