On December 1, 2009, the Chinese Mutual Aid Association’s Youth Department was recognized for its outstanding youth development in the year of 2008-2009.

For years the youth department staff have worked hard to develop an educational and safe environment for it’s youth to do anything from homework to just hanging out, and this is year they were recognized for the hard work, effort, and time that was invested into the youth department. The award – granted by the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services – reflects the youth excellent attendance and participation in the many youth programs led by great staff, such as: the After School Program – Monday-Thursday from 3-5 the youth department provides any school related help to CMAA’s youth. The Young Women Warriors (YWW) – Fridays the young women of CMAA come together to learn what it means to be a strong woman in Chicago and the United States. Triple B (Boys Breaking Barriers) – a program designed so that CMAA’s boys can be boys and to understand what it is to be a respectable man. And last, Chi-Krew. All of these programs are designed by the youth department staff so the youth of Uptown can have a safe environment to just be themselves, while, at the same time, learning a thing or two. Congratulations, and thank you, to all of CMAA’s youth and youth department staff for making CMAA youth department one of the best youth departments in the city.

(Story written by Kwame Freeman / Photos provided by Kwame Freeman)