About Us

How We Bring Positivity

Books Over Balls strategy for change

Books Over Balls is a youth STEM, mentoring, and violence prevention program that empowers young people to reach their full potential. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.

Our program provides a safe and supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, and connect with others. We offer a variety of programs and services, including:

  • STEM education: We offer STEM education programs that teach young people about science, technology, engineering, and math. These programs are designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
  • Mentorship: We provide young people with access to mentors who can provide guidance and support. Our mentors are experienced professionals who are passionate about helping young people succeed.
  • Violence prevention: We offer violence prevention programs that teach young people about healthy relationships, conflict resolution, and anger management. These programs are designed to help young people make positive choices and avoid violence.

We are committed to making a difference in the lives of young people. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we are here to help them do just that.

Books Over Balls has had a significant impact on the lives of young people. Since our inception, we have served over 1,000 young people. Our program has helped young people to:

  • Improve their academic performance: Our STEM education programs have helped young people to improve their academic performance. In a recent study, we found that students who participated in our STEM education programs scored higher on standardized tests than students who did not participate.
  • Develop positive relationships: Our mentoring program has helped young people to develop positive relationships with adults. In a recent survey, we found that 90% of students who participated in our mentoring program said that they felt closer to their mentor after participating in the program.
  • Make positive choices: Our violence prevention program has helped young people to make positive choices and avoid violence. In a recent study, we found that students who participated in our violence prevention program were less likely to engage in violence than students who did not participate.

Books Over Balls is committed to continuing to make a difference in the lives of young people. We have ambitious plans for the future, including:

  • Expanding our reach to serve more young people
  • Developing new programs and services to meet the needs of young people
  • Collaborating with other organizations to create a more supportive environment for young people

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and we are committed to making that happen.

What To Come

The STEM Center Business Incubator

Books Over Balls is a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities to underserved youth in Chicago and throughout Illinois. The organization’s STEM Center Business Incubator is a new initiative that will provide young entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to start and grow their own businesses.

The STEM Center Business Incubator will offer a variety of services, including:

  • Coworking space: Young entrepreneurs will have access to a shared workspace where they can collaborate with other entrepreneurs and access resources such as printers, copiers, and high-speed internet.
  • Mentors: Young entrepreneurs will be paired with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support.
  • Training: Young entrepreneurs will have access to training on a variety of topics, such as business planning, marketing, and finance.
  • Networking opportunities: Young entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders.

The STEM Center Business Incubator is designed to help young entrepreneurs succeed in the global economy. By providing young entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need, Books Over Balls is helping to create a more equitable future for all.

The STEM Center Business Incubator is currently in the planning stages. The organization is seeking donations and volunteers to help make the incubator a reality. If you are interested in supporting the STEM Center Business Incubator, please contact Books Over Balls.

Here are some of the benefits of the STEM Center Business Incubator for young entrepreneurs:

  • Access to resources: The STEM Center Business Incubator will provide young entrepreneurs with access to a variety of resources, including coworking space, mentors, training, and networking opportunities.
  • Reduced risk: The STEM Center Business Incubator will help young entrepreneurs reduce the risk of starting their own businesses by providing them with access to resources and support.
  • Increased success: The STEM Center Business Incubator has the potential to increase the success of young entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.

The STEM Center Business Incubator is a valuable resource for young entrepreneurs who are looking to start or grow their own businesses. The incubator has the potential to help young entrepreneurs achieve their goals and make a positive impact on the world.

What We Do

positively change lives through solutions-based programs

Books Over Balls (BOB) is a non-profit organization that uses basketball as a platform to provide life skills and academic support to youth in Chicago. BOB’s mission is to positively change lives through solutions-based programs.

BOB’s programs are designed to help youth develop the skills they need to succeed in school, college, and life. BOB’s programs focus on the following areas:

  • Academics: BOB provides academic support to youth through tutoring, homework help, and college counseling.
  • Life skills: BOB teaches youth about character development, decision-making, goal setting, time management, conflict resolution, stress management, and healthy living.
  • Sports: BOB provides youth with the opportunity to participate in basketball leagues and camps.
  • Community service: BOB encourages youth to give back to their community through volunteer work.

BOB’s programs are delivered through a variety of methods, including:

  • Workshops: BOB offers a variety of workshops on a variety of topics.
  • One-on-one mentoring: BOB pairs youth with mentors who can provide guidance and support.
  • Group activities: BOB organizes group activities that provide opportunities for youth to practice the skills they have learned.
  • Online resources: BOB provides online resources that youth can use to learn more about the topics covered in the program.

BOB’s programs have been shown to be effective in helping youth to develop the skills they need to succeed in life.

Here are some of the ways that BOB is positively changing lives through solutions-based programs:

  • Academic success: BOB’s academic support programs have helped youth to improve their grades and test scores.
  • Reduced risky behaviors: BOB’s programs have helped youth to reduce their involvement in risky behaviors such as substance abuse and violence.
  • Increased self-esteem: BOB’s programs have helped youth to increase their self-esteem and confidence.
  • Developed social skills: BOB’s programs have helped youth to develop social skills such as teamwork, cooperation, and communication.
  • Built positive relationships: BOB’s programs have helped youth to build positive relationships with their peers, mentors, and coaches.

BOB is committed to positively changing the lives of youth in Chicago. BOB’s programs are designed to help youth develop the skills they need to succeed in school, college, and life. BOB’s programs are effective and have helped thousands of youth to improve their lives.

Our Team

Professionals In Team BOB

Chief Executive Officier/ Co-Founder

Fernando is a highly creative professional, with an incredibly accomplished track record of skillful entertainment marketing. Who for over 18 years, has been successfully using urban communication tools and branding as a way of life.

He is considered by many to be one of the Midwest’s leading independent creative consultants and entertainment developers. Fernando is a creative consultant with proficient knowledge that evolved from independent and creative direction, development of special events and projects encompassing all facets of entertainment, including clubs/club nights, concert promotions, promotions and marketing for major recording artists, promotions for film and soundtrack and has creatively developed and produced for television.

He has worked in a variety of capacities including Promotions, Marketing, Special Events, Concert Promotions, Special Project Development, and Implementation for performers such as Melba Moore, Salli Richardson, Danny Boy, Harry Belafonte, Outkast, Public Enemy, Groove Theory, Mary J Blige, 112, Chaka Khan, Bones Thug N Harmony, Brandy, Eve, George Tillman Jr., Boyz II Men, Blackstreet, Cee-Lo, Monica, Total, Lil Kim, Xscape, Diddy, LL Cool J, Usher, Ashanti, Do or Die, Foxy Brown, Brownstone, Crucial Conflict, Dru Hill, Snoop Dog, Twista, Ann Nesby, Busta Rhymes, and Jay-Z, among others.

Chief Operations Officier/ Co-Founder

Revin has been a prominent force in the Chicago Metropolitan area for more than three decades. He has dedicated a large portion of his career to community empowerment and being the primary strategic advocate for programs and projects that elevate “underserved” families consisting of seniors, adults, young adults, teens, ex-offenders, and single parents. 

Through the use of excellent communication skills, professional expertise with social services, and formulation of key political relationships, he has sustained liaisons and strategic alliances that effectively and efficiently facilitate executions of plans resulting in notable successful outcomes for the community, businesses, public agencies, and private agencies alike.

Revin’s extensive community activism experience includes:  Vice Chairman – the National Black Agenda Consortium; Family Focus Lawndale Program Coordinator (for 15 years); Director of Mission Men Father Support Group (for 10 years); Director of Research and Community Outreach of National Block Club University (a Network of 250 Block Clubs); Former NCAA Division 3 Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach – Aurora University; US Minority Contracts Advocate, Greater Far South Halsted IL RT 1; Chambers of Commerce Advisory Board; Employment Planning; Co-Author of “Blacks To Work State Government”; Legislative Advocacy 2010-22; Campaign Liaison – State Representative LaShawn K. Ford and Small Business and Workforce Development Advisory Group just to name a few of his accomplishments.

Chief Business Officier/ Co-Founder

Al is a native of Chicago’s West Side.  During his childhood, he traveled extensively and was exposed to different cities with varying cultures. After three years of living in Japan he returned back to Chicago he began working for the Law Offices of Chapman and Cutler LLP as a paralegal professional in the Public Finance Department. 

As a paraprofessional, he assisted in the process of mergers, acquisitions, financing, and other corporate transactions including due diligence, disclosure schedules, regulatory filings, ancillary agreements, coordination of closings, post-closing transition and compliance, maintaining corporate archival processes for business records, organizing and maintaining corporate ownership documents, conducting legal research, assisting with special projects for legal, operations and other corporate departments.

Mr. Raiford has also organized, supervised, managed and produced a variety of promotional, entertainment and special events such as: developer/manager/party for Crown Point,  promoted and organized Strawberry Festival in Grant Park; organized and promoted Battle of the DJ in Yokohama, Japan, and “Mid West is Cracking” Tour throughout the southern regions of Illinois.

As a husband and a father of three, who later adopted a child, Al has always demonstrated his love and compassion for children.  At St. Mark’s Missionary Baptist Church, he served as a Youth Director under Bishop Willie L. Jordan.  Al has also volunteered for many not-for-profits such as Ladder Up and the Sparks Program.

While working with these agencies he saw a need to reach youth in a way that would excite them and bring forth a positive change in their lives.  With that as his ultimate goal — BOOKS OVER BALLS was formed.

Executive Director

Roxie Williams is a woman born and developed on the southside of Chicago. A visionary leader, a successful entrepreneur who advocates for the homeless, teen mothers and at-risk youth. She is a founder/Board president of RRC where she empowers women and mothers residing in at risk neighborhoods to make positive changes in their behaviors. A much-in-demand motivational speaker licensed and ordained minister, small business coach and diversity, equity and inclusion expert.

Roxie educates, empowers and inspires youth to succeed against all odds. She is a woman who has made a difference in the lives of homeless teens and human trafficked youth. A woman who gives practical help to those in distress. Through her humanitarian work she has received many awards and sits on multiple boards helping to fundraise and raise awareness of the needs of our youth and women. Although she is concentrated on humanitarian action rather than politics, she is the former vice-president of the League of Women Voters Homewood-Flossmoor area. She is a Commissioner for the Clergy Commission in the Village of Hazel Crest.

Roxie is focused on violence being a public health crisis. A woman who encourages public investment in evidence-based programs and policies that work with schools and community leadership to help reduce access to firearms by youth and individuals who are at risk of harming themselves or others. Her life goal is to help prevent tragedies and save more lives.

VIP Initiative

Violence Intervention and Prevention

MVP Training

M.V.P. Training Foundation

man wearing white sweater and black shorts about to run

Books Over Balls has partnered with M.V.P Training to provide Workforce Development; College/Career Readiness; Social-Emotional Learning for all the young men participating in our program.

Kordero’s Dream – M.V.P. Training Foundation (known simply as M.V.P. Training) is a 501c3, public charity established to equip urban young men ages 12-20 for higher education, employment, and economic performance to ensure their contribution to society!

Founded upon the biblical principle, “TRAIN UP A CHILD …” (Proverbs 22:6), Kordero’s Dream partners with schools, churches, and organizations in urban communities to provide M.V. P Training for local young men ages 12-20.

M.V.P. Training is a 40 hr. performance-ready program that equips urban young men with the knowledge, skills, abilities, and motivation for higher learning matriculation. Young men participate in instructional and practice-based learning to develop the competencies to achieve higher education, employment, and pay (i.e. economics).

Through M.V.P. Training, young men build 21st Century soft skills such as SMART goal setting, time management, decision-making, and problem-solving. They learn positive behavior interventions such as reframing distorted thinking, code-switching, expressing feelings, and empathy. They gain college and career planning knowledge including FASFA workshops to make informed post-secondary education options.

M.V.P. Training is based on the simple premise: THE MORE COMPETENCE, THE MORE EARNING POTENTIAL (i.e. VALUE) TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORKFORCE, ECONOMY, AND SOCIETY!

Young men who successfully complete M.V.P. Training qualify for scholarships. Click the button for more information on M.V.P. Training:

Life Skills

Effective Life Skills Development & Mentoring

topless man doing boxing

Books Over Balls has successfully established a network of caring individuals and collaborative partners that are dedicated to positively impacting the lives of our younger generation. 

Our network team works together to offer mentoring and life skills development workshops that are strategically designed to help our younger generation understand the importance of self-preservation, accountability, conflict resolution, and being a part of the solution instead of the problem that exists in urban communities.

FERNANDO VINCENT BOB LIFE COACH MENTORING AFFIRMATION

BOB Ambassador

The Books Over Balls Youth Ambassador Initiative

Books Over Balls ambassadors are young men impacted by our program who against all odds have overcome many incredible challenges, yet continuously strive to be their very best.

Books Over Balls ambassadors are young men impacted by our program who against all odds have overcome many incredible challenges, yet continuously strive to be their very best. Young men who have adopted and demonstrated the principles of hard work, discipline, structure, order, accountability, responsibility, respect, leadership, and excellence.

The Books Over Balls Youth Ambassador Initiative is a program that trains and empowers young people to become leaders in their communities. Youth Ambassadors are selected from Books Over Balls’ basketball and academic programs. They participate in a year-long training program that teaches them about leadership, public speaking, and community organizing.

Once they are trained, Youth Ambassadors are responsible for planning and implementing community service projects in their neighborhoods. They also serve as role models for younger children and encourage them to get involved in Books Over Balls programs.

The Youth Ambassador Initiative is designed to help young people develop the skills and confidence they need to make a difference in their communities. It also helps to build a sense of community among young people and to create a pipeline of leaders for the future.

Capability Statement