Elev8 (formerly Integrated Services in Schools)

SWOP is the lead community partner of one of 5 Elev8 (formerly Integrated Services in Schools) projects across the City of Chicago. These partnerships, leveraged through the New Communities Program of LISC Chicago and with the generous financial support of Atlantic Philanthropies, are working to create a new model for middle schools that will enhance academic support as well as provide holistic family social services so that students graduate prepared to succeed in high school and beyond.

From January to June 2007, SWOP led a comprehensive planning process that included over 50 individuals from Marquette Elementary School, Greater Southwest Development Corporation, Holy Cross Hospital, Metropolitan Family Services, and a variety of other neighborhood and city-wide organizations. Through this process, the team established the means by which it will enhance and expand the educational and social amenities that Marquette Elementary School will offer its students and families. These include:

extending the school day with afternoon, weekend and summer programs
expanding school-based health care options for students and their families
providing social supports, including public benefits screening for families, mentoring and help with high school placement
mobilizing parent and community leaders to accelerate change and promote advocacy
advocating for policies that support similar comprehensive programs in other schools, locally and nationally

For more information, please contact Sandra Del Toro at (773) 471-8208 ext. 13.