A LETTER FROM REBEkAh

Dear Friend of One on One,

I am excited to share with you the mission that we have to affirm the dignity and self-reliance of underserved individuals and families through meaningful work. We were born out of the dedication, vision, and mission of Living Hope Church in the Woodlawn community of Chicago. Through their leadership and vision to radically impact their community, we established our work to invest deeply and richly in individuals and families by preparing and facilitating meaningful employment.

Our approach is unique through our highly personalized and adaptable model of service that prioritizes the individual dynamic needs. This one on one approach allows us to specifically support, encourage, and affirm each person with whom we work. At One on One, we are passionate advocates for individuals and families and we believe that meaningful employment can be a life-altering experience. It is our vision that through our unique approach of working with each individual one on one that we will be a catalyst for individual, workplace, and community transformation.

As we have grown over the past 5 years from serving 75 people to over 900 people, we are committed to the transformative power of work that fundamentally impacts the way we all interact with and understand ourselves and the world around us. We are committed to continuing and growing our efforts and have a goal to expand our reach throughout multiple communities in the coming years. We welcome your partnership as we continue to affirm the dignity and self-reliance of underserved individuals and families through meaningful work.

Sincerely,

Rebekah S. Kikama
Co-Founder and Executive Director

WE ARE A MOTIVATED COMMUNITY OF PROFESSIONALS, DONORS, AND PARTNERS FOCUSED ON CHANGING LIVES AND HELPING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES THRIVE.

LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors

Our board of directors provide critical leadership, oversight, and support to the organization. Our directors come from a variety of backgrounds and lend their expertise, insight, and experience to the organization in a collaborative way.

Brad Beier, Mark Davino, Ava Gordon, Nancy Hess, Rebekah Kikama, David Leishman, Mia Martich, Shenita Muse, Michael Nitz, Sarah Beth Rizzo, and Ta Juana Tang

Staff

Our staff team is made up of diverse individuals who are passionate about our fighting for justice. We learn from, challenge, and encourage each other regularly as we work together to serve our clients.

Nathaniel Arrington, Franklin Ballenger, Brenda Daniels, Eleanor Eaton, Rebekah Kikama, Roxanna Montecillo, Celia Sennon, and Nia Williams.

Our HISTORY

2010

Living Hope Purchased the building at 6414 S Cottage Grove and renovated the old pool hall to become the church home and ministry space.

2011-2014

Living Hope hired over 50 individuals from the community to work on the renovations.

In 2014, Living Hope incorporates Hope Works Community Development as a separate entity to further the mission of community impact.

Rebekah Kikama begins as first executive director to lead development and structure of the new organization and the focus on employment is cemented.

In October 2014, First program is launched to focus on work.

2015

75 people served.

2017

Hope Works begins to expand reach beyond Woodlawn to Washington Park, Greater Grand Crossing, Englewood, and the Austin community. 350 people served.

2018

Deepening our partnerships and recognizing the value in collaboration, Hope Works builds a network of over 45 community based organizations, churches, and small businesses. 703 people served.

2019

Hope Works grows direct job placements by establishing 10 direct employer partnerships. 916 people served.

2020

Hope Works becomes One on One.

About one on one

We were born out of the dedication, vision, and mission of Living Hope Church in the Woodlawn community of Chicago. Through their leadership and vision to radically impact their community, we established our work to invest deeply and richly in individuals and families by preparing and facilitating meaningful employment. Our approach is unique through our highly personalized and adaptable model of service that prioritizes the individual dynamic needs. This one-on-one approach allows us to specifically support, encourage, and affirm each person with whom we work.

At One On One, we are passionate advocates for individuals and families and we believe that meaningful employment can be a life-altering experience. It is our vision that through our unique approach of working with each individual one on one, we will be a catalyst for individual, workplace, and community transformation. As we have grown from serving 75 people to over 1,000 people, we are committed to the transformative power of work that fundamentally impacts the way we all interact with and understand ourselves and the world around us.

One On One serves all members of the community, regardless of age, race, color, religion, creed, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status under applicable law.