Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Anderson.
Bob, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was a teen, I was fortunate to have some adults invest in my life. I am where I am today because adults cared about me. I want to do the same for as many teens as I can. I have been working to help teens for the last 25 years.
June 2014, I started Slingshots. Slingshots is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission of helping teens hit their target in life. Our four pillars are education, vocational training, emotional support and spiritual guidance. Slingshots name comes from the story of David and Goliath in the Old Testament. God used what David was good at (a sling) to hit his target (Goliath). Slingshots is a metaphor as we try to help teens use what they are good at to hit their target in life.
Slingshots is located at 3859 N. Central Ave. We have about 15,000 square feet. Our facility includes a gym, computer lab, art room, video game area, snack shop, game room, boutique of teen clothes, music room and a large teaching area.
Slingshots is open to all 6th – 12th-grade students at no cost to them. Slingshots is a fun/safe place for teens in Chicago to be. Our first four years of Slingshots about 2,000 teens have come.
Simply put – I want to help teens in Chicago. I want to see lives change for the good. I want teens in Chicago to be contributors to the city that they live in. I want Slingshots teens to have a positive impact wherever they are.
Teens are loved on and cared for.
With our vocational programs we are teaching and inspiring teens. We hold carpentry training where teens have learned how to build small things like bird houses and fidget spinners to chairs, benches and bunk beds. We have taught teens plumbing, electrical and even some drywall repair. This coming fall we will begin Culinary Arts training to introduce cooking and inspire and educate the teens of Chicago.
Slingshots also have a basketball program that gives us opportunities to invest in the lives of teens. We are always in need of mentors to invest in the lives of the city teens.
Slingshots is a faith-based organization. I have the opportunity to teach the Bible every day to teens. I want to challenge teens to consider the truths of God’s word and live life according to the principles found in the pages of the Bible.
I have the privilege of working alongside my wife, Heather Anderson. This gives us the opportunity model relationship. Teens ask us questions about life as a married couple all the time.
The long-term goal is to have a Slingshots location in every neighborhood in Chicago. I believe that if we help teens in Chicago we help Chicago. We can just read and listen to the statistics about what is going on in the city of Chicago or we can get involved in helping the next generation of leaders. I choose to do and not watch.
I really want to help the teens of Chicago. I want to help them grow to be contributors to the city in which they live. I strongly believe that we can be part of the solution in making Chicago a great place for teens to grow up. Slingshots is a place where teens are not judged for who they are, what they believe, what their social status is but a place where all teens are valued. I simply pray that God will use me in the lives of many teens. I want to be used to help teens become great men and women.
I grew up without a mother or father from the age of 2 to 18. I grew up in a group home setting and understand the struggles of not living with parents. It is not my goal to be a parent for the teens of Chicago but I would like to come alongside parents and help out. I understand that parenting in Chicago has its challenges and I believe places like Slingshots can really help parents and teens of Chicago.
Slingshots is funded by individual donors, grants, churches, and organizations. Anyone who would like to make a donation or offer a grant to Slingshots can do so at www.slingshotschicago.com/donate or email me for details at slingshotschicago@gmail.com
Has it been a smooth road?
The challenges seem to come in funding like many non-profits. The more funds we raise the more teens we can help in the city of Chicago. In order for us to have a Slingshots location in all neighborhoods of Chicago, it would cost about $3 million a year. A slingshots in every neighborhood will change Chicago.
As with any start-up non-profit organization you have to prove your worth to donors, businesses, grants, and foundations. Many large donors do not want to donate until you have proven over time that you are making a difference. The struggle can be fundraising. I value our donor’s contributions and want to be a good steward of those funds. I am working to use the funds on educating, inspiring, staffing and programs that will help teens reach their target in life. I do not want to use the fund for buildings, repairs, etc. as that can get costly – I want the funds to go toward helping teens in Chicago. We are not entering our 5th year and averaging 500 teens a year. Imagine if we did this in all the neighborhoods of Chicago – we would be reaching almost 40,000 teens a year.
I believe that we can do this. I believe that our city needs this.
We can’t afford to invest in the lives of teens in Chicago.
I feel very blessed that doors have opened. Our current facility is located inside the North Side Gospel Center in Chicago. I am very thankful for our monthly donors that continue to give towards reaching teens in Chicago. I am thankful for those who come to our yearly banquet in December. I am thankful for those who have given us grants so that we can help teens in Chicago.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Slingshots story. Tell us more about the business.
What do you specialize in, what are you known for? Slingshots are still getting “known” we are a young non-profit. I want to be known for helping teens hit their target in life. We are known as a safe place where teens can come after school. We are known for our vocational training in carpentry. Slingshots have given away 3,000 items of clothing to teens via our Slingshots Boutique. This is a place where teens can learn how to merchandise clothing and the clothes are available free to the teens that need them. Note: We accept donations of teen clothing, shoes, coats, belts, socks, etc. We are not a sorting center and only want to take items that are in good shape.
What am I most proud of? I am proud of the teens. I love to see a report card where a teen has worked hard to get good grades. I am proud to see that a teen soaks in the life lessons that we teach. I am proud to see teens caring for teens.
What sets Slingshots apart from others? Slingshots is faith-based (I know others exist). I want to introduce teens to Jesus. I want to live a life that models a follower of Jesus. I want to get teens connected to the local churches. BUT – Slingshots is not just about faith issues as we help teens with education, vocational training, emotional support, give opportunities for basketball, etc. I believe our four pillars make a well-rounded person (education, vocational training, emotional support and spiritual guidance). Unfortunately being faith-based keeps us out of a lot of funding opportunities.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
1. Multiple sites. Adding locations in needy neighborhoods.
2. Slingshots would like to grow relationships with the city of Chicago.
3. Slingshots will continue to help teens hit their target in life.
4. I would like to see our vocational training expand to different areas (automotive, etc.)
5. Slingshots will need personnel to help with funding, grant writing, donor acquisition.
6. Slingshots will be reaching thousands of teens yearly.
7. In the upcoming years, Slingshots will develop a work program for teens. A program that teaches teens how to work, character, work ethic, etc.
8. Slingshots will also be working toward an intern program where college students can gain experience in the field helping teens.
9. Slingshots will connect with counselors to help teens and families.
Contact Info:
- Address: Slingshots
3859 N. Central Ave.
Chicago, IL 60634 - Website: www.slingshotschicago.com
- Phone: 847-873-4762
- Email: slingshotschicago@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/banderson120
Image Credit:
Bob Anderson
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