Our Community
“The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of people who are evil, but because of people who don’t do anything about it.”
— Albert Einstein
Aurora was founded in 1837 along the Fox River. Located on the edge of the Illinois Technology and Research Center, Aurora has a rich manufacturing history as an industrial center. With a population of 175,592 residents, Aurora ranks as Illinois’ 2nd largest city after Chicago.
But depleted government resources have negatively impacted economics, education and leadership creating significant challenges for this historic city. Low socio-economic status, high gang presence, high student drop out rate, single parent teens, violence and crime have put youth at risk in this racially and ethnically diverse community.
Although Aurora has seen positive change in the past several years, the need is great for positive role models, growth opportunities and safe extra-curricular activities for youth in the community. 57% students are of low income with few opportunities readily available to students in more affluent areas. High school drop out rate is high and only 62% of adults have a high school education. 40% students can’t read at grade level. Literacy shortfalls affect student drop-out rate which increases teen pregnancies and crime rate.
Aurora struggles to change and rebuild. Too long have poverty, illiteracy, drug trafficking, and violence put youth at risk. But real change only comes through personal involvement. The challenges facing youth demand a compassionate response. Triple Threat Mentoring is committed to be a part of that response. We seek to develop community partnerships and volunteerism through events and programs that best serve the needs of our youth. As youth are mentored to have the faith and courage to make good choices and develop personal goals, they will begin to believe in themselves. And hope can change the face of our community; one life at a time.