About LiveUp

The LiveUp Empowerment Network is a national 501c3 life skills training, career readiness workshop, workforce development training, employment staffing services, mentoring, food pantry, and community resource center for people ages 12 and up and families of any size. We want the best for all generations, and our mission is to provide fundamental resources and tools for them to live up to their full potential as everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are here to guide, practically prepare, and connect people to life essential resources to improve lives and change the trajectory for families in the communities that we serve. Since our inception, we have had the privilege of positively impacting the lives of over 5,000 underserved individuals through life readiness, professional development, career training, and community resource matching.

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.