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Welcome to Swing High
Foundation
Swing High Foundation is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening single-parent families, youth, and underserved communities throughout Chicago. Through housing stabilization assistance, parenting education workshops, youth development programs, and the distribution of essential household resources, we work to help families build a stronger foundation for long-term success.
Our programs are supported through grants, fundraising initiatives, monetary contributions, and in-kind donations from community partners and supporters who share our commitment to empowering families and creating positive community impact.
Our Mission
At Swing High Foundation, our mission is to be a cornerstone of support and empowerment for low-income and underserved communities throughout the City of Chicago. We are dedicated to helping at-risk teens, young adults, single parents, and families build the skills, confidence, and resources needed to achieve long-term stability and success.
Through financial literacy education, life skills training, digital literacy, parenting workshops, youth development programs, housing stabilization support, and access to essential community resources, we help individuals overcome barriers, create opportunities, and strengthen the communities in which they live.
Our goal is to prepare youth and families not only to meet today's challenges, but to build brighter futures for themselves and future generations.
Our Vision
Our vision at Swing High Foundation is to create stronger families, empowered youth, and thriving communities where every individual has access to safe housing, essential resources, life skills, and opportunities for success. We envision a future where single-parent families, young adults, and underserved residents have the support needed to achieve housing stability, financial independence, educational advancement, and personal growth.
Through rental assistance, housing stabilization services, financial literacy education, parenting support, youth development programs, workforce readiness training, and community partnerships, we strive to remove barriers and create pathways to self-sufficiency. Our goal is to build resilient families, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations to reach their fullest potential.
Meet the Founder
Jocelyn Thigpen
The vision for Swing High Foundation began in 2009, inspired by my personal journey growing up in Chicago and becoming a young mother. Although the Foundation officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on February 15, 2021, the mission has always been rooted in helping youth, young parents, and underserved families access the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.My life has taught me the value of perseverance, education, and the importance of having a strong support system. With the love and encouragement of my family, especially my mother, Elaine, and my children's grandmother, Pamela, I learned firsthand that it truly takes a village. Their guidance not only helped shape who I am today but also inspired the name Swing High, reminding me to always encourage others to rise above life's challenges and reach their highest potential.As a mother, entrepreneur, and proud graduate of Olive-Harvey College, I understand that success is rarely a straight path.
Every challenge, setback, and accomplishment has strengthened my commitment to serving others and creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.One of the philosophies I strive to live by is a quote widely attributed to the late, great Nelson Mandela: "I never lose. I either win or learn." That quote has become one of the guiding principles in my life. It reminds me that every challenge presents an opportunity to grow and every setback carries a lesson. Those words have guided me through motherhood, education, entrepreneurship, and community service, strengthening my belief that success is measured not only by our victories but also by what we learn along the way. That spirit of perseverance is at the heart of Swing High Foundation and inspires our commitment to empowering youth, strengthening families, and helping individuals overcome obstacles so they can build brighter futures.
Today, Swing High Foundation is committed to advancing community development by empowering youth, promoting educational achievement, supporting housing stability, expanding financial literacy, preparing individuals for meaningful careers through workforce development, fostering violence prevention and community wellness, providing life skills education, and connecting individuals and families with resources that create lasting opportunities and stronger communities.The support I received throughout my life helped shape the person I am today. Through Swing High Foundation, my goal is to extend that same encouragement and opportunity to others, reminding them that where they begin does not determine where they can go. With faith, perseverance, and a supportive community, we can all continue to Swing High.