For over 36 years, The Support Group (TSG) has stood at the heart of Chicago’s neighborhoods, empowering Chicago’s youth to dream bigger, achieve more, and becoming thriving members of our communities. The Support Group (TSG) offered programming at 13 sites across 17 Chicago Public Schools, and touching the lives of more than 150,000 students. But today, our youth are facing a crisis, and so are we.

After years of steady growth, rising costs, and a wave of disinvestment from federal funding, TSG has been forced to downsize from 13 active sites to just two. Staff have been furloughed, funding has been delayed, and our community spaces—once filled with laughter and learning—are at risk of going dark. Yet the demand for our programs has never been greater. Chicago’s children are facing record levels of violence, mental health challenges, and academic decline.

That’s why we’re launching “It Takes a Village”, a campaign to expand our after-school programs and bring hope back to the neighborhoods that need it most. Our after-school programs are more than just places to go—they’re lifelines. Each session provides mentorship, academic enrichment, leadership training, and emotional support. These programs cost an average of $17,169 per student per year, but their impact is priceless.

Your donation will help us re-open sites, rehire dedicated mentors, and reach more students in the critical hours after school when crime and temptation are highest. This isn’t charity, it’s community. Together, we can replace hopelessness with opportunity, fear with focus, and danger with direction.

About The Support Group

The Support Group is a Chicago-based, certified 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by activist Bennie Henry and NBA Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr. to provide our youth with access to programs that help them see the endless potential within themselves.

The Support Group Chicago Founders

Lunch with a Leader programs hosts CPS students for 10th year

Jackie Robinson Night At Wrigley Field Benefiting The Support Group

During National Youth Violence Prevention Week, Chicago Public Schools students call for resources

It Takes a Village: Expanding After-School Programs

Help Chicago’s youth rise beyond their circumstances.

Team Members