About Us - NLARA

How we started

The North Lawndale Athletic and Recreation Association (NLARA) emerged from a shared vision of the North Lawndale community and the NLARA’s founders to create a safer environment for youth in the community through sports and recreation opportunities.

Initial discussions began in 2013 alongside the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council to enhance collaboration and coordination across youth programming.

"Maple was the only provider that could support our growth ambitions."

Gianna Johnson

Director@Company

"Maple was the only provider that could support our growth ambitions."

Gianna Johnson

Director@Company

We believe in the impact of providing fun, structured opportunities to youth to unlock and reach their full potential.

Our Objectives:

Facilitate

community focused visioning, planning, programming and evaluation to meet the needs and aspirations of the community.

Provide

dynamic coaching, skill development, cultural exposure and holistic opportunities that bring about personal growth of participants.

Expose

young participants to capable, informed, compassionate and engaged coaches, parents and mentors.

Enrich

young participants' physical, mental and emotional well-being through exercise, health education and wholesome environments.

Foster

leadership, service, good citizenship and community involvement while also counteracting boredom, gang involvement and community violence.

Involve

all ages, ability, developmental and skill levels, genders, ethnicities, geographic areas and economic groups represented in the community.

We serve 3,800 young people ages 5-18

Our mission is to host world class youth sports and recreation programming in Chicago’s North Lawndale community.