With the keen awareness that government spending on social initiatives as it relates to business development, employment and training (B.E.T.) opportunities for ex-offenders and other socially and economically disadvantaged troubled youth have best drastically reduced we began to develop partnerships with public and private sectors. The goal of Do for Self (DFS) is to empower the lives of our troubled youth who strive to improve their living conditions with the desire to do for self in an honorable way. We will assist them in achieving this goal through our initiative of B.E.T.

Our B.E.T. initiative will equip them with marketable skills in the building and maintenance trades with hands on training instead of a hand out. DFS hears one question frequently. How is it different from other not-for-profits, that claim to improve the lives of people in devastated communities? The answer is always the same, specifically; “We deliver tangible programs and results to people, not events, galas and trainings whose motivational affects fizzle away immediately.” Moreover, “We support our people with an on-going program that mentors and builds business acumen including business certification, compliance, infrastructure, marketing and financing. The individuals we assist launch companies that grow and move up market.”

Historically and now, we have invested in the power of partnerships with companies and individuals such as Northern Trust Bank, The Chicago Housing Authority, The Chicago Public Schools, His Honor the Mayor, Richard M. Daley, PNC Bank, and now we are reaching out to you the public to assist us in supporting this initiative. DFS achieves its life altering work by building character, providing training in the construction trades and supporting personal and business growth through hands on direction.