Creating a Space for Teens with our Partner, My Block, My Hood, My City

From the small-business relief fund to the “Light the Block” holiday light program and now, a brand new space for teens to be inspired, we’re excited to see our community partnership grow with My Block, My Hood, My City.

M3 works with Chicago youth in under-resourced communities, and their Explorers Program brings new experiences to Chicago teens to spark opportunity and expand horizons. The goal: Challenge preconceived notions, widen perspectives and create new opportunities.

It is our privilege to partner with M3, support its Explorers Program, host Explorers across our locations, join local volunteer opportunities, and drive support in a variety of activities across our brands. Over the last six months, Crate & Barrel has been proud to contribute nearly $60,000 to My Block, My Hood, My City. We’ve also been able to donate time and talent. Our most recent collaboration—this dynamic makeover for the Explorers Program’s new home base!

“I feel like we created a safe haven for the students to come, to not only be themselves but to express themselves in every way that they want. There’s no judgment zone here.”—Lady Sanders, Explorers Program coordinator

In January, down the street from Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, the magic of the Crate & Barrel Design Services, Business Sales, Architecture, and Design teams came together with our partners at FastSigns, Kalish Electric and HarperCollins to bring paint, lighting, new furnishings, new books and new life to the first official gathering spot of the Explorers Program. Today, the M3 team is hosting virtual events and the Explorer teens are enjoying a safe and engaging space to connect, create and be inspired.