Project Education Plus and Streeterville Neighborhood Advocates Launch Collaborative Neighborhood Walks to Foster Understanding and Safety

CHICAGO, IL — June 1, 2026 — Project Education Plus (PEP) and the Streeterville Neighborhood Advocates (SNA) have launched a joint community engagement initiative to address recent disruptive teen takeovers in the area.

The strategy was developed by Vince Carter, Executive Director of Project Education Plus, and Craig Kaiser of Streeterville Neighborhood Advocates. The organization heads organized a combined neighborhood walk designed to engage local residents and teenagers in constructive dialogue.

Bridging the Generational Gap

A select group of PEP youth and SNA adult residents met at the AMC River East 21 theater to begin the initiative. Youth and adults paired up to tour the neighborhood and share perspectives. The group walked to several local businesses that previously experienced unrest during recent large gatherings, including the neighborhood Walgreens and 7-Eleven locations. The initial route concluded at the McDonald’s on McClurg Court.

A major point of discussion during the walk was the misconception surrounding local youth. Teen participants highlighted that neighborhood youth rarely participate in these disruptive events, yet they consistently face the fallout and unfair public assumptions of guilt simply because they live in the area.

A Growing Coalition for Summer Safety

The organizers expressed gratitude to Sgt. Chris Schenk from the Chicago Police Department (CPD) CAPS program, who provided transportation and walked alongside the group to show support.

While leaders emphasize this is a first step, PEP is actively building a broader coalition to ensure a safe, productive summer for local youth. A growing network of community organizations has officially signed on to support the initiative, including:

• CPD 18th District CAPS
• Old Town Merchants and Residents Association
• River North Residents Association
• Near North Unity Program
• Brothers Standing Together

About Project Education Plus

Project Education Plus is dedicated to supporting youth in the community through constructive programming, educational advocacy, and mentorship to ensure safe and productive futures.

About Streeterville Neighborhood Advocates

Streeterville Neighborhood Advocates works to improve the quality of life for Streeterville residents by fostering community collaboration, safety initiatives, and open dialogue between neighbors and local businesses.

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