Explore stories of changed lives
Symirah
Mary
William
Honor Roll
Bula
Nelson
Jacoby & Jabaar
Peter
Jamar
Olivia
Meet Symirah
For eight years, she has been enrolled in C24/7 After School and Job Development programs. Now a senior in high school, Symirah has her eyes set on attending Junior College and because of the help she receives from program staff and volunteers, her dream will soon be a reality once she graduates High School this year. A lifelong resident of Rogers Park, and because her hard work, God’s favor, and help she received at C24/7, she was accepted into Innovations High School in downtown Chicago to complete her high school education.
Innovations High School utilizes a competency-based learning system that requires students to demonstrate competence on designated performance indicators before moving on to the next level. Students are given opportunities to demonstrate competency in various ways. The curriculum is designed with personalized learning in mind. Students are also expected to master all competencies being assessed in a quarterly, inquiry based, interdisciplinary project..
Today, in addition to high school, three days each week, she’s an active participant in C24/7’s Job Development program as a paid After School Job Development Teen Worker. A role she is very committed to making lasting impressions on the younger students. And, as the oldest of five children, she badly wants to be an inspiration and role model for her siblings. She aims to complete Junior College and matriculate onto an Institution of Higher Learning. Undecided at this time of her course of study, she has her eyes set on a career in the healthcare industry. God bless Symirah, keep her in your prayers.
She’s grateful for C24/7 staff and volunteers who have taken such an interest in her well-being and future and indicated collectively, everyone was helpful in completing all college entrance and financial aid applications!
Mary Snediker
C24/7 Academic Ambassador
Mary Snediker promotes education and serves elementary and middle school children enrolled in C24/7 After School Programs. She volunteers her time on an ongoing basis, and influence students’ lives in very positive ways. Mary is mother, sister, and friend to C24/7 staff, student family members and she serves to help impact and help change their lives. Mary defines the meaning of the word “volunteer”, and she is a very passionate volunteer. When given a mission she is committed no matter what obstacles get in her way.
Now retired, she found C24/7 when the Founders, Brother James and Natalie Crockett visited Glencoe Union Church. They spoke and introduced C24/7’s mission to the Glencoe congregation. Mary subsequently went for a site visit and was immediately enamored by their passion for their ministry and signed up as a volunteer immediately.
She knew once she retired, she wanted to give back and joined C24/7 three years ago. She initially began volunteering with the elementary students; and because of her dedication, she was asked to work with the Middle School students because of the need and have since learned how amazing it is to work with middle school students and have absolutely fell in love with the program.
“Volunteering has given much more to me than I feel I have given to them”, touts Mary. And for years I’ve been reading from different sources, including Father Greg Boyle, Father Richard Rohr, and Civil Rights Attorney, Bryan Stevenson – author of Just Mercy; and lastly, Father Gustavo Gutierrez. The theme among each of these authors is to be in proximity – don’t stand at the perimeter, get in. And “that’s what I wanted” when she choose C24/7 – to be in proximity to this community and noted that Rogers Park was the perfect fit.
“I want to earn the children’s trust. To be another adult in their lives that they know will show up. I want to help them believe they are the beloved children of a God that loves us unconditionally. “ And as Father Greg Boyle says, “here is what we seek. The compassion to stand in awe of what the poor have to carry rather than in judgment of how they carry it”.
In closing, Mary feels the staff has been wonderful, the Program Director, Fatimah Mithcell is an absolute joy to work with. This is her second year, and she has really grown into the role. Moreover, I love the Crockett’s, – I truly love them – they are so committed to their mission. They are unabashedly Christin in their every interaction. When you’re in their company the Light of Christ is with you. It lights up the room!
Finally, last year I received approval to launch a Book Club, and with the help of my Librarian, we selected six different books specifically for middle schoolers, and we are on our second book. Book Club is important to me because it gives the youth the opportunity to discuss how they feel about some of the difficult things the book characters live through, and C24/7 provides them with a safe place to discuss these things. In addition, it provides an opportunity to assess and promote literacy. In roundtable discussions, we sit and read aloud and discuss what we’ve read and learned.
Overall, it’s been exceptionally fun and rewarding!
Meet William
C24/7 Shooting Star
William learned early how heavy responsibility can feel. From a Christian family, he found C24/7 to be his safe haven. William enrolled in C24/7 After School program when he was in the sixth grade at Acero Charter Schools in Chicago, he then went on to CICS Northtown Charter Academy. Today, he is a member of the C24/7 Job Development program and has been hired as a paid C24/7 Teen Worker, and has been accepted into the Dreams, Visions, Work Entrepreneurial Job Training program. William touts “C24/7 has really helped him work through his relationship with God and be more positive”. Dreams, Vision, Works teaches Young Entrepreneurs high-impact, skills-based training rooted in five essential pillars of entrepreneurial success:
- Business Planning – structuring ideas into viable business models
- Financial Literacy – understanding cash flow, budgeting, and capital readiness
- Target Audience Definition – identifying and reaching ideal customers
- Branding – establishing a compelling and credible market presence
- Marketing – building visibility, engagement, and consistent sales.
Under the leadership of C24/7 Board Members, Community Business Mentors, and Corporate leaders, he and his team of four have conceptualized a mission-driven start-up to launch a clothing line — Faith Based Hoodie apparel.
C24/7 Dreams, Vision, Work program is designed to teach students how to scale their ideas beyond startup and aim for market expansion and ultimately how to pitch their ideas to (angel) investors for revenue growth. C24/7 young entrepreneurs are able to reflect on their journeys, they uncover valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and innovation. They learn that consistency often trumps quick wins and that building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. These lessons become guiding principles that shape their future plans and aspirations.
Each student’s success stories are not just business milestones—they represent a shift in generational outcomes, wealth ownership, and community leadership. We believe entrepreneurship is more than a business path—it’s a tool for reclaiming legacy, rewriting narratives, and rebuilding communities from the inside out. Every entrepreneurial journey begins with that first courageous step, and for C24/7 young innovators, the path to success often starts with a spark of inspiration. It might be a desire to solve a problem they see every day or a passion for a favorite hobby that they want to turn into something bigger. Whatever the inspiration, these initial ideas form the bedrock of what could become a significant business in the future.
William is blessed to have parents and friends who plays a crucial role during these formative steps. With encouragement from family and C24/7 program staff, this small endeavor can gain momentum, helping the young entrepreneur learn vital business skills. As these young entrepreneurs navigate the beginnings of their business ventures, they gain foundational knowledge that paves the way for overcoming future challenges and achieving their goals. From setting up Faith Based Hoodie attire storefront, to launching an online store, the early experiences teach resilience and foster an entrepreneurial mindset. These skills and lessons shape their journey forward, enabling them to transform small dreams into big realities.
Created by C24/7 Executive Director, Brother James Crockett vision is to not just train young entrepreneurs — he aims to create changemakers! The dreams of these young visionaries continue to evolve as they grow and gain more experience. They aim not only to expand their current projects but also to inspire other kids and teens to explore entrepreneurship. Their stories remain a testament to the power of Christ, youthful ambition and the endless possibilities it holds. With hard work and the right support, young entrepreneurs are set to achieve even greater heights.
Looking ahead past high school, Williams is being mentored by C24/7 Board Chair, David Nyren to pursue post-secondary attainment and is assisting him with exploring his different options to enter College or Technical School.
Honor Roll!
Praise God that many of our students are on the “A” and “B” Honor Roll for their 2nd Quarter! One of our five key pillars of our after-school program is “education”. Each program day (except Friday’s) our students spend 30 minutes working on homework, reading with a volunteer tutor or practicing Match and English Language Arts through our online education systems, IXL Comprehensive Learning System.
Meet Bula
The love of God is a virtue of kindness.
Kindness is a virtue which “lifts the spirits” and “touches the hearts” of the people we encounter in our daily lives. C24/7 is a nonprofit organization dedicated, through the power of Jesus Christ, to improving the lives of children and young adults in Chicago by providing the tools, security and environment to thrive economically, socially and spiritually.
It was 2020 when we first met Bula as a frequent shopper at our free store. and her family, was impacted by the COVID devasting effects. During this period, she was raising her niece, along with her children, and they were all residing with her mother. During this same period, her brother was murdered, her mother soon transitioned, and six months later, her sister, a mother of six, was found dead. Without hesitation she took custody of the children. Looking for support, her niece found C24/7 and enrolled in C24/7 After School Program. Seeing the positive impact the program had on her niece, Bula visited C24/7 and began attending our weekly Women’s Bible study. She subsequently enrolled other children in her care in our after-school program and they faithfully engage in our education and outreach cultural events. “You are now my biggest supporter. The program has helped my growing family learn about God – they didn’t grow up in a home that taught them about God,”
Her kindness and selfless virtue “lift spirits” and “touches hearts” of the people we encounter in our daily lives. Bula’s story is one example of how the Quakerdale Foundation helps community organizations thrive and provide resources families so desperately need. We are so grateful to partner with Quakerdale Foundation, and we are sure this will only lead to more children and families being empowered.
Meet Nelson
Generosity begets generosity
“He’s like my big bro!” Ask any C24/7 student, and they will speak to the love, rooted in Jesus, they receive from Nelson. But Nelson didn’t arrive at this place without first having to experience heartache, sacrifice, and a long road to redemption.
After the violent death of his mother, despair was his companion. His father moved his family from one gang-ridden neighborhood to another, and he found comfort in the streets, which led to gang affiliation and the criminal justice system.
BUT GOD HAD A PLAN AND A MAN! Brother James, C24/7 founder, also experienced life in the streets, and turned his heartaches into purpose. Now labeled as the community’s “Peacemaker,” Brother James has been on a mission to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It was inevitable the paths of the “Peacemaker” and the peacebreakers would cross. Brother James repeatedly invited Nelson and fellow gang members to Bible Study, and they repeatedly declined, and even threatened to kill Brother James. He remained faithful in pursuing each one.
Nelson finally joined Bible Study, and Brother James began mentorship. Nelson was receptive to God’s love and has walked hand in hand with God for over 6 years! When the opportunity arose to work for C24/7, Nelson knew it was God’s calling on his life. He’s now C24/7’s Director of High School Program’s. His life has forever changed, and he is ensuring his son, along with C24/7’s youth, will not have to turn to the streets to find the love of Jesus Christ. We are grateful to the Quakerdale Foundation and our supporters.
Meet Jacoby & Jabaar
Identical twins from Rogers Park were born just minutes apart. These young men have been part of the C24/7 family since elementary school and are now thriving high school students. They are currently working diligently with C24/7 high school Program Director, and Volunteer Tutors to ensure they increase their GPA for acceptance in one of Chicago’s most prestigious Scholarship programs.
The young men are enrolled in the C24/7 Job Development program where for the past two years have been Teen Workers and serve as Mentors to the younger youth enrolled in Program. The High School Job Development
program help students set goals, navigate college planning, and build the knowledge needed to pursue their future with intention. Dreams, Visions, Work! provide students with stipends, personalized guidance, academic support, and college advising mentorship, with an overarching goal to help position students to access competitive opportunities and pursue their dream career path.
The secret to the brother’s success, is their ability to motivate one another. Both are preparing to attend post-secondary education, and both have a strong interest in pursuing careers in Creative Arts. They say their competitive nature helped them along the way; they are each other’s support
team!
Together, their lives tell a very powerful story about what real love looks like. They are regular participants in C24/7 Bible Study Youth Groups, and we have found they are very opened minded and have shared that they take lessons learned back to their classmates.
Our students each week spend time learning, laughing, and growing together as we focus on what it means to live lives of Christ-centered influence. Through Scripture and teaching, students are challenged to reflect on where their influence comes from, how their hearts shape their actions, and how God calls them to be salt and light in the places He has uniquely placed them. They are reminded that influence isn’t about being loud or popular, it’s about pointing others to Jesus through everyday faithfulness.
We also have a lot of fun together! Shared meals, conversations, laughter, basketball, football, pool, ping pong, and the time they share together helps
strengthen relationships and build deeper connections within our Groups. These moments matter just as much as the lessons, and we’re thankful for the way God continues to knit our students together.
We’re excited for what God is doing in these young men’s lives, and the bright future that’s still ahead!
Peter Johnson
Volunteer Tutor/Mentor Ambassador
Since retiring about five years ago, Peter was introduced to C24/7 and invited to volunteer by a very close friend. Since early 2022, he has served as a youth tutor and mentor to the elementary students where he assists with homework, offer encouragement and wherever he can provide counseling. He began his volunteerism journey hoping to touch the lives of the youth at C24/7 – even if no one remembered him or his name. He proudly states, “it is never about me – it is about Jesus”! Over the last year, he transitioned his support to High School youth and felt nervous that he wouldn’t have anything to offer or know what he was doing. But, through God’s grace, he has developed an even deeper relationship with them.
Growing up, Peter came from a stable, middle-class background, with his material needs met. C24/7 youth are facing challenges that he never imagined, like wondering if there would be food in the fridge or worrying about their safety on the way to school. “Yet, they are very resilient in ways I had never seen before.”
“God gives Hope to the youth at C24/7, so that they might see his love through the volunteers …”
Peter went on to say … “What strikes me is that working with the high school youth and community residents, there is such a strong sense of community within the C24/7 doors. Everyone really looks after each other. Despite their personal hardships, I am always moved by the strong sense of community, which is even more apparent from the love received by the co-founders, Brother James and Sister Natalie! Everyone that walks throulittlers on a regular basis – the one thing I tell people is the more you get involved, the more you realize how little of an impact you might make – but you realize the needs are so significant.”
C24/7 is truly a refuge where these kids could experience God’s love. They come to feel safe, valued, and loved, while learning things they might not have had the chance to learn otherwise. Peter thinks that God brought him and other volunteers to C24/7 to be His hands and heart, providing support where it was most needed.
Selfishly he noted he feels so blessed to have the privilege to be with the youth. “I go to C24/7 to show the love of Jesus Christ. It’s not up to me; I leave it in God’s hand. I go there to love the youth and have some working reference to make a difference in their lives. And I don’t do this for attention or do it because its fun! It’s not about fun – I see the need so deeply and the youth are so deeply appreciative. So many of the youth are in a very difficult situations, and if I can just be a part of something that could change their outcomes.”
The sharing of God’s love is what drives Peter to return every week – and most importantly, he hosts a Bible Study group with the high school students, and his goal is that he wants the youth to be curious and growth in their faith. God knows each child who comes to C24/7 and every volunteer who steps forward to serve. He knows what He’s doing when He brings the youth and volunteers together. All we have to do is say, “it’s all you, Lord. Just show me how to show them You.”
Meet Jamar
From the Streets into the Kingdom of God
C24/7 is more than an Afterschool program, Jamar found it to be a place of peace, togetherness, and where the fruits of the spirit dwelled. It’s the reason he is where he is today, he says. As a child, he spent his time bike riding and participating in sports. He enrolled in C24/7’s Afterschool program when he was in the 3rd grade. But COVID-19 struck, and things worsened. During this time, he felt a deeper pull to the streets. He looks back and sees his rebellion. Growing up in a fatherless home and watching his older siblings’ constant engagement with the justice system, Jamar turned to what he learned from the neighborhood: street life. What started out as brotherly love quickly turned into something different that led to stealing, smoking, and gang life. He had no alternative but to pick up the pieces and reflect on the deep heaviness in his spirit. He knew the life he chose and the choices he was making would only lead to deeper darkness. So, he repented and remembered the foundation of God’s love that C24/7 taught him as a young child. He is now “being led by the Kingdom of God, instead of the streets!”
Olivia Wright
Northwestern University DeBerry Civic Scholar
After meeting Brother James and Sister Natalie at Northwestern University’s DeBerry Civic Scholars program, Olivia made an immediate connection with Sister Natalie after sharing in interest in Biomedical Engineering Devices.
The DeBerry Civic Scholars at Northwestern is a leadership development and community engagement program designed for a cohort of selected first, second, or third year students at Northwestern. The program provides students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful public service rooted in the local community and the reflection space to process those experiences. The goal is to build meaningful relationships and practice valuable leadership skills while wrestling with issues of power/privilege in our local context.
Growing up in a very Christian faith-based household, a real connection was made—especially with Sister Crockett. When the open call was made for volunteers, Olivia immediately signed up! That was over five months ago. Since that time, she offers her time twice a week, working very closely with the Program Director, Fatimah. She said that Fatimah has consistently changed her life and her perspective because she is so knowledgeable about Christianity and her faith. But most importantly, Olivia says, “I love growing in my faith through her.”
Showing up twice a week at C24/7, she has found the experience to be transformational — “My life has been utterly transformed.” Not just because she connects so well with the youth, but because of the connections made with so many like-minded and wonderful people. She loves the opportunity not only to stay connected to the university, but to give back and to engage with passionate, creative, and committed fellow volunteers. She shares,” It’s heartwarming and fulfilling to remain part of the community, and to continue working to support and engage C24/7 youth.”
“I’ll never forget the experiences I’ve had at C24/7 and the family I’ve come to be apart. I love being able to give back and will cherish every opportunity I get to spend with the youth! If you feel called and are looking for ways that work for you to volunteer or give back, I fully support C24/7: Father’s Arms Ministries.”