What is the K.W.O.E. Foundation?
The mission of the K.W.O.E. Foundation is to initiate change in underserved communities by leading the path for today’s youth by promoting ownership of their actions, reject violence, and make wise life decisions.
Kareem “K.W.O.E.” Wells has been involved in a myriad of projects promoting peace & unity, seeking to help kids reject violence throughout Chicago. Through his fundraising efforts, motivational speaking as well as through his musical talents as an artist, K.W.O.E. spreads his message of hope to middle schoolers in urban neighborhoods that will inspire them to change their lives for the better. Through the K.W.O.E. Theory of Change the Foundation curates resources, teaches life skills and generates opportunities.
Kareem is on a mission to change the trajectory of young people’s lives, by helping them define their choices during a particularly influential age. The K.W.O.E. Foundation provides opportunities for all children to develop skills needed to make positive choices, live a life with inner confidence and outer kindness.
K
NOW YOUR GENIUS
W
ORK TO BE UNSTOPPABLE
O
WN YOUR ACTIONS
E
XPLORE THE WORLD
“Through my music and public appearances, I encourage young people to end the cycle of violence plaguing Chicago neighborhoods. When I speak to the kids I use my music and life experiences to inspire others to make the right decisions and overcome any challenges that the world may offer."
– Kareem “K.W.O.E” Wells
PROJECTS
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OUR PARTNERS
BAM
Bishop City
By The Hand Club
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago Tutoring
Children’s Home + Aid
CPD 11th DISTRICT
I GROW CHICAGO
GiGi’s Playhouse
Horace Mann
Living Consciously TV
Northwestern University-Youth Impact Camp
O’Toole School
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
OPTIONS 4 YOUTH
Our House Shelter
Peace Parties
R.A.G.E.
Safe Cities
Speak Peace Spoken Word Camp
Umbrellas for Peace
Universoul Circus
Weissbluth Pediatrics
"I can't speak highly enough of K.W.O.E. and the K.W.O.E. Hope Foundation. Over the past year, K.W.O.E. has generously donated his time and talents to facilitate programs at the Richard M. Daley branch of the Chicago Public library. From emceeing our all-ages West Humboldt Park's Got Talent competition to leading a discussion on the history and meaning of hip hop for adults and teens, K.W.O.E. has brought his warmth, positive energy, and inspiring message to every interaction he has had with staff and patrons. Our patrons frequently ask when he'll return, and they proudly wear hats and t-shirts bearing K.W.O.E.'s name."
KEELY M. BRENNAN
Adult Services Librarian, Chicago Public Library
"On behalf of the staff at Communities in Schools of Chicago, thank you for partnering with us for the 106 Tenacity Awards. Your spirit truly embodied tenacity and made the third annual Tenacity Awards special. Since we met when working on the videos for the 106 winners, you have been a joy partner for me and this event. Your story is an inspiration, and your honesty during our reception showed everyone why. Your magic with one of the winners, Noah, was especially appreciated by everyone. And the surprise gift bags with iPads and merchandise was above and beyond - a super-special reward for our students. I hope that we continue to work together on the Tenacity Awards in new ways in the future. And of course, continue to partner with our schools so you can more broadly share your message of hope, persistence, and tenacity!"
JANE MENTZINGER
Executive Director, Communities in Schools
"Thank you for your interest in Our House program. K.W.O.E. has attended several group sessions with our residents, and each time, they are inspired by his message. One of our residents, in particular, was inspired to commit to finishing his high school education. After meeting with K.W.O.E. and hearing his story of getting his GED, our resident focused on getting his full credits for that semester and achieved that goal. We look forward to more interactions with K.W.O.E."
MELISSA ROOTH L.P.C, A.M.F.T
Program Manager, Connections for the Homeless/Our House
"K.W.O.E. and his message resonate deeply with the young people in our Safe Cities program. These young people have never before met someone who looks like them and speaks their language but lives downtown and is a successful, legitimate businessman. Because of this, K.W.O.E. can hold their attention in a unique, profound way. When the kids hear K.W.O.E.'s personal story, they think, "I can make it out too." K.W.O.E. inspires them to break the cycle of violence by following in his footsteps. K.W.O.E.'s message challenges these young people to see the big picture: their choices are not just about a summer job; they are about their lives and decisions each day. We are grateful to have K.W.O.E. speak with our kids and help them move forward positively."
CHERYL PHILLIPS
Executive Director, Safe Cities Inc.
"The children of Chicago face a myriad of seemingly insurmountable odds. Accordingly, their trust level is low. K.W.O.E. has been forged in the same fires and brings a level of genuineness and inspiration that these children need to succeed. Few people that escape the West Side ever come back to help. K.W.O.E. is one of those rare people dedicated to helping his community."
SENATOR PATRICIA VAN PELT, P.H.D.
State Senator Illinois 5th District
"As part of our summer community program, we reclaim five Englewood parks to promote peace. K.W.O.E. was a featured performer at our events and brought his energetic music and message to inspire participants to stop the violence in our community. His songs resonated with attendees of all ages, and his uplifting news spread hope and peace. K.W.O.E. was an essential part of our summer program, and we were thrilled to have him participate in our community."
ASIAHA BUTLER
Co-Founder and President, R.A.G.E. Resident Association of Greater Englewood