Project Education Plus: About Us

About Us

Maryann Donlon Memorial

Since its 1980 inception, the purpose of PEP has been to divert the anger, frustration, and negative attitudes of the youth in the Cabrini-Green Near North area into positive learning experiences and constructive activities. PEP has maintained its focus and has expanded to provide for the demographic changes surrounding the original community boundaries. Our participants benefit from a mix of personal attention, education, collaborations, technology, and recreation that has contributed to the growth of the program. Ninety percent of the PEP families and youth make less than 50% of the area’s median income. We proudly celebrated our 31st anniversary this past June!

PEP’s founders conceived Project Education Plus during the 1980 Chicago Public School teacher’s strike after seeing a need for a regimented, innovative program with continuity. In the beginning, PEP operated an eight-week summer program and a basketball team. In the new century, we have redirected our energies to six programs while focusing on community needs.To download our brochure, click here.

STAFF -
Executive Director:  Vince Carter
Administrative Assistant:  Michael Horton,  Marcellus Phelps
Office Manager:  Lynette Smith,  Vonzell McGrew

BOARD COMMITTEES -
Finance:  Teddi Olson, Charles Hogren
Technology/Website:  David Gates,  Karoline Sharp,  Lynette Smith
Special Events:  Mary Czerwionka, Andrea McNeal, Louise Torres
Recreational Events:  Phil Torres
Development:  Vince Carter,  Michael Horton
Alumni:  Bernard McCune,  David Gates,  Michael Horton

PROGRAM COMMITTEES -
Senior Citizens Program:  Lynette Smith
SMART Programs:  Karoline Sharp,  Vonzell McGrew
After School Program:  Joe Rumenapp, Kaitlyn Isaia
Scholarship Program:  Bernard McCune
Chicago Demons Basketball:  Vince Carter,  Michael Horton
Peppeteer Program:  Andrea McNeal,  Cynthia Kolb

BOARD MEMBERS -
  Chair:  David Gates                        Vince Carter
  Vice Chair:  Karoline Sharp            Mary Czwerwionka
  Secretary: Louise Torres               Bernard McCune
  Treasurer: Teddi Olson                  Andrea McNeal
  Charles V. Hogren                           Phil Torres, Sr.
  Cynthia Kolb                                    Lynette Smith
  Michael Horton, Sr.

  Advisory Board -
  Yvonne Alford                                  Mary Connors
  Gus Andersson                               Sha Hopson
  La'Shon Anthony                             Ora Jones
  Robert Boone                                  Cyrus Monley
  Chet Brewer                                    Craig Nash
  Derrick Brewer                                 Jesse White
  Latochia Brewer                              Juanita Zimmerman
  Paul Camp

  To contact a board member, click on the person's name.

Project Education Plus

would like to thank the donors
in memory of

Ms. Maryann Donlon

August 3, 1948 - September 3, 2010

Contributors

Sunset Foods Event

This is the perfect picture for someone who was very giving!
We will always miss you.

Memorial held on September 26, 2010.