Our Mission

Every child carries a spark—something that drives them, excites them, and empowers them. Joakim had that spark, and his mother saw it. Together, they set out to help young people tap into their own gifts by encouraging them to discover who they are through the powerful blend of art and sports.

At Noah’s Arc Foundation™, our programs center on two transformative pillars: art and sports. Through creative expression and athletic discipline, we help young people build confidence, strengthen resilience, and ignite the passions that already live within them. Our workshops and experiences are designed to help children uncover their unique talents and reach their full potential in every area of life.

Our arts programs give youth in under‑served communities—and those navigating emotional or physical adversity—a safe space to express themselves, process their experiences, and find their voice. Through sports, we cultivate discipline, teamwork, and self‑belief, empowering young people to see what they’re capable of.

Chicago continues to face the deep and complex challenges of gun violence, especially in neighborhoods where people experience trauma and loss far too often. At Noah’s Arc Foundation™, we meet youth and mothers who lost children to violence,  exactly where they are—not with judgment, but with possibility. Instead of focusing on what they shouldn’t do, we uplift what they can do to spark positive change in their lives and communities.

Through our outreach, we honor the everyday heroes—young people, mentors, families, and community members—who are actively shaping a safer, more hopeful Chicago.