IllinoisHumanities

Bright Star Community Outreach

 

Mission
Our mission is to empower residents to share in the responsibility of building community through resource development and collaborative partnerships. We will accomplish our mission by developing innovative performance-based practices and programs to address the need for Violence Prevention, Community Engagement, Economic Development, Education, Healthy Children/Youth and Families.

Vision
BSCO envisions today’s underserved communities becoming self-sufficient livable communities for individuals, families and organizations. Communities strong and nurturing in positive thought and behavior in the home, community and marketplace.

Story
Over the course of our proud nine-year history, Bright Star Community Outreach has made significant contributions to the renewal of Chicago’s most vulnerable communities as a 501C3 nonprofit organization. Driven by our hope for change in this city and the families that call it home, Bright Star’s presence has been marked by effective programming, social development, and advocacy; particularly in the 3rd and 4th ward of Chicago’s south side. Led by founder and CEO, Pastor Chris Harris, Sr., who grew up in the Bronzeville neighborhood where we are currently located, our strategy includes developing impactful community development initiatives aimed at facing our largest societal challenges: violence in our communities, poor economic opportunities, inadequate mental health services, homelessness, child safety, and drug abuse. These efforts are designed to strengthen local families and communities, as well as leverage our key partnerships with organizations and businesses that share our passion for seeing renewal in Chicago.

Hub Staff/Organizers

Nichole Carter, Hub Director

Nichole is the principle coordinator for Envisioning Justice in Bronzeville. She is the Director of Community Strategy and Development at Bright Star.

Pastor Chris Harris

Born and raised in Bronzeville, Pastor Chris Harris is the spiritual leader of Bright Star Church and founder and CEO of Bright Star Community Outreach.

Supporting Organizations

Bronzeville Community Action Council

The Bronzeville CAC is one of nine across Chicago. We work to empower the community we serve and influence the improvement of local education.

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