For nearly twenty years, the Gary Comer Youth Center has been a trusted home on Chicago’s South Side, a place where young people discover their strengths, build confidence, and pursue brighter futures. None of this is possible without supporters like you.
Nearly a decade ago, Lynneè Spencer was searching for what every parent wants: a safe, nurturing community where her children could grow. As a single mother, she hoped for a place that reflected her values—integrity, curiosity, responsibility, and care; she found that, and more, at GCYC.
Her five children, Uriel, Zayin, Zandria, Kenneth, and Darryl, each arrived with different personalities and dreams. What they discovered was a community that embraced them as whole people and encouraged them to explore who they could become.
For Zandria, that meant stepping into a professional kitchen for the first time. The Culinary Arts program became her refuge after long days at school and helped her imagine a future she hadn’t considered before. Today, she is pursuing a culinary degree and serves as one of GCYC’s Culinary Arts Apprentices, inspiring younger members as she once was inspired.
Her brother Zayin discovered his voice through our art program, growing both artistically and as a leader. Showcasing his work at community events and presenting onstage built his confidence, helping him move beyond his shyness and step into leadership. Today, he continues that growth as a Teaching Artist at GCYC and fine art student, supporting youth and contributing to the Center that helped shape him.
Kenneth found purpose through service and community engagement. As a teen, he served as President of the Youth Advisory Council, learning to advocate for others, ask thoughtful questions, and take initiative. Those experiences led him to his current role on GCYC’s Safety Team, where he models responsibility and empathy for younger members.
Through every season, GCYC has provided the Parker family with academic support, paid skill-building opportunities, mentorship, family-centered events, and joyful traditions that guided their journey from childhood into adulthood.
As Lynneè reflects on her family’s experience, she shared:
“When I think of the Youth Center, I think about the word ‘Family.’ Because family wants to help, family wants [you] to succeed, family wants [you] to be better — and family wants [you] to be great.”
Your support ensures that more young people across the South Side experience the same stability, encouragement, and opportunity. With your help, we can continue serving more than 2,000 youth each year, helping them develop essential life and career skills and build futures filled with possibility.
Thank you for believing in our young people and making this work possible.
