About LiveUp

Since 2011, the LiveUp Empowerment Network - a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit-has been on a mission to empower the "under-visioned," not just the underserved.

We exist to help individuals exceed essential life needs and unlock their full potential through life readiness, professional development, and career training.

To date, we've impacted over 5,000 individuals ages 12 and up, along with families of all sizes, through our community building resource-strong communities and restoring hope where it's needed most.

At the heart of our work is the LiveUp Virtual Community Center model we've created - a hub designed to guide, equip, and connect people to life-changing resources. We are here to practically prepare and empower every generation with tools that lead to lasting transformation.

Our services include:
- Life skills training
- Career readiness workshops
- Workforce development and job placement
- Mentoring and youth development
- Food pantry partnerships
- Housing / Neighborhood revitalization
- Community resource navigation

We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive-and we're here to make that happen.
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Our mission is to equip individuals with the life skills, career training, and resources needed to achieve life vision-sufficiency and thrive as empowered, contributing members of their communities.

Did You Know Basic Life Needs Are Not Being Met in Many Communities?

FOOD/CLOTHES

Child Food Insecurity: Approximately 1 in 4 children in Cook County are at risk of hunger, with higher rates in the south suburbs. In some communities, nearly half of the children live in food-insecure households.
SNAP Participation: Despite the high levels of need, only about 64% of eligible individuals in Cook County participate in the SNAP program, leaving a significant portion of the population without access to this critical support.
Food Desert Classification: Many south suburban areas are classified as food deserts. This means residents have limited access to grocery stores that offer fresh and affordable food. Food pantries in the south suburbs have seen a dramatic increase in demand. For example, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which serves Cook County, has reported that the number of people seeking food assistance has continued to rise, particularly in these high-need areas.

HOUSING/ UTILITIES

Poverty and Unemployment: These communities also have high poverty rates and unemployment, contributing to food insecurity. The median household income in these areas is significantly lower than the national average, and many residents struggle to afford basic necessities, including housing and utilities (phone, electric, gas internet). For example, in Ford Heights, the unemployment rate is nearly double that of the broader Cook County area, contributing to the high housing and food insecurity rate.

TRANSPORTATION/
HEALTHCARE

LRU is a learning platform to help all our participants Be Life Ready with content based on real-world experiences for real world application to equip people and families.

All of our Content covers essential topics and answer questions to keep our learners prepared for life. Topics include: Financial Management, Health and Wellness, Relationships, Career, Balance, Organization, Accountability, Communication, Problem Solving, Time Management, Goal Setting, Leadership. Life Readiness is “being equipped to thrive in life” and Navigate Adulting ” the ability to live on your own without outside resources“. Let LRU show you how to do both.