Why We Exist
About C.R.A.F.T., Inc
C.R.A.F.T.'s Mission
The mission of the C.R.A.F.T. Organization is to develop and implement programs directed towards building a stronger, more productive African-American community. The Organization strives to accomplish this mission through the Eagle and Student Adoption Programs.
The goals of both programs are to encourage and support the development of academic excellence, spiritual growth and inter-/intrapersonal social skills in African- American youth.
Young people who are a part of a community of poverty often bring the issues of the community to school with them. C.R.A.F.T. as a community-based organization endeavors to offer exposure to positive life choices including the benefits of academic excellence and the pursuing of post-secondary education as an introduction to careers that would enhance the growth of the African-American community.
C.R.A.F.T.'s History
Established in 1974 and incorporated in 1975, for over 30 years, the Center for Re-Creation And Family Training Organization (C.R.A.F.T., Inc.) has adhered to its mission of developing and implementing programs directed towards building a stronger, more productive African-American community.
The CRAFT Organization primarily serves the youth and families of the Pembroke/Hopkins Park area of Illinois. The community has one of the highest poverty rates in the state.
The residents of the community suffer from all of the issues that are companions of a poverty stricken community-drugs, violence and the accompanying abuses. This poisonous environment has to be counterbalanced with a positive option for the community, so CRAFT offers that alternative.
Afterschool/Summer Day Camp
In 1974, CRAFT started its afterschool and summer day camp programs. The Afterschool Program held evening Bible classes, recreation, group discussions, Black history and etiquette classes 3 days a week for students in grades 3-12 . The summer day camp program expanded these activities into daylong activities that included weekly cultural trips.
C.I.D.A.L.
The Christian Institute for Developing Altruistic Leaders (CIDAL) was the educational arm of CRAFT and it was started in 1975. CIDAL strongly emphasized Christian leadership and altruism. The elementary level began in 1988 with K-2 and the 3rd grade was added a year later. CIDAL closed its doors in 1990 due to lack of finances. Prior to that all 26 high school graduates attended college.
C.R.A.F.T.'s Timeline
1974-The C.R.A.F.T. organization was established.
1974-C.R.A.F.T. started its afterschool and summer day camp programs.
1975-The C.R.A.F.T. organization was incorporated.
1975-C.I.D.A.L. , the educational arm of C.R.A.F.T. , was formed.
1990-C.I.D.A.L. closed its doors due to a lack of finances.
1991-Eagles Program was started to focus on mentoring elementary students.
1991-S.A.P. and S.A.F. were started to assist students in their preparation for and pursuit of postsecondary education.
2004-Hezekiah Brady Jr. Scholarship was established.C.R.A.F.T.'s Board of Directors
Board Members
Alpha M. Brady – President
Jimmie Stevenson – Vice-President
Elvia Steward - Treasurer
Darcel Y. Brady – Executive Director
Ralph J. Bailey
Myrna S. Brady
Evera J. Ivy
Teresa L. Mondy
Johnny Rogers
Advisory Members
Kelvin Thomas
Howard Wills, Sr.
Staff Members
Gloria D. Hamilton - Program Coordinator
James Stevenson - Progarm Coordinator
Helena Rogers - Director of Development