West Side organization keeps kids from violence

CHICAGO (WLS) -- When summer heats up, so does the violence across Chicago. To keep kids safe, one of the city's oldest charitable organization helping children is offering kids a place to escape the problems in their communities.

The Off the Street Club has served Chicago for over 115 years in the West Garfield Park neighborhood. Each year, the club helps more than 3,000 by providing a place where they can truly experience the casual joy of childhood, find hope in a welcoming environment, play games and experience mentorship.

Off The Street Club runs our very own summer camp, Camp Mathieu, in suburban Wheaton, IL. The goal every year is to let each kid who attends experience the pure joy of being a child at a summer camp, away from the challenging realities of their neighborhood. The club also offers afterschool programming, tutoring and mentorship opportunities for all kids.

You can donate to the Off the Street Club HERE. Executive Director of Off the Street Club, Ralph Campagna, and the club's Kid of the Year, Javontae Essie, sat down with ABC 7 Eyewitness News to talk about how the program is shaping the community.

For more information, visit offthestreetclub.com.