CYC-Rebecca K. Crown Youth Center joined the neighborhood in 1977 during a period of active community revitalization. A generous gift from the Arie and Ida Crown Memorial Fund allowed CYC to join the community’s self-help efforts by investing in South Shore’s children. CYC adopted and renovated what was formerly the South Shore Community Center, making it the CYC-Rebecca K. Crown Youth Center. Today, CYC-Crown gives more than 200 children ages 15 months - 18 years in South Shore access to the robust educational, cultural, and social experiences needed to succeed in school, their daily lives, and ultimately the workforce. CYC-Crown is home to a Maker Lab for STEAM programs, a music recording and editing studio, and of course, expertly-staffed classrooms. CYC is proud to teach and mentor the South Shore’s next generation of leaders and citizens every day at CYC-Rebecca K. Crown Youth Center.

Serving Ages: 15 months - 18 years

South Shore

Chicago’s South Shore community has been a vibrant home for Chicagoans for more than a century. It is the birthplace to past First Lady Michelle Obama and music star Kanye West. The annexation of South Shore to Chicago in 1889 and the World’s Columbian Exposition in nearby Jackson Park in 1893 sparked a housing and commercial boom in the neighborhood. South Shore today boasts some of the best examples of Prairie School, American Foursquare, and Colonial Revival homes in Chicago.

In the 1950s, many African American families moved to the neighborhood. The discriminatory practice of “redlining,” or denying financial services based on skin color and class, caused commercial divestment and economic depression, and the lack of economic opportunity led to high unemployment and rising crime. Since the 1970s, South Shore community leaders and activists have worked tirelessly to end discriminatory practices and bring economic investment back to their neighborhood. New shopping plazas have enhanced the local economy, and the culture of the neighborhood continues to thrive. Most recently, Chicago instillation artist Theaster Gates renovated the historic Stony Island Bank, converting it to an arts center and South Shore heritage exhibition. CYC is proud to be part of this vibrant community.

Contact

CYC - Rebecca K. Crown Youth Center
7601 S. Phillips Avenue
Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 731-0444

Anjel Williams
Center Director
anjel.williams@chicagoyouthcenters.org

Necie Rhyne
Early Learning Child Care Director
necie.rhyne@chicagoyouthcenters.org

Thomasina Bolling
Out-of-School Time Program Manager
thomasina.bolling@chicagoyouthcenters.org