The Look of Real Progress
What is Do For Self?
Do For Self (DFS) trains, employs, and develops former gang members, ex-offenders, and other socially disenfranchised members of the community so they can transform the communities they live in while earning a legitimate income.
Do for Self Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit CDC that evolved out of The Muhammad Ali Community & Economic Development Corporation, a for profit company n/k/a MDC Economic Development Co.
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Chicago Poverty & Crime
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Poverty
The poverty rate in the area outlined in red ranges from 32% to 200% more than the remainder of Chicago. Poverty creates desperation where many struggling individuals attempt to find any means to become financially sound, even if illegal.
Maps created by: Michael Stiehl -
Crime
The violent crime rate in the area outlined in red is 350% higher than in the remainder of Chicago, according to a study conducted by the Field Foundation.
It is no coincidence that we see high crime in areas of high poverty. They lack of opportunities cause many to seek out a means of financial stability through illegal activities if the legal opportunities aren't numerous enough.
Maps created by: Michael Stiehl -
Access to Jobs
22% of the population in the area outlined in red faces commutes to work in excess of 60 minutes. This is a rate that is 70% higher than the remainder of Chicago and presents a painful barrier in obtaining and maintaining employment.
DFS's model is built to create jobs where the people are so that they can work, spend, and live in the same communities. This will establish the economic engine needed to transform impoverished communities.
Maps created by: Michael Stiehl -
Our Base!
We are located on the South Side of Chicago in the middle of where Chicago's most disenfranchised are struggling. We see the despair, we see the potential, and we have a working plan.Maps created by: Michael Stiehl
How We Fight Poverty!
1. Train the Disenfranchised
Many people have challenges that have caused them to be seen as unhireable by most employers. We pursue these individuals to give them the skills they need to succeed.
Former Gangmembers
Ex-Felons
2. Provide Employment
DFS isn't like typical job training programs which only give stipends. Our trainees are employees who receive on-the-job training. This assures that they have much needed income as they obtain new skills.
Carpentry
Flooring
3. Foster Development
Our environment is specifically design to instill a wealth of values in addition to skills to assure that our employees can truly learn to Do-For-Self, so that they may do for others.
Leadership
Organization Skills
Some of Our Community Supporters & Partners
