After School Matters breaks ground on 36K square foot facility in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green [Video]

CHICAGO (WLS) — Ready to dig in city leaders, today’s students and the leaders of tomorrow break ground on an exciting new chapter for After School Matters.

“How we treat our young people really tells a lot about who we are as a society. Investing in our young people is the best thing we can do as society,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The nonprofit’s meaningful mission is to provide after school and summer opportunities for nearly 20,000 students across Chicago.

The organization broke ground Saturday on the start of renovations on a 36,000 square-foot facility located at North Orleans and West Hill Streets in the city’s Cabrini-Green neighborhood dedicated to teen programming.

Former Mayor Richard M. Daley made an appearance at the ceremony.

His late wife Maggie started After School Matters 33 years ago.

“We know the tremendous affect it’s had on our teens and our city and so thank you mayor …