Rooted in community. Built on possibility.

They are not
forgotten.
Neither is
their future.

Every young person deserves someone in their corner. We bring mentoring, workforce readiness, and real support to Chicago Southland and South Suburbs.

TeamString I Am Not Forgotten · 501(c)(3) nonprofit
TeamString youth and adults gathered together holding a TeamString sign
EMPOWERING OUR YOUTH.Guidance today.
Opportunity tomorrow.
MENTORINGWORKFORCE READINESSCOMMUNITY CAREOPPORTUNITY
01 / Our purpose

A stronger future
starts with support.

Our mission is to empower our youth and community to reach their potential by providing resources, support, and guidance.

We create space to learn, build confidence, and take the next step. Through mentoring, practical life skills, and community relationships, TeamString helps young people see possibilities—and work toward them.

Our vision: A supportive, inclusive community where people from all walks of life can learn, grow, feel respected, and develop the skills to reach their goals.

Meet us. Build with us.
02 / Pathways to possibility

Different starting points.
The same belief in you.

Support that grows with young people, from building everyday confidence to preparing for the workplace.

01Ages 6–24

Mentoring Academy

Confidence for life.

Guidance, meaningful conversations, and practical tools to help young people navigate challenges and work toward their goals.

  • Leadership, confidence, and emotional intelligence
  • Communication and peaceful conflict resolution
  • Financial literacy, budgeting, and entrepreneurship
  • Social-emotional learning and positive decisions
Ask about mentoring ↗
02Ages 16–24

Workforce Academy

Ready for what’s next.

Workforce preparation that connects personal growth with the habits, skills, and support young people need to take their next career step.

  • Job readiness and professional communication
  • Time management, attendance, and accountability
  • Career exploration and individual goal setting
  • Mentoring throughout the employment journey
Ask about workforce opportunities ↗
01 ConnectTell us about your goals.
02 Find your fitExplore current program availability.
03 Learn & practiceBuild skills you can use every day.
04 Keep growingTake your next step with support.
03 / Empowering Our Youth

Real conversations.
Skills for a stronger future.

Mentoring is at the heart of TeamString. We work with young people in classrooms and community settings to build confidence, practice positive choices, and turn goals into action.

Lead with confidence.

Leadership, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, effective communication, and peaceful conflict management help young people build stronger relationships.

Build everyday skills.

Time management, personal hygiene, respect for others, responsible social media use, and balancing responsibilities support growth inside and outside the classroom.

Plan for opportunity.

Budgeting, financial management, entrepreneurship, personal branding, networking, negotiation, and career planning connect learning with future goals.

What a session looks like.

Our mentoring outline is designed for 45–60 minutes, with conversation, questions, and a practical next step. Topics and delivery are coordinated with the school or community partner.

  1. Connect: introductions and the purpose of the session.
  2. Explore: discuss a topic through examples and shared experiences.
  3. Ask: make room for questions and honest conversation.
  4. Act: create an action plan to practice the skill.
  5. Reflect: review the learning and next steps.

Bring mentoring to your school.

We partner with schools and community organizations to discuss students’ needs, choose relevant topics, and arrange sessions. Our proposal includes 30-minute and 60-minute session options.

Program goals include stronger communication, confidence, leadership, financial skills, and the ability to work through disagreements. Topics can also address restorative justice, self-esteem, and respectful relationships.

Discuss a school partnership ↗

Contact us to confirm scheduling, group needs, and any program-specific clothing requirements.

View our mentoring proposal ↗
Full proposal deck · PDF · 8 pages

TeamString community meal outreachStringer Harris holding a community member’s hand during outreach

Community care supports the mission.

Alongside mentoring and workforce development, TeamString brings people together through meal distribution and community outreach. Showing care and respect is part of the example we set for young people.

The person behind the purpose

Stringer Harris

Founder & President

A national community activist, speaker, and mentor, Stringer Harris leads TeamString with a commitment to youth and community service. Raised by his grandmother with the belief that it is better to give than to receive, he brings that spirit to the work of helping people feel seen, supported, and capable of more.

Our community, in motion

TeamString in Action

Moments from our mentoring, youth activities, and community connections.

Children gathered at lunchroom tables holding program materials
Learning together.
TeamString youth and adults wearing TeamString shirts
One team. A shared purpose.
Stringer Harris speaking with young people seated at tables
Time to connect.
Young people gathered around a buffet table
Sharing a meal.
Stringer Harris leading a classroom session
Mentoring in the classroom.

Watch TeamString in action.

TeamString in Action · Video 1
TeamString in Action · Video 3
TeamString in Action · Video 4
TeamString in Action · Video 5
Words from our community

What Our Community Is Saying

“From day one, your mentorship has been a beacon of strength, character, and purpose.”

Kyran Weaver · Head Football Coach, Hillcrest High School · April 19, 2025
04 / Make room for possibility

There’s a place for you
in this work.

GIVE

Support a young person.

Help sustain mentoring, program materials, meals, and the everyday support that makes participation possible.

Donate with Givebutter ↗
PARTNER

Bring us to your community.

Schools, employers, and community organizations can connect with us about mentoring sessions and workforce partnerships.

Start a partnership ↗
VOLUNTEER

Show up with us.

Bring your time, experience, and care. Contact our team to learn about current volunteer needs and opportunities.

Ask about volunteering ↗
TeamString Empower Your Young Adult flyer with a Givebutter donation QR code
Invest in their future

Big dreams.
Real support.

Help young people build confidence, discover their strengths, and prepare for what comes next.

Scan the code to donate through Givebutter, or use the button below if you’re on your phone.

Donate to TeamString ↗
05 / Stay informed

Helpful resources.

Program expectations and organizational policies, all in one place.

Mentoring proposalSchool and community partnerships · PDF · 8 pagesStudent handbookWorkforce program guide · PDF · 18 MBPersonnel policies & proceduresStaff reference · Revised March 2026 · PDF

Before you reach out.

Where does TeamString work?

Our programs serve Chicago Southland and South Suburbs. Contact us for current program locations and school partnership opportunities.

How do I join a program?

Call 312-918-2310 or email info@teamstring.org. Our team can discuss the right program, current availability, eligibility, and next steps.

Can my school host mentoring sessions?

Yes. Contact TeamString to discuss your students’ needs, session topics, scheduling, and available program options.

How can I make a donation?

Use the Donate with Givebutter link above to give online. For sponsorship opportunities or in-kind donations, contact our team by phone or email.

06 / Connect with TeamString

Let’s build
something meaningful.

Tell us how you’d like to get involved. Whether you’re a parent, educator, community partner, or volunteer, we’d love to hear from you.

Prefer to talk? Call 312-918-2310.
You can also email info@teamstring.org.

Please use adult contact information. Don’t include a child’s full name or sensitive personal details. Your message and contact details are processed by FormSubmit and emailed to TeamString so we can respond.

You’ll complete a spam check before your inquiry is submitted.

Let’s take the next step.

A conversation can
open a door.

Programs. Partnerships. Volunteering. Giving.
We’d love to hear from you.

312-918-2310 ↗
info@teamstring.org ↗

Serving Chicago Southland and South Suburbs