FREE Vol. 40 No. 1
January 7, 2026 ■ Also serving Garfield Park ■ austinweeklynews.com
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Youth programs continue their work as they fight for funding
An Austin Weekly News partner
Long vacant Austin lot will become youthowned Artisan Market
Programs remain a lifeline to youth in West Side neighborhoods By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter
This article was originally published by City Bureau, a nonprofit journalism lab reimagining local news. Support City Bureau’s Civic Reporting fellowship by becoming a recurring donor. From after-hours recreation to mental health care, youth programs on the West and Northwest Sides remain a lifeline to children and families in vulnerable neighborhoods. But shifts, threats and cuts to grant programs risk endangering critical support. The sun has set, and the gym pulses with energy at Midnight Basketball in Austin. Along parallel walls, bold letters spell out BUILD, with the words “Hope, Lives, Futures” painted just beneath — more than a slogan, it’s a mission in action. The free, late-night program offers young adults a structured alternative to street activity through full-court games and community connection. Dwayne Flowers, from Garfield Park,
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Local West Side educators honored, page 3
Root2Fruit nonprofit has$50K grant for 2027 open-air market By MICHAEL LIPTROT Block Club Chicago
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it — the West Side is dangerous. You got kids with guns, doing drugs. I wasn’t interested in
A community organization running Chicago’s first officially designated safe zone is working to bring an outdoor artisan market to Austin. And its owners will include young Austin men long active in Root2Fruit nonprofit. The Austin Artisan Market is planning to open on a vacant lot at 5637 W. Lake St. that would house 12-15 West Side businesses and makers. The seasonal market is expected to debut in 2027 and run from March to December. The market would have several cottage-style retail spaces in an open-air setting that would
See YOUTH PROGRAMS on page 4
See ARTISAN MARKET on page 9
ZOE DAVIS/FOR CITY BUREAU
Akeem Goodwin goes up for a shot during a scrimmage at Midnight Basketball on July 24. The games, hosted by BUILD in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, are a free late-night program for young men. is a regular and helps out with various tasks. The sport has helped him avoid negative influences and build lasting friendships. He started playing at Prairie State College in the fall.
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