Saturday, May 16 was nothing short of a whole vibe. A true paradise.🌺✨
The Passion & Paradise Fashion Show & Fundraiser brought color, creativity, culture, and community together under one beautiful roof, and Chicago showed UP in full tropical glam.
From bold prints to island-inspired fits, the crowd came dressed to celebrate youth talent, passion, and purpose.
A huge thank you to our amazing friend Jessa and Sunflower Cabana for graciously spearheading and hosting such an unforgettable evening. The energy was warm, welcoming, and filled with love from beginning to end.
Five of Chicago’s finest young designers lit up the runway with originality and confidence while models strutted the red carpet like true stars. Every look told a story of hustle, creativity, and fearless self-expression.
For @bigcoden & @the_official_lafoi it was their 1st fashion show.
@globabies_clothing was no stranger to the stage, with a full moment being on the stage with @distressed.clothing.worldwide who has looked up to Glo since the 6th grade.
@andrea.beverly.9828 @thereal_belles dropped her new crochet line too.
Please support these #youngadults by grabbing some merch today. Message them for details.
The audience cheered loud because they knew they were witnessing the future of fashion and culture in real time.
Most importantly, this event reminded us what happens when community pours into young people.
To every supporter, volunteer, model, designer, mentor, and guest—thank you for believing in youth dreams and helping us create opportunities for young people to find, define, and follow their passions.
Chicago’s future is shining bright. 🌴🔥💛
Remember, in order to achieve your dreams, you have to follow #YourPassion1st
Meet Mekahel Butler, age 24, from Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. He is a featured designer in the upcoming Passion And Paradise Fashion Show Fundraiser event on May 16 to benefit YourPassion1st. He designs and creates his clothing line Glo-Babies in a lab in Austin (“aka” the garden level of his beloved grandmother’s home). He has been mentored by YP1st’s executive director, Chris Thomas, for 7 years, and they've forged a close collaboration over the years.
Q: Why did you start your clothing line, Glo-Babies?Mekahel: When I was 14, one of my good friends passed away through gun violence. And I saw other premature deaths happen to young people. I couldn't fathom how many individuals the same age as me that was just passing away. I just couldn't fathom, like, we 14 and 15 years old! No way we should be feeling like this, and living in such fear. I felt like I wasn't born to just be out here living in fear. Like, no. The world is too big for that. At that time, I didn't even know what was outside of my zip code. So it's like, man, it starts somewhere, so I had to start. That was my start.
My friend was calling himself Glo-Baby at a point in time. It was just one of those West Side slang words, where if you knew you was a glo-baby, you a person that like to put on nice clothes, like to look good, smell good, feel good at all given times. You’re not ashamed of it, just unapologetically being in that glow, baby.
Q: I’m so sorry for your loss. Your resilience is inspiring. What is the philosophy of your fashion?Mekahel: Over time, my focus changed. I was speaking mainly to my friends and people my age. Fast forward 7 years, now, anybody could be a glow baby. Anybody can glow like no other. Anybody can be a trendsetter of tomorrow. And it could be through fashion, it could be through anything. What people see us doing today, they're getting inspired and want to do that tomorrow. That's pretty much how the world goes around: inspiration. People are gonna get inspired, and some people are gonna be like, hey, hey, hey, Imma try to get up, and Imma put my own little spin on it, and Imma do that tomorrow. Imma rest on it, Imma lay on it, and Imma get to work on it. People just getting inspired by others. It's each one teach one, and that's something that I genuinely hold dear to my heart.
Q: I love it. You're inspiring me! I hear your excitement, and it's contagious. What’s new in your line?Mekahel: I got a lot of stuff about to come out, actually. I'm working on dropping sneakers that I've been working on for about 4 years now.
My latest line is GB4L. It means Glo-Babies For Life. It means: We don't die, we just multiply. It says, open your eyes and trust your glow.
Last year my best friend passed away in a tragic car accident. His name was Jack, so I made a collection for him.
Q: So much loss. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your other friend. You are being featured as one of several young designers in an upcoming Passion And Paradise Fashion Show that's a fundraiser for YourPassion1st on Saturday May 16th. What does it mean to you to be a featured creative at this event? Mekahel: I don't join stuff if it’s not meaningful to me. But anything that Chris got going on has a meaning behind it. YP1st itself is just so inspirational. Of course, I'm always looking to do more collaborations with Chris. I worked for him last year during the summer, helping out with the Young Ambassadors Program at the Oak Park Library. It was real fun, and very much needed for me as well, due to the fact with me losing my best friend. And, the fashion show is fashion with a purpose and glowing up with creatives, showcasing me and several other young fashion designers. I’m excited to collaborate with them. I've always had a voice for the youth, and always advocated for the youth. That fits with my Glo-Babies brand. And, finally, man, I'm just happy that Chris, he back and got the ball back rolling. He has had a lot of personal stuff going on, and I’m happy that he’s alive and well, and… he inspires me: To keep my passion first, regardless of what's going on around me and what's going on in my life.
Want to check out Glo-Babies fashion?
Mekahel demonstrates amazing reliance and creativity. Growing up on the West Side isn't always easy. Mentors and adults like Chris Thomas are working hard every day to give youth like Mekahel safe landing places. Help YP1st do our important, life-changing work by attending the Passion And Paradise Fashion Show Fundraiser, or donating here.
Peep these grant and funding plays for your small biz or nonprofit—real opportunities to level up, get resourced, and keep building for the people 💸🎤
The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Youth Services Division, in partnership with SGA Youth & Family Services, is excited to announce the launch of the 2026 My CHI. My Future. (MCMF) Micro-Grant application.
The MCMF Micro-Grant program funds community-based youth-serving organizations to create new, or enhance existing, out-of-school time opportunities for youth ages 6-24 in specified Community Strategy Regions between July and November 2026. Micro-Grant requests can be for a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $20,000.
ComEd has a new Electric Vehicle Rebate program offering residents and businesses a sizable rebate to incentivize the purchase of electric vehicles (EV) and installing EV charging stations. For residents, the rebate can reach up to $3,750, and up to $500,000 for businesses. Additional information for residents can be found here. Information for businesses can be found here.
The City of Chicago helps support business and neighborhood vitality through Small, Medium and Large Community Development Grant (CDG) awards. The City supports a variety of eligible, business-related investments creating jobs and quality-of-life improvements for local residents. Applications are open to business owners, property owners, non-profit organizations, community developers and entrepreneurs. Click here to learn more.
These mental health and wellness experiences are lovingly curated by our trusted partners—spaces designed for you to restore, rise, and step fully into your power ✨🖤
Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures is offering free rides, career advice, emergency support and more to individuals previously involved in the criminal justice system. Participants must be 14 - 24 years old and be in the Austin, Belmont, Cragin, or Montclare neighborhood. For more information, contact Mr. Catrell Dyer at (773) 447-8753 or catrell@catchtheworld.org.
Sista Afya Community Care & the Kindred Civic Arts Foundation are offering free, confidential Heal TogetHER peer support sessions. These sessions are designed for Black women seeking brief emotional support, grounding tools, and compassionate, culturally aligned care. Click here to apply and learn more.
A House in Austin has a Garden Club! Participants can learn gardening skills, enjoy the outdoors, connect with neighbors, and more. Click here to sign up. Click here to view the flyer and learn more.
Austin Eatshas local resources available promoting healthy food and quality of life! Click here to view the flyer. Click here to join the facebook group and learn more.
Every Monday through Friday (12-2pm) the Good Neighbor Campaign Kids Cafe offers FREE lunch for Austin kids at 5437 W. Division. Call (773) 786-0294 for more information.
Every third Saturday(9am-12pm) and every 4th Tuesday(4pm-6pm) are legal assistance days with the Hope Community Justice Center. These events provide the opportunity to speak to an attorney at low to no cost! For more information, see the flyer here.
Every Tuesday (6-8pm) is the Circle for Circle Keepers and every Wednesday(6-9pm) is Fireside Chats at BUILD (5100 W. Harrison). Interested in connecting with and getting to know other Circle Keepers? Desire to fine-tune your Circle Keeping skills, while learning new techniques, and building resources? Click here for Circle Keepers information, and here for Fireside Chats information.
BUILD has their own Fitness Lab open Mondays (5-7pm), Tuesdays and Thursdays (9am-12pm and 5-9pm), Wednesday (9am-12pm) and Fridays (5-9pm). For more information, contact fitnesslab@buildchicago.org
Mondays from 3:30–5:30 PM at Catalyst Elementary, the Kindred Civic Arts Foundation (KCAF) in partnership with YourPassion1st is hosting programming supporting students ages 10–13 through arts workshops, mentorship, and social-emotional learning. Click here to learn more.
The Living Room is a place to come if you are experiencing life’s stresses or an increase in mental health symptoms. NAMI's trained Living Room can help you – whether you are in an emotional crisis, or just need a safe place to speak with someone who understands, come talk with us. Services are free of charge.Locations in Oak Park, LaGrange, and Summit. Learn more here: https://namimetsub.org/our-adult-programs/the-living-room/ Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Tuesday, May 19 (10:30am – 12:30pm) is the Grand Opening of the PCC Collaborative Bridges Health Center. This new space represents an important step in expanding access to high-quality care on Chicago’s West Side. Stop by to tour the facility, connect with partners, and learn more about the services available to our shared communities. Click here to view the flyer and learn more.
Saturday, June 20 (10am-12pm) is the Fathers. Family. Legacy Father's Day Photo Experience. Hosted at Austin Town Hall + Austin Park, this event is open to all ages. Click here to view the flyer and learn more.
The Austin running crew facilitated by CARA focuses on improving the health and wellness of the Austin Community via walking/running. The group meets every Thursday at 5pm at La Follette Park (1333 N. Laramie). Learn more at cararuns.org/arc. View the flyer here.
Tap in with these skill-building and job training opportunities from our West Side partners—real paths for young adults to get sharp, get paid, and level up 🎓💼✨
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 134 and the Electrical Contractors' Association
offer an apprenticeship program in Cook County, Illinois. The apprenticeship program begins with eleven weeks of full-time classroom instruction. Classes are held Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 p.m. at West Side Technical Institute, 2800 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL.
Upon successful completion of the eleven-week program, apprentices are assigned to work with a union electrical contractor for nine months. During this period the apprentice earns wages equal to 40% of Journeyman Wireman (JW) rate ($23.10), and after six months 45% of JW rate ($25.99). See PDF for details: A-CONSTRUCTION-PROGRAM-INFO-update-june-2026
Can't afford vocational or trade school? Here's some help! The Justin Leong Scholarship accepts scholarship applications on a rolling basis. Apply here: Justin Leong Scholarship Application The Scholarship Fund awards $3,000 scholarship(s), which may be renewable for one additional year for a potential total of $6,000. The scholarship funding is for vocational or trade school training beyond high school, and may be used for tuition or any school related expense. It is for either full time or part time attendance. This award will be given to a current high school senior or high school graduate who is planning to continue their education by vocational or trade school training beyond high school. Who may apply? Any current high school senior or high school graduate between the ages of 17-25.
Mural Arts Project in North Lawndale is hiring for 2 positions:
Construction Field Management Internship: As construction begins on the site, our general contractors at Norcon, Inc. are hiring a paid intern to support the project this summer. This internship offers hands-on experience working directly with the team helping bring this new cultural destination and public arts space to life. The intern will support day-to-day construction activities while gaining real-world experience in the field. A few details about the position:
Paid summer internship $20/hr running approximately June 15–August 21, 2026 (dates subject to school schedule)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM, on-site at 3216 W. Ogden Ave
Ideal for currently enrolled college students pursuing engineering, construction management, or related fields
Strong encouragement for North Lawndale residents and applicants with ties to the community
Community Engagement Specialist: We’re excited to announce that MAP is hiring its first staff position: a part-time Community Engagement Specialist. This role will help strengthen outreach and connections across North Lawndale and the West Side through canvassing, youth and school engagement, and broader community relationship-building. A few details about the position:
Part-time temporary role (10–15 hours/week to start)
$32/hour
Strong encouragement for North Lawndale and West Side residents to apply
Applications due: June 7, 2026
The job description is attached, and the application can be found here.
The Chicago Park District is hiring for year-round positions. Click here to learn more.
Habitat for Humanity Chicago is hiring for several positions. Click here for their list of job opportunities.
Freedman Seating Companyis hiring for a list of new positions! Click here to view openings and here to view the full list of their benefits.
The Chef and the Baker is hiring for a new Social Media Assistant. Click here to learn more.
For Good Granola is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager at their shared-kitchen facility in La Grange Park, IL (La Grange Rd and Ogden Ave). Click here to learn more.
Perfectly Dosed is looking for a new Sales Representative to join their team. Click here to learn more.
Chicago Public Schools is hiring Parent Ambassadors for Pre-K! This is a seasonal part-time opportunity to help families enroll children in quality preschool programs. Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Training will be provided. Details include pay of $25 per hour, working 10-30 hours per week, and bi-weekly pay! Click here to view the flyer in English. Click here to view the flyer in Spanish.
HIRE360 is recruiting candidates into union trades apprenticeship program and preparing them for work opportunities in upcoming Chicago construction projects. This 8-week program isfor Illinois residents 17 and a half or older that are authorized to work in the U.S., have a flexible schedule, a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel to various locations. Click here to apply. Click here to view the flyer.
Territory is excited to announce that applications are open for their Spring High School Program and Summer Post-High School Internship. Both are PAID opportunities for young people to build real design skills, work on community projects, and shape public spaces on Chicago’s West Side. Click here to apply and learn more.
Territory has a 2026 Tide Summer Internship. This is a paid internship for young adults 18+ to gain hands on experience in architecture, planning, construction, community engagement, and more. Click here to register. Click here to view the flyer and learn more.
Inspiration Corporationhas a scholarship opportunity, the Lori & Jon Jericho Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to promising, low-income individuals interested in pursuing vocational training or higher education programs. Click here to learn more. Click here to view the flyer.
The Odyssey Project is a free, college-credit bearing humanities program for income eligible adultsin the Chicagoland area. The program offers free, in-person college courses for adult learners, providing a supportive community while building a strong foundation in interdisciplinary humanities. Students study subjects like literature, philosophy, history, art history, media studies, ethnic studies, and urbanism from August through May. The application window closes on June 15, 2026. Click here to learn more. Click here to view the flyer.
Kennedy-King College is offering the opportunity to learn Python Fundamentals. Python is one of the most versatile and widely used programming languages today. For those interested in data science, artificial intelligence, web development, and automation learning, Python opens doors to high-demand careers, enhances problem-solving skills, and provides a strong foundation for emerging technologies. Click here to learn more. Click here to view the flyer.
Saturday, June 20 (10am-12pm) is the Fathers. Family. Legacy Father's Day Photo Experience. Hosted at Austin Town Hall + Austin Park, this event is open to all ages. Click here to view the flyer and learn more.
CMAP Future Leaders in Planning program for high school students in Chicago: Are you a high school student looking to FLIP the script on your summer? CMAP’s Future Leaders in Planning will explore the field of urban planning, and so much more! Get out and about in our region. Learn how to become community advocates and leaders. Meet students from throughout northeastern Illinois. Watch the video to hear from some of last year's participants. FLIP takes place June 23-26, and June 30. Learn more and apply: https://cmap.is/FLIP-2026
An incredible opportunity for Black male high school seniors. Tennessee State University and Meharry Medical College are offering an accelerated 7-year MD/DDS program with the potential for a full-ride scholarship, and at this time, there are currently no Black male applicants. Please feel free to share this opportunity broadly with any qualified students you know.
Program DetailsWho: Black male high school seniors
Requirements: 3.5 GPA and 28 ACT
Outcome: MD (Medical Doctor) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) in 7 years
Benefit: Potential full-ride scholarship
Next Steps
Please send student information as soon as possible to Gussie.fuller@gmail.com, as names are being forwarded directly to the TSU President’s Office. Questions? please contact chasmith@learncharter.org.
Forty Acres Fresh Market is hiring for multiple positions as they expand their team! Click here to view available positions.
New Sound Cafe is hiring for a new Barista. A community cafe designed to serve the Austin neighborhood (5958 W. Lake St.), the Barista will be one of the first faces customers see—so friendliness and enthusiasm are key! They will be responsible for crafting delicious coffee and tea beverages, serving food items, keeping the space clean and cozy. Click here to learn more about the position.
Reparations Media, a BIPOC training program for journalism and audio production has a program called Change AgentsIt's a journalism incubator that trains emerging journalists from BIPOC and other local, marginalized communities to build better relationships through collaboration with community-based organizations to create firsthand narrative content.
The GSJ Family Life Center is the proud parent of the Austin Incubator Kitchen! Through this they are offering Free ServSafe Certification Classes, financial assistance with city licenses, and offering up their kitchen space for rental. Click here to learn more
ChiBizHub has an accelerator program launched with support from Etsy’s Uplift Fund. The Artisan Entrepreneurs Academy includes a six-week virtual coaching cohort and a $5,000 grant for 100 creative entrepreneurs in Illinois and Indiana. Click here for more info.
JumpHire now has enrollment to fast track your career in healthcare. JumpHire is a Chicago-based philanthropic organization dedicated to eliminating employment barriers for those without college degrees. Click here to sign up and learn more.
The Austin African American Business Networking Association is now accepting applications for new members. Click here to apply and learn more.
Allies for Community Businesses provide the capital, coaching, and connections entrepreneurs need to grow great businesses that create jobs and wealth in their communities. Click here to learn more about how they can help Austin small businesses.
HIRE360 is recruiting candidates into union trades apprenticeship program and preparing them for work opportunities in upcoming Chicago construction projects. This 8-week program isfor Illinois residents 17 and a half or older that are authorized to work in the U.S., have a flexible schedule, a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel to various locations. Click here to apply. See flyer below:
moment being on the stage with @distressed.clothing.worldwide who has looked up to Glo since the 6th grade.
moment being on the stage with @distressed.clothing.worldwide who has looked up to Glo since the 6th grade.
My latest line is GB4L. It means Glo-Babies For Life. It means: We don't die, we just multiply. It says, open your eyes and trust your glow.
Last year my best friend passed away in a tragic car accident. His name was Jack, so I made a collection for him.
Q: So much loss. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your other friend. You are being featured as one of several young designers in an upcoming Passion And Paradise Fashion Show that's a fundraiser for YourPassion1st on Saturday May 16th. What does it mean to you to be a featured creative at this event?
Mekahel: I don't join stuff if it’s not meaningful to me. But anything that Chris got going on has a meaning behind it. YP1st itself is just so inspirational. Of course, I'm always looking to do more collaborations with Chris. I worked for him last year during the summer, helping out with the Young Ambassadors Program at the Oak Park Library. It was real fun, and very much needed for me as well, due to the fact with me losing my best friend. And, the fashion show is fashion with a purpose and glowing up with creatives, showcasing me and several other young fashion designers. I’m excited to collaborate with them. I've always had a voice for the youth, and always advocated for the youth. That fits with my Glo-Babies brand. And, finally, man, I'm just happy that Chris, he back and got the ball back rolling. He has had a lot of personal stuff going on, and I’m happy that he’s alive and well, and… he inspires me: To keep my passion first, regardless of what's going on around me and what's going on in my life.
Want to check out Glo-Babies fashion?
