Heart of the City

Volunteering is an important part of our program, helping our student athletes have a positive impact on their community while building a foundation of responsible citizenship. Last month,?twelve students dedicated their time and effort to packing boxes of food for children in need?with Feed My Starving Children, ensuring meals reach families around the world. Their hard work and generosity will make a real impact in the lives of those facing hunger. We are so proud of their kindness and willingness to give back! #hotc #community #volunteer #givingback #playwithheart

Our students had the opportunity to visit BCU HQ in Vernon Hills, where they received an in-depth breakdown of financial literacy, including debt management, budgeting, and saving for the future. This eye-opening experience provided them with essential knowledge to make informed financial decisions. Thank you, BCU, for equipping our students with valuable skills for lifelong success! #hotc #community #enrichment #postsecondary #playwithheart

Join us as we celebrate our U16 and U19 Elite girls on another incredible season! They have completed yet another successful year of soccer, showcasing their grit, effort, commitment, and competitive spirit every step of the way. Their dedication and passion for the game continue to inspire, and we are proud to recognize their hard work and achievements. This celebration is also a tribute to all girls in sports, honoring the strength, perseverance, and excellence they bring to the field. Let’s come together to applaud their success and the bright future ahead! ?????? #hotc #girlsendofseasoncelebration #girlsinsports #playwithheart

A big round of applause to all the 64 teams who competed in our 3rd annual Swish Bags Tournament fundraiser! The energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship displayed throughout the competition were truly inspiring. Together we were able to raise over $24,000 for our programs and families. ? We appreciate everyone who participated and helped make this event a fun and memorable one! ? #hotc #2025swishbagstournament #bags #fundraiser #playwithheart

Our community came together for a heartwarming potluck-style gathering filled with laughter, delicious food, and great company. The highlight of the event was playing lively rounds of Lotería while enjoying music that set the perfect mood for celebrating love and friendship.???? Thank you to all families and friends who joined us in making this day so special!? #hotc #tb #valentines #communityengagement #lakecounty #love #amor #playwithheart

Welcome to our new board member John Johnson, Director of Food & Beverage at American Place Casino. John is an award-winning culinary executive with expertise in business operations and strategy. John played soccer in his youth, was recruited to play in college, and was a soccer coach for his boys. He learned the importance of teamwork, leadership, and the drive to succeed through his time in sports. He credits his mentors and coaches with supporting him in his dreams. We are excited to work with John as a board member and volunteer coach, on and off the field! “I joined the Heart of the City Board for the opportunity to support sports-based youth programs, allowing me the opportunity to pay it forward. I am thankful for organizations like Heart of the City who guided me as a youth and young adult. Heart of the City offers me the ability to honor the mentors in my life, by supporting and developing those young leaders who will, in turn, pass it on as mentors of the future.” #hotc #boardmember #playwithheart

Thank you to everyone who sponsored our annual 2025 Swish Bags Tournament this upcoming Saturday! Because of you we are able to hold this event to help raise fundings to continue to have our youth development programs accessible to underserved communities in Lake County. ?? SEE YOU ALL SATURDAY! #hotc #2025SwishBagsTournament #bags #fundraiser

Welcome to our new board member Janessa Rodriguez, CEO and Co-Owner of Waukegan Mail Depot. Janessa joins us with a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur, business owner, and community partner along with a knowledge of and passion for the community. We are excited to work with her as we positively impact the next generation of leaders! “Heart of the City is more than just a soccer program – it’s a platform for youth to develop essential life skills, leadership, and confidence that will serve them far beyond the field. I’ve seen firsthand how Heart of the City brings families and the community together, creating opportunities that shape strong, well-rounded individuals. As a mother, I truly appreciate the impact this program has on youth, and I am proud to support its mission to uplift and empower the next generation.” #playwithheart #leardership

Thank you to Grand Appliance and TV, one of our amazing program sponsors, for a fun and enlightening career exploration field trip for our student athletes. Grand Appliance was founded in 1930 with one small store and has grown to 29 stores in 4 states. Our student athletes learned how this 4th?generation family-owned company has grown, expanded, and served the community for so long, how the different departments work together, what goes on in the warehouse, and how salespeople work on the showroom. Grand Appliance also talked about the best skills to have as an employee looking to work their way up in a company. Thank you to Grand Appliance for sponsoring our programs and for taking the time to meet some of our youth! #hotc #playwithheart ?

WE LOVE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS AND YOU SHOULD TOO! Here is why: - Afterschool programs expose children to safe and enriching activities that help them explore new interests and skills. - Programs can also enhance leadership skills, foster positive relationships between children and adults, and promote community engagement. - Afterschool programs support the needs of working families by filling the gap when parents or caregivers are still at work and children are done with school. #HOTC #IHeartAfterschool #playwithheart?