30+ Years of Community Outreach
Quelling Violence & Transforming Communities
Advocates of Change (AOC) is a street outreach and community engagement nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding, revitalizing, and restoring communities in need. We firmly believe that positive change begins at the grassroots level, and our mission is to empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges, break barriers, and create sustainable transformations for generations to come.
We actively engage with underserved populations, offering support, resources & opportunities for growth…
We work hand in hand with local residents, other community-based organizations, houses of worship, business owners, and governmental agencies to identify the unique needs of each community we serve. By fostering collaboration, implementing targeted initiatives, and providing education and skill-building programs, we strive to create lasting change that uplifts forgotten communities.
Community-Based
Services
Violence Prevention
& Intervention
We understand the devastating impact that violence has on individuals, families, and entire neighborhoods. That's why we have developed comprehensive programs and initiatives that address the root causes of violence and provide practical solutions. Our violence prevention strategies involve community outreach, education, and awareness campaigns that promote conflict resolution, positive communication, and empathy. We help break the cycle of violence.
Street Outreach
& Peacekeeping
We actively engage with at-risk individuals and provide them with resources, mentorship, and support networks to steer them away from violence and towards a path of opportunity. Our peacekeeping services focus on the early identification of conflicts and implementing targeted interventions to prevent the escalation of violence. Our approach is evidence-based, collaborating with community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and social service organizations to maximize our impact.
Workforce Development & Job Training
We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to secure meaningful employment and build a successful career. Through our tailored programs, we provide job readiness workshops, resume building, interview preparation, and ongoing mentorship to individuals seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce. We collaborate with local businesses, educational institutions, and industry experts to uplift residents.
“Advocates of Change is committed to rebuilding hope, revitalizing communities, and restoring a sense of purpose, worth, and unity, one community at a time. We do the real community work by empowering our brothers and sisters to reach their fullest potential.”
— Dr. Herstine Wright, Founder, President, AOC
Meet Our President
Dr. Herstine Wright
Dr. Herstine Wright comes from “humble beginnings.” She grew up in the rural south and is the daughter of a sharecropper. Her family migrated to Chicago in 1965. Upon her family’s arrival in Chicago, at the age of 12, she resided in the Woodlawn and Altgeld Gardens community. She attended and graduated from the Chicago Public Schools and later attended college where she obtained several degrees, including a Bachelor, 2 Masters, and a Doctorate. She is a retired community college educator; and upon retirement, she received honorable notable recognition from the City Council of Chicago by Alderman Carrie Austin.
She is also a community leader, entrepreneur, and author. In 2010 she founded and became Executive Director of the Advocates of Change nonprofit organization to support, inspire, and encourage children and to give back to her community. Three years later, in honor of the late Hadiya Pendleton, she created the Hadiya Pendleton Legacy Scholarship program, where her organization mentors and awards scholarships to children of high scholastic achievement in public schools throughout the city of Chicago and suburbs.
To date, her organization has awarded over $50,000 in scholarships and in 2023 to present have won over $600,000 in grant funding from Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) Violence Prevention Services to support Chicago Riverdale.
Give Back & Support Our Youth
Investing in our youth is essential because they are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of our society. Give back for a brighter tomorrow!
Bringing The Community Together To Do It For The Children Gala (2023)
On October 27, 2023, AOC garnered recognition from both ABC 7 Chicago and prominent national news outlets for our outstanding contribution to education. We were celebrated for the twenty-six $1,000 scholarships we awarded to exceptionally high-achieving students in public schools across Chicago and its suburbs. This initiative was carried out in conjunction with our gala, an event dedicated to honoring the memory of Hadiya Pendleton, hosted by 1390 AM’s very own and actress, Tamera Fair. Our commitment to supporting these bright young minds, through our Hadiya Pendleton Legacy Scholarship, underscores our belief in the transformative power of education and our dedication to fostering academic excellence within our community. The recognition we received serves as a testament to our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of the youth in our region.
