About Us

About Us
Chics Helping Inner City Adolescents (CHICA) was established by Toiyea Shaw, a Retail Manager and Community Organizer, in October 2014. Witnessing the challenges faced by inner-city adolescents firsthand, Toiyea recognized the urgent need for enhanced programs and resources for the youth. Driven by her desire to give back and support children facing similar struggles, CHICA is dedicated to empowering disadvantaged youth in the inner cities of Los Angeles County.
Our mission is create social and economic sustainability in underserved communities by providing resources and educational assistance to inner city youth so they develop the skills to meet the need of future generations.
Our vision is to nurture a generation of inner-city youth with essential life skills and knowledge to secure a prosperous future. CHICA offers mentorship, health workshops, and tutoring programs to guide students through the complexities of college life and real-world challenges. So far, CHICA has served over 2500 individuals, conducted a college readiness workshop in partnership with the Compton Girls Club, and supplied essential items to more than 50 families, including school supplies.
Guided by our core objectives:

• Boost the graduation rates in inner-city high schools through after-school tutoring initiatives and college preparation workshops.
• Enhance awareness and understanding of the educational and mental needs of inner-city youth.
• Provide impoverished youth with essential job training and life skills to promote their success and foster thriving communities.
• Enhance equity for youth in under-served communities.

Organization Programs
At the heart of our efforts lies the Resources and Educational Assistance for Deserving Youth (R.E.A.D.Y) program, which touches the lives of 50-100 students each year. This initiative is dedicated to providing educational resources and support to empower young minds and help them achieve their full potential. Through R.E.A.D.Y, we aim to create a brighter future for these students and equip them with the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Building a strong foundation for impoverished youth is crucial for empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and achieve success. By providing essential job training and life skills, we can equip them with the tools they need to thrive in their communities. Here are some key ways to support and uplift disadvantaged youth:

• **Job Training Programs**: Offering vocational training programs in various industries such as technology, healthcare, construction, and hospitality can provide youth with valuable skills that are in demand in the job market.
• **Mentorship Opportunities**: Pairing young individuals with mentors who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement can help them navigate challenges and make informed decisions about their future.
• **Financial Literacy Education**: Teaching financial literacy skills such as budgeting, saving, and understanding credit can empower youth to make sound financial decisions and plan for their future.
• **Emotional Intelligence Workshops**: Providing workshops on emotional intelligence, communication skills, and conflict resolution can help youth build healthy relationships and cope effectively with stress and challenges.
• **Entrepreneurship Programs**: Encouraging entrepreneurial skills can inspire youth to create their own opportunities, think creatively, and develop a mindset focused on innovation and problem-solving.
• Financial Literacy Programs: Teaching and cultivating a generation that is not only financially savvy but also confident in their ability to manage their money. This program including assistance with opening first bank account with $50 funding at the completion of the program.
• **Community Engagement Initiatives**: Involving youth in community service projects and volunteer opportunities can instill a sense of belonging, empathy, and social responsibility while contributing to the well-being of their communities.

By investing in the holistic development of impoverished youth through these initiatives, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that not only transforms individual lives but also uplifts entire communities.

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Our Goals 

Guided by our core objectives:

• Boost the graduation rates in inner-city high schools through after-school tutoring initiatives and college preparation workshops.
• Enhance awareness and understanding of the educational and mental needs of inner-city youth.
• Provide impoverished youth with essential job training and life skills to promote their success and foster thriving communities.
• Enhance equity for youth in under-served communities.