Waukegan committee approves up to $50,000 for Inspire Youth summer program

The Waukegan Public Works and Infrastructure Committee voted unanimously Monday to approve an application from Inspire Youth and Family Services Incorporated to participate in the city’s summer youth program for an amount not to exceed $50,000.

The measure drew a public comment urging committee members to vet organizations more thoroughly before awarding city funds. Committee members said Inspire Youth and Family Services submitted the only complete application and described the nonprofit as a small, newly established local youth provider that would focus on alley cleanups and grass cutting for summer work crews.

During the audience time, a resident who identified himself as Mister Edwards told the committee he wants to see stronger vetting and “boots on the ground” from organizations that receive city support. “I hope before we approve this, we explain to this community who they are,” Edwards said. “I wanna see boots on the ground, not working from behind the desk.”

Committee members then requested more information about the organization before the vote. A staff member said Inspire Youth and Family Services was founded by Michael Gonzalez, has been operating for about four years and currently works with more than 20 youth drawn primarily from Zion and Waukegan (and possibly North Chicago). The staff member said the group’s application, which requested participation in the summer youth program, was the only completed application received for this cycle. “This was the only one who finished the application, so that's why they were chosen,” the staff member said.

Committee members asked why the application arrived late in the season. A committee member noted the city's change in administration and said officials had been waiting for the new mayor to outline priorities, which contributed to a later start for summer programming.

The resolution approved by the committee authorizes participation in the summer youth program with funding not to exceed $50,000. The committee recorded a unanimous roll call vote in favor: Alderman Flori — Aye; Alderman Martinez — Aye; Alderman Bowden — Aye; Alderman Newsome — Aye; Alderman Downward — Aye. The chair declared the motion passed.

The committee did not specify a detailed funding breakdown, start date for the activities, or performance metrics for measuring return on investment; those details were not provided in the meeting record. Staff indicated this action will begin a relationship between the city and the nonprofit, which is described in committee remarks as focusing on family-centered programs and skill-building for youth.