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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING MICHAEL TROUT FOR HIS LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION TO THE NORTH LAWNDALE COMMUNITY
WHEREAS, Michael Trout is first and foremost a husband of 28 years to his wife Karen, a father of five (four sons and a daughter) and a grandfather of 7 and counting; and
WHEREAS, Michael Trout sought to live a life where his love of God and his love for his wonderful neighbors in the North Lawndale community is the action most reflected in his life. In 1992, Mike and Karen move to the neighborhood to partner with local schools and churches. In 1996, Mike and a group of twelve boys started their own community-based organization called the Young Men's Educational Network, or YMEN as its known in Lawndale. Mike Trout, as founder, became YMEN's Executive Director; and
WHEREAS, YMEN continues to steadily grow since its inception in Michael Trout 's apartment over the past 24 years. YMEN now serves 300 youth each year by partnering with five local schools and by offering after school and weekend programs six days a week; and
WHEREAS, YMEN's main goal is indigenous leadership and its commitment to its student leaders does not end until the young person graduates college and hopefully returns to North Lawndale to re-invest in the next generation; and
WHEREAS, YMEN's commitment to growing community leaders also includes a college debt forgiveness program, a home ownership program, and affordable housing through this college and career residences; and
WHEREAS, Younger students at YMEN achieved a 90% high school graduation rate, with more than half of their students receiving a 3.0 or better GPA. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago concluded YMEN is one of the most innovative and effective youth organizations in the city, if not the country. One of the keys to YMEN's success is its student voice, which shapes the day to day programs and Significant Board Decisions; and
WHEREAS; Mike Trout continues to faithfully lead YMEN h...
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