A safe, fun community where young people grow.
Right L.A.N.E. is a Chicago-based nonprofit guiding young people, and the wider community around them, toward an environment built for their success. This page covers why we exist, the progress so far, and the four pillars behind the work.
Success is not built alone. It grows where young people feel safe, have room to have fun, and are surrounded by people who are invested in them.
That is why we focus on the places young people spend their time and the people who surround them.
Why we exist
Too many young people have to find their way without a steady, welcoming community behind them. Right L.A.N.E. exists to change that, by helping build the kind of environment where young people can learn, grow and lead. Read how it began.
The arrow points right. The dotted line is the lane on the road. Together they say what we do: help young people move in the right direction.
Where we are headed
We want young people across Chicago to grow up in neighborhoods that are safe, welcoming and full of possibility, and we will keep growing the community that makes that possible.
Progress you can count.
We keep count so we can keep growing. Each number is a young person, a family or a neighbor who found a safe, welcoming place to grow.
Our partners and neighborhoods multiply our reach, carrying the work to places and people we could not reach alone. We track the people we reach, the partners who join us and the neighborhoods we impact, and we share those numbers openly as they grow.
See our financialsFour lanes.
One direction.
Behind every number are four pillars. Right L.A.N.E. stands for Leadership, Ambition, Navigation and Empowerment, and they shape everything we do for young people and the wider community.
Leadership
Leadership means stepping up. We encourage young people to speak up, lead by example and take ownership, in their own lives and for the people around them.
- Leading by example
- Speaking up and showing up
- Building confidence to guide the way
Ambition
Ambition means dreaming big. We help young people name what they want, believe they can reach it, and build the drive to go after it.
- Setting bold goals
- Staying motivated through challenges
- Celebrating every step forward
Empowerment
Empowerment means owning the road ahead. We give young people the confidence and tools to steer their own future.
- Confidence to make decisions
- Tools to pursue what comes next
- A community that has their back
How we move.
- 01
Listen
We start with young people and families, not assumptions.
- 02
Build
We create safe, welcoming spaces and experiences alongside the community.
- 03
Measure
We hold ourselves accountable to the people we serve, which is why we keep count.