A Brothers Hood Presents 

From boys to brothers, from brothers to builders

Welcome to Young Urban Men of America (YUMA), a vital network dedicated to empowering young men of color and urban males in Chicago and beyond. We believe in nurturing potential, fostering leadership, and building a strong brotherhood that transforms lives. Join us in shaping a brighter future.

Our programs for empowerment

YUMA offers a holistic suite of programs designed to provide a vital infrastructure that will mobilize, mentor, and mature young men. Rooted in community and intergenerational support, our initiatives provide practical tools and guidance for success.

Mentorship

Our intergenerational mentorship program connects young men with seasoned leaders who provide guidance, support, and real-world wisdom, fostering personal and professional growth.

Mentorship Pipeline — Lifelong Guidance


❖ A 4-tier system connecting boys, teens, young adults, and men.
❖Young Kings (Ages 4–12) – Foundational mentorship and learning: Literacy, self-esteem, positive male role models.
❖Emerging Men Development (Ages 13–18): Academic support, character training, career exploration and trades.
❖ Empower Builders(Ages 19-29) Equips individuals with the skills, resources, to build sustainable careers, strong neighborhoods, and generational wealth.
❖Legacy Leaders (Ages 30-40)Leadership development initiative that equips individuals to lead with purpose, create economic opportunity, and build lasting impact for future generations.

Education & development

We bridge the gap between potential and responsibility through educational workshops and skill development initiatives, equipping young men for academic and career success.

Pathways to Prosperity

Pathways to Prosperity equips individuals with education, credentials, and economic tools to build secure careers, thriving businesses, and lasting community wealth

 

Program Components

1. Education Advancement

  • GED preparation and testing support

  • College readiness and enrollment assistance

  • Academic advising and career pathway planning

2. Occupational Credentials & Licensure
Participants are supported to earn high-demand licenses and certifications, including:

  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

  • Standard Driver’s License (barrier removal)

  • Real Estate License

  • Insurance Producer License

  • CNA Certification

  • Notary Public

  • PERC Card / Security Certification

3. Trade & Technology Pathways

  • Skilled trades certifications

  • Technology and IT credentials

  • Apprenticeships and employer-aligned training

4. Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

  • Financial literacy boot-camps (credit, savings, taxes, investing)

  • Entrepreneurship and small business startup training

  • Business registration, compliance, and licensing support

5. Employment & Business Placement

  • Job placement with local employers

  • Workforce pipelines aligned to regional labor demand

  • Small business mentorship and coaching

  • Access to procurement, contracts, and revenue opportunities

Servant Leaders & Civic Enrichment

YUMA cultivates servant leaders who are civically engaged, community-rooted, and committed to using their influence to uplift others and strengthen neighborhoods.

Leading Through Service. Power With Purpose.

 

Core Principles

  • Service before self

  • Accountability before authority

  • Influence through integrity

  • Leadership that multiplies leaders

Program Components

1. Servant Leadership Development

  • Leadership academies grounded in servant leadership values

  • Ethics, accountability, and character-based leadership training

  • Decision-making, conflict resolution, and team leadership

  • Public speaking and facilitation skills

2. Civic Enrichment & Education

  • Civic literacy: understanding local government and systems

  • Rights, responsibilities, and community stewardship

  • Nonpartisan voter education and civic participation

  • Policy awareness and advocacy training

3. Community Service & Action

  • “Men on the Move” service and civic action projects

  • Neighborhood restoration and safety initiatives

  • Rapid-response community support efforts

  • Faith- and community-based service collaborations

4. Organizing & Community Leadership

  • Community organizing and coalition building

  • Resident councils and advisory boards

  • Leadership pipelines into boards, commissions, and councils

5. Youth & Intergenerational Leadership

  • Youth leadership labs and councils

  • Mentorship between elders and emerging leaders

  • Leadership succession and legacy planning

 

Wellness & brotherhood

A community-centered movement dedicated to restoring brotherhood, developing the whole man, and building strong, secure communities. Through leadership, workforce pathways, civic engagement, health and wellness, and intentional brotherhood, we equip men to lead with purpose, accountability, and service.

Whole-Man Development Methodology

A Brothers Hood uses a Whole-Man Development approach that strengthens men across five interconnected domains:

  • Physical – health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness

  • Intellectual – education, leadership, and civic awareness

  • Economic – careers, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and stability

  • Social – healthy relationships, fatherhood, and community engagement

  • Purpose & Values – faith-based or values-centered reflection, service, and legacy

    Building Better Bonds. Developing the Whole Man.

 

"YUMA transformed my outlook on life. The mentorship I received gave me the confidence and skills to pursue my dreams. It's more than a program; it's a family."

Jamal R.

Contact us

5834 west Augusta BLVD
Chicago, IL 60651

Office hours

Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 2pm
Sunday: Closed

Reach out

7739575402

info@theyuma.org

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