"We believe that by investing in them, we are investing in the future of our society".
![A smiling teenager being instructed by his mentor](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_2b8f18f593e2406ba3507b5a97b07ec2~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/One-On-One%20Tutoring.jpeg)
![Worker on a ladder installing wires](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce6ac4_c91cab2b6f6b4ee0b9cab41977a2a4f6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_100,h_50,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/ce6ac4_c91cab2b6f6b4ee0b9cab41977a2a4f6~mv2.jpg)
Transforming lives
Empowering Communities Through Neighborhood Revitalization
"We are proud of the positive impact we have made in their lives".
Our Impact
Over the years, we have impacted the lives of many at-risk youth, hard-to-serve individuals with limited education, and the formerly incarcerated. We have seen the populations we serve become marketable and employable individuals in today's workforce.
![A construction worker holding his drill in his tool belt](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_a1fd822a998640cba87af26ce7a7529d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_235,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Image%20by%20James%20Kovin.jpg)
![A construction site with a ladder and other tools](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce6ac4_11cbb737e4d148ffbab905b51fa2d029~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_129,h_172,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/interior%20construction%20site.jpg)
![A group of men building a wooden porch](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce6ac4_90e1c7c4350c4640a4bfe86d1843dcf7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_90,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/back%20porch%20renovation.jpg)
![A kitchen with rotting walls and floors](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce6ac4_657c9ef9bc174aecba9f5e0522ec322b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_129,h_172,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/kitchen%20before%20renovation.jpg)
![A renovated kitchen with new walls, floors, counter tops and appliances](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce6ac4_fb4b55be362848a8be6620566a6a8c82~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_149,w_716,h_734/fill/w_129,h_132,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/kitchen%20after%20renovation.jpg)
Our Approach
At Community Male Empowerment Project, we believe in a holistic approach. Our relationships with the banking industry give us the ability to rehab abandoned/foreclosed property and provide jobs during the rehab process. Ultimately, placing families into affordable housing.
![A happy family of four in their new home](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_832c5fda0a8445a6ba40576ce16b9c0d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Family%20with%20Tablet.jpg)
![Young man taking noting while he studies](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_a993cd95d498465d9e9dac12e9de988b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Writing%20an%20Essay.jpg)
Sustaining our relationship with city colleges and schools creates the opportunity for continued education.
Who We Are
Community Male Empowerment Project is a grassroots not-for-profit organization founded in Chicago, IL in 2002. We began as community activists asking for the opportunity to be treated fairly and not judged because of limited education and non-violent criminal backgrounds.
![A group of men working on a construction site](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce6ac4_b06001eebd5048cba3af626d56d1f163~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_129,h_64,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/workers%20at%20construction%20site.jpg)
![CMEP logo; Chicago community with a construction worker and books](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce6ac4_ca9f61cf06104349abeabb2d19334084~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_125,h_125,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/CMEP%20logo.png)
Today, CMEP strengthens communities by successfully placing families into affordable housing, providing on-the-job training through workforce development initiatives, and encouraging youth through mentoring and educational programs.
![A young man smiling at a job interview](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_9e5e3b58af264aa59d66a2e56185d498~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Job%20Interview.jpg)
"Maintaining our relationship with private businesses helps us transition participants into permanent employment. We work closely with our partners to understand participants' needs and create sustainable solutions."
Our Vision
Our goal is to reduce crime, change lives, and rebuild communities in an effort to restore hope. Ultimately creating an environment where at-risk youth, hard-to-serve individuals with limited education, and the formerly incarcerated have access to programs and services that can meet their basic needs.
![Two men measuring wood at a construction site](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce6ac4_f5f87092cab54878bffcde5dc62f809e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_129,h_172,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/men%20working%20at%20construction%20site.jpg)
![Construction worker in a safety vest working on a site](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce6ac4_b8d758a4611346f0b80669cd115b9c37~mv2.webp/v1/fill/w_129,h_172,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/download.webp)