OWLS LACROSSE Impact Report Using Lacrosse to Change 2016-17 School Year the Lives of At-Risk Youth

OWLS Lacrosse 1772 W. Ainslie St. , IL 60613

[email protected] From Our Founder Outreach With Lacrosse & Schools or OWLS uses the sport of lacrosse to improve the quality of life for Chicago’s most at-risk When we started OWLS in 2011 the mission was clear: use lacrosse to create opportunities for Chicago’s most youth through a holistic intervention model. Using inner-city at-risk youth. What was not clear was how opportunity would manifest itself through our programs. The success stories of schools and community centers as our access point, we provide OWLers on and off the field are countless. Just this past year this service through a unique blending of: we completed another interscholastic season for over 150 youth, sent athletes to overnight camps in four states, certified trainees for paid positions as lacrosse officials, and designated over $100,000 in academic scholarships for OWLS participants. We’ve come a long way from a pile of used gear in 2011, but developmentally positive options are increasingly limited for the students we serve. In some cases, our program is the most powerful guiding force available.

Last May, a group of our “Academy” participants travelled to South Bend to watch Notre Dame play Marquette in the first round of the NCAA tournament. It was a tremendous experience for our students to see the highest level of play within the sport while gaining valuable exposure to an elite college campus. Upon returning to the West Side, the last student we dropped off in Academic Team-based sport Service-learning Garfield Park said something that I’ll never forget. “It’s very violent here.” This student will remain Support & development & enrichment anonymous, but I can tell you he lives in a project tower, he has lost two parents, and he has to Mentoring programming opportunities navigate one of the most violent stretches of the city on a daily basis. I don’t believe he was informing me of the presence of gun-related activity, but rather communicating the darkness of his reality in contrast to the “light of the golden dome” we experienced just hours earlier. I realized then that OWLS may be the only truly enriching option available to him. If we do not continue expanding on that experience, he is in danger of folding into his surroundings. Although we can control our organizational culture, every child is different. Our programs need to accommodate students’ individual situations, strengths, and idiosyncrasies. We will continue to provide outlets for our highest performing student-athletes, while increasing focus on our most distressed participants We address our participants’ unique circumstances through trauma-sensitive program design. Whether it is providing a pathway to secondary educa- tion, a job, or simply a nurturing presence, our goal is to support every OWLS participants‘ transition and individual short-term needs within a structured into a healthy quality of life. We hope you’ll continue supporting us in order to continue making this team environment while providing the long-term ambition a reality. resources needed for their continued transition Yours in Lacrosse, Sam Angelotta, OWLS Founder to a sustainable healthy quality of life. OUR RESPONSE:

A Redefined Direct Model “Being part of OWLS has made my daughter Jillian more disci- OWLS Sport-based Youth Intervention Model plined outside of the game. She has learned how to be a team player and how to persevere in her school studies as well. Jillian was introverted and quiet, but OWLS has provided her with self confidence. I am so grateful to the organization for helping her develop an “I can do it” attitude.“ Jeanette Tolbert OWLS Parent LEVEL 1 Introducing an option

Learns to love the sport at an early age through engaging and exciting programming

LEVEL 2 Expanding on the option Student begins to understand the connection between athletics and life components (scholarship, teamwork, career readiness, and emotional stability) Participates in all available lacrosse programming, service projects, and baseline academic monitoring

LEVEL 3 Adopting the option Year-round participation in athletics, service-projects, and academic programming (steady educational, social-emotional, and economic track) Participates through HS/college graduation as a player or service learning volunteer Our Community

In 2016, Chicago was home to more shootings than New York and Los Angeles combined (750+ homicides, 4500+ shooting victims). The above map represents shooting occurrences from January-May of 2017. OWLS was launched in 2011 to provide a trauma-sensitive option for at-risk youth within the most impacted areas on the West and South Sides.

Where Shootings Occur In Chicago Since Jan 1, 2017 Our Impact Our Students 2016-17 School Year

“I had never heard or seen lacrosse a day in my life until the OWLS program came to St. Malachy when I was in 8th grade. I was always a quiet kid but lacrosse gave me a voice. As a defenseman I had to communicate slides with my teammates, and over time I really gained confidence. After college I plan on using my knowledge of lacrosse to give back and teach kids like me.”

Marcus Williams The Ohio State University ‘19 Student-Athletes Served 166 Black/Hispanic/Multi-Racial Participants 99.4% Low-Income Participants 90%

Academic Scholarships Earned $104,000 “Officiating OWLS League games are like the Super Bowl to me. The Total Programming Hours (5 Program Sites) 934 training program was intense and required me to study in my free time, which I will continue to do in order to get better. Preparation is key for Total Volunteers 157 the best on-field results, and this approach wil help me in life.”

Student Official’s Training Hours 88 Sherrod OWLS Official DRW College Prep ‘19

OWLS currently serves over 150 youths at four school sites and two park district locations in Chicago. Our impact can be measured through increased participation in our programs, scholarships earned, work hours, and volunteer projects for both students and staff. We do not simply focus on top performing students. Our Academy program helps our most active OWLS participants identify paid jobs and academic opportunities beyond those in their local neighborhoods. “OWLS has taught me how to take healthy risks while providing me with strength on and off the field. It taught me how to persevere through tough times even when I wanted to give up. The OWLS program has molded me to be the driven, ambitious, and determined person I am today.” Jillian Tolbert De La Salle Institute ‘21 Our Coaches & Volunteer Staff Our Partners

St. Malachy School Chicago Jesuit Academy “OWLS has introduced our students to a sport that was unfamiliar to them, Dionte Mandeldove, Program Site Manager/Coach Terese Hagerty, Program Site Manager/Coach provided an alternative to traditional sports, and overall had a very positive Patrick Rodgers, After-School Coach Jitim Young, After-School Coach impact on them. They’ve been able to work with college teams and are Robert Lemein, After School Coach beginning to understand how lacrosse is played at a higher level. I love seeing OWLS Academy at Garfield Park Clay Garrison, After-School Coach our students prepared for practice and showing a true commitment to the team. Taylor Harris, OWLS League Director I think a lot has to do with the ongoing coaching and mentoring they receive Willa Cather Public School Timothy Hall, Program Site Manager from OWLS. This relationship can not be underestimated. They believe in them Varita Williams, Program Site Manager Sam Angelotta, HS Academy Manager/Coach and in return they believe in themselves.” James Depaul, After-School Coach Jordan Grimes, HS Academy Coach Barbara Relerford Jon Kelman, After-School Coach Greg Manista, HS Academy Coach Vice-Principal Taylor Hanken, After-School Coach Hillary Darragh, Junior Box League Director Willia Cather Elementary (CPS) Andrew Ritchie, After-School Coach Zach Arlia, Junior Box League Coach John Hogan, Junior Box League Coach St. Ann School Nolan Chow, Junior Box League Coach Benny Morten, Program Site Manager Joe Hrusovsky, After-School Coach Up2Us Sports Oakland Lacrosse Jordan Kirshner, After-School Coach Chicago Park District Parisi Speed School St. Malachy School East Ave Lacrosse Willa Cather Elementary (CPS) Evanston Youth Lacrosse Association St. Ann School Mount Carmel High School Chicago Jesuit Academy Make a Difference Fund “Having an opportunity to work with inner city kids who live on the West Men’s Lacrosse Linked-In Chicago Side of Chicago playing the game of lacrosse has been amazing. The way Lofty Ventures St. Ignatius College Prep these student athletes have embraced the lacrosse program in which OWLS BDC Sports Chicago Police Department 11th District has provided is wonderful, and they are extremely excited every year to Garfield Park Gators Youth Football Chicago Blackhawks participate during the season. Watching these kids perform on the field, DRW College Prep Great Lakes Lacrosse Officials Association seeing the love and respect each team shows one another, and having a DePaul University ZS Associates league with different races/ cultures is one of the best programs Chicago Bridge Lacrosse Glenbrook South Men’s Lacrosse could've provided for our youth.“ Jitim Young Harlem Lacrosse Los Angeles New Wave Lacrosse OWLS CJA Coach Denver CityLax Whitney Young Men’s Lacrosse Former Northwestern Athlete of the Year Sponsors, Foundations, Our Scholar Athletes and In-Kind Support

Last fall, OWLS was honored by receiving an organizational grant from the Bill Belichick Foundation. BBF was established in 2013 to provide coaching, mentorship “I want to keep participating throughout my life and and financial support to individuals, communities and organizations. Focusing on play in high school and college.” football and lacrosse, its mission is to bring the values of the Belichick family – a love Cameron, of sports, coaching and team building –to the athletic leaders of tomorrow. 5th Grade Participant

“It’s humbling to hear from these inspiring individuals and organizations who have aligned their goals with ours. It’s an honor to be able to support their hard work and efforts” Scholarship Support Program Bill Belichick Xavier and Trey have been in our program since third grade, and now embark

on a life-changing chapter at Mount Carmel High School. In June, the families had a chance to meet the benefactors behind the OWLS "Make a Difference" Scholarship. Thank you Mt. Carmel Admissions, the Milani Family, Mary Stamler, and John Haggerty for providing over $80,000 in financial aide for these young men. Foundations, Sponsors and In-Kind Support

Bill Belichick Foundation Lax-It-Forward Jack Sandler Leadership Foundation Elmhurst College Men’s Lacrosse Mount Carmel “Make a Difference” Fund Warrior Lacrosse OWLS High School/College Matriculation Milani Family Foundation Nike Lacrosse StringKing Joseph Tomei and Lax-It-Forward Mount Carmel HS The Ohio State University Harrow Sports All-In Lacrosse Fenwick HS CTK College Prep St. Mary’s College Notre Dame Men’s Lacrosse Good Sports Inc Noble Academy St. Ignatius College Prep St. Rita HS The Lax Shop Lake Forest Youth Lacrosse Association DRW College Prep Hope Academy Nazareth Academy Snypr Lacrosse Erik Nilt and Lax-US Delasalle Institute Downers Grove HIgh School Travel, College Exposure, Job Training and Placement and Enrichment

2016-17 Camps, Clinics, and 2016-17 Boarding School/College This past year, I was a Student Staffer helping out my school's lacrosse team with their equipment, practices and warm ups before games. Through Enrichment Experiences Campus Visits working with the coaches, participants and mentors I have learned social Notre Dame Overnight Skills Camp (IN) The Thatcher School (CA) skills, the value of teamwork and the meaning of “little L and big L”. “Little L” meaning lacrosse and “big L” meaning life lessons. Harlem Lacrosse LA Overnight Camp (CA) Portsmouth Abbey School (RI) Imani Horton University of Notre Dame (IN) New England 150 Recruiting Camp (RI) OWLS Student Staffer Notre Dame “Playing for Peace” (IL) DePaul University (IL) OWLS Winter Multi-Sport Training Chicago Blackhawks Open Sessions Glenbrook South Teambuilding Camp York HS Clinic Evanston Youth Lacrosse Clinic Parisi Speed School Strength/Conditioning OWLS Officials Training With the massive growth in lacrosse participation, quality officials are in high demand. In partnership with GLLOA (Great Lakes Lacrosse Officials Association), the OWLS Officials Training Program is addressing this demand while providing inner-city students with valuable job training and a paid position within our organization.

“Lacrosse officials must understand the rules and how to be responsible with them; they must also possess leadership and tact in dealing with “I have been with OWLS since 4th grade, and it has impacted my life on coaches and players. These are two amazingly positive development areas that we constantly seek to address in our OWLS programming. And lastly, and off the field. They’ve assisted me in scholarship applications, sent me gaining official certifcation is income earning potential that can help provide to camps around the country, and helped me expand my game to the professional work experience for our OWLS participants. The program next level. OWLS continues to bless me with great opportunities, and could not have gone any better, and our two ground-breaking participants when I get older I hope to support kids like me in the same way.” are well on their way toward joining the greater officiating circuit.” Miles Little Taylor Harris 19 OWLS Director of Coaching and Officiating Playing for Peace Program Cycle & Events

What started as a small profile get together between the programs has grown into a multi-school 200+ participant event. The Playing for Peace initiative uses sport to transcend boundaries and bring people together in pursuit of peace, justice and human understanding. This mission serves in accordance with all the community service efforts of the Notre Dame men's lacrosse program, which includes a long-standing relationship with OWLS. This past fall, OWLS and Notre Dame Lacrosse were joined at Garfield Park by notable Chicago stakeholders such as: teachers, policemen, local government officials, and a surprise visit from the Mayor. The day included team-building activities with 11th District Police Officers, student-driven peace projects, lacrosse clinics, local music, and we closed with a "Blue and Gold" scrimmage from the Irish!

Spring Summer • OWLS Interscholastic League • Overnight Skill and Recruiting Camps • College Campus Visits • OWLS Academy Tournament Teams • OWLS League LaxFest • Park District Learn-to-Play Program • Associate Board Volunteer Day • Associate Board “Links for Lax” Outing

Fall Winter • OWLS Fall Ball and Learn-to-Play Clinics • Multi-Sport Training Program • Scholarship Support Program • Strength and Conditioning Program • Selective Enrollment Campus Visits • Scholarship Support Program • Playing for Peace with Notre Dame • Service-Learning Program • School-to-School Teambuilding Clinics • Associate Board “Night Owl” Soiree Our Executive Board Our Associate Board

Associate Board Chair Corporate Partnerships Ellis Krienik, Wind Point Partners Patrick Rodgers, Learncore Jack Parchman, Barclays Events Patrick Hurley, Jump Trading Network Carol Chapman, Agency EA Adam Jump, Wind Point Partners Katie O'Hara, Cushman & Wakefield DR. ANGELO CALVELLO LON CHOW CHRIS DEUTSCH KEVIN CORRIGAN SAM ANGELOTTA Dan Patton, Chicago Booth, Groupon, UBS Community Outreach Board President Board VP Board Secretary Board Officer Board Officer Madison Maher, Depaul University Institutional Investor Venture Investor Real Estate and Tech Head Coach, OWLS Founder, Kyle Dawson, Wind Point Partners Entrepreneur Notre Dame Lacrosse Executive Director Adam Strauss, Stifel Alex Panosian, Chicago Booth, US Army Jeff King, PSD Solutions Fundraising Brittany Wilbon, LinkedIn Ryan Wilson, LinkedIn Katheryn Schoeberlein, Global Youth Jordan Kirshner, Board of Trade Leadership Institute John Leemputte, General Electric “I joined OWLS in 2011 because I was excited about bringing the great game Ian Murphy, CBRE Budgeting of lacrosse to at-risk girls and boys in some of Chicago’s most underserved communities. But I quickly realized the true benefit of our program laid far Eli Steinberger, OWLS Director of Finance beyond lacrosse. Our players embraced the game but participated in OWLS and Accounting because our programs provided them with new positive social and academ- Archel Desir, Startup-Port ic experiences, experiences that revealed a new vista, a new set of life choices. We hear too many sad stories about the dangers Chicago’s inner city youth face. OWLS Lacrosse, in a simple, direct way, provides a safe space where these children can experience peace and trust, envision a future of hope, and just have fun running around on a lacrosse field surrounded by supportive, nurturing adults.”

Dr. Angelo Calvello, “The Associate Board connects Chicago-area professionals to the OWLS' Author and Investor mission of fostering after school programming for local underprivileged youth. Our membership is comprised of a talented network of individuals from a broad array of industries and backgrounds. Each member brings a unique set of expertise to support the organization's needs in fundraising, community service and corporate partnerships. In our first year, we successfully helped grow the organization by driving community awareness and executing “Lacrosse is a unique sport given its Native American roots and its culture of competition and academic achievement fundraising event opportunities. In the coming years, we hope to grow in our as evidenced by the historical association of the sport with elite prep/high schools, colleges and universities. OWLS’ capabilities and continue expanding our capacity to add value in adjacent mission is to take the best parts of a great sport and make them accessible to kids from under-served neighborhoods areas like programming and human capital.” in Chicago. OWLS uses the sport of lacrosse as a practical and metaphorical tool to engage kids in ways other sports Ellis Krienik can’t. You don’t have to be the biggest, tallest, strongest or fastest kid to be good in lacrosse, you just have to put in Associate Board Chair the work and practice. When the greater lacrosse community gets behind a great cause like OWLS, a lot of amazing Wind Point Partners things will happen.” Lon Chow Method Capital Our Numbers To Our Community

In August of 2016, OWLS Associate Director, Sam Angelotta, took the organization from a side project to his full time of Supporters job. Since that time, OWLS has experienced significant growth in programming, organization and donations. With Sam’s leadership and the support of the Associate Board, OWLS has increased their fundraising event focus, increasing event revenue over 100% in the first 6 months of 2016 than in all of 2017 through ticket sales, A very special thank you goes out to our community of supporters corporate sponsorship and event raffle revenue. As of this report, OWLS just completed its first plans for its first annual Links for Lax Golf Outing in August, and in the initial stages of Fall fundraising event, as well. that contribute to our student-athletes through their financial generosity. Without these individuals, organizations, businesses and schools our efforts to transform at-risk youth through our Revenue programming would fall short. We have an incredible amount of 2016 As of 6/30/17 appreciation for our donor base, and we will do our absolute best to ensure that all donors understand the impact they’re making Individual Gifts $ 13,856.61 $ 3,629.01 for OWLS. We will continue to develop service-oriented, driven, Corporate Gifts $ 4,938.18 $ 4,250.00 responsible, and passionate students. Lastly, we would like to thank the city of Chicago which we love and care for so much. Fundraising Events $ 23,246.65 $ 48,147.46

Grants $ 10,000.00 -

In-Kind Donations $ 16,749.00 $ 10,971.00

Total $ 68,790.44 $ 63,262.27

Looking towards the future, OWLS plans to continue to build on its strong fundraising event performance of 2017. Additionally, as the organization continues to grow and provide opportunities within Chicago’s most at-risk communities, we hope to bring in the support of additional corporate sponsors and philanthropists interested in 2016-17 Giving Partners promoting our values and backing our mission. KPMG As OWLS matures and expands into more areas of need in Chicago, we are incredibly proud to have the support of AB Global our community partners and the help of so many caring and committed people. We know that as we grow, so does Alvarez and Marsal Learncore our responsibility to be transparent in our finances and to continuously work to ensure our resources are focused on Antares Capital Linked-In Chicago serving our mission and providing opportunities to the kids involved in our programs. Arthur J Gallagher Nonni’s Food Barclays Charity Trust Ohio House Group Expenses Cushman and Wakefield Richard Group LLC CBRE Target Data Corp. 2016 As of 6/30/17 Grosvenor Capital Management Thompson Flanagan Programming $ 27,117.04 $ 29,615.76 Friends of St. Ignatius Lacrosse (CA) Turano Baking Company JEI Wecasa Development $ 11,061.22 $ 21,125.81 Kate Property Operations $ 5,884.41 $ 9,210.71

Total $ 44,062.67 $ 59,952.28