We are really excited about the launch of our new Tec Center! Click here to get involved!

With the world heading in an unknown direction, there is one thing we all know for sure; there are certain things that will never be the same again. And education is at the front of that ever changing phenomena. An education is the most important asset for a child. Depending on geographical location and other variables, parents typically find it financially impossible to pay for both daycare and extracurricular activities. Our Tec Center will provide parents with the ability to educate their children, while at the same time enlightening them with extracurricular activities geared more towards their children’s talents, skills, and ambitions. The inability for hard-working parents to provide both of these life necessities is why we created the Tec Center. For the first time, hard-working parents can both educate their children, and provide extracurricular activities that keeps their kids off the streets. And they will be able do all of this for less than the cost of daycare alone. Through sponsorships, memberships, and endorsements, we will be fortunate enough to put 50-100 kids per session through a program that will enhance their life skills in many areas such as education, technology, music, film, sports and more! That’s right! KOB has revolutionized the way children learn and thrive in our communities! If you would like to get involved, or know more, please contact [email protected]. We thank you again for taking the time to learn more about our new Tec Center! Diane Latiker – Founder/President
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Welcome To Kids Off The Block

Kids Off The Block has made a commitment to the youth in our communities. We will guide you, respect you, care for you, love you, provide a safe place for you, build a relationship with you, listen to you, and help you to succeed.

The Power of One

KOB, as it is known, was founded in 2003 by Diane Latiker, a mother of eight, who opened her home to youth in her community to help steer them away from the negative influences of the streets.

Memorial To Our Fallen Youth

Kids Off The Block maintains a memorial of stones of young people killed by gun violence.

An Introduction to Kids Off The Block

Learn how it
all began

 

Get to know how Kids Off The Block took form and has impacted the lives of thousands of youth.

Learn how it all began
Learn about Founder Diane Latiker

Our Latest News

Are Racial Attitudes Really Changing? Some Black Activists Are Skeptical

On a recent day in early August, Ms. Latiker of Kids Off the Block inspected the outdoor basketball court that the nonprofit uses as a home base, hosting tournaments, comedy shows and other events in hopes of keeping children busy — and safe. It is erected next to a...

Preventing Violence and Protecting Children

CHICAGO (WLS) -- After two dangerous and deadly weekends in Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Police Superintendent David Brown said it would be an all-hands-on-deck approach to keeping people safe over the July Fourth holiday. ABC 7 Chicago spoke with two people who...

Kids off the Block founder Diane Latiker honored as ‘Frontline Hero’ by Variety Magazine

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago activist and beloved neighborhood mom Diane Latiker is being honored as a "Frontline Hero" by Variety Magazine. Latiker founded the nonprofit Kids off the Block in Chicago's Roseland neighborhood. A mother of eight and grandmother of 21, she's...

President Obama drops into a virtual meeting with community leaders from across Chicago

It was an honor to speak at President Obama’s Virtual Meeting!