




In Chicago, like any place with epidemics of violence, geographic areas do not determine violent behaviors, nor does race, gender or class. Rather, like a virus, victimization begets victimization. Most violence is not arbitrary, but a reflection of trauma: hurt begets hurt—those who are hurt will hurt others. Our theory of change is based on healing, not punishment. We believe in consequences, but also compassion. Individuals must develop the social emotional skills to confront their past and the constant traumas around them in order to participate in effective communities, healthy relationships and the workforce.
We work with juveniles and adults who are awaiting trial and accused of, or have been sentenced for violent offenses.
Reaching young people and young-at-heart from Englewood, Gage Park, Roseland/Pullman, Brighton Park, North Lawndale, West Humboldt Park, Garfield Park, Auburn-Gresham, and Austin currently on probation, house arrest, just leaving jail or prison, or at elevated risk of violence involvement.
In schools, we provide direct implementation and focus on teacher training to ensure sustainability of best-practices that lift up all voices.
-Tim Cox
Author and Co-Facilitator for our Monthly Poetry Circle
Johnny Page is the Executive Director at ConTextos. He is a formerly incarcerated professional, speaker, author, anti-violence educator, and advocate. He’s committed to fighting for the right of access to higher education for the incarcerated and creating pathways for the formerly incarcerated on traditional campuses. Johnny is the Co-Founder of C.A.V.E. (Community Anti-Violence Education) an intergenerational community-based support system for those who are affected by trauma.
Lisa Kenner is a seasoned leader who has dedicated her career to providing transformational educational opportunities to children, families, and communities. Operating with a collaborative mindset and with vision and passion, Lisa founded and led a successful single-site charter school for 12 years in North Lawndale. She thrives in community-based work and has earned the trust and respect of students, families, staff, funders, board members, and community stakeholders.
Dimitri is an Authors Circle facilitator and digital media producer at ConTextos. He believes that the understanding gained by a thorough examination of the world around us, as experienced from multiple perspectives, is fundamental to the shared success of all people. Born in the Bahamas and raised in the Bronx, Dimitri has grown deep roots in Chicago where he helps create opportunities to learn, explore, and tell stories about the world and ourselves, stories that provide fertile ground for empathy and understanding.
dr. moore is an Authors’ Circle facilitator and helps to coordinate programs and curriculum development. dr. moore believes that everyone is a creator, for we create ourselves every day. She is committed to walking alongside others on their journeys of self-exploration. dr. moore brings empathy, openness, honesty, and love into this shared space of communion, self-reflection, exploration, and healing.
Kali Rose, a Triple Virgo, born and raised in Kansas City, MO. Moved to Chicago in 2016, to attend Columbia College Chicago, where she graduated with her Bachelors in Cinematic Arts + Science. She is an actress, author, director, and photographer. She is also a teacher in the surrounding neighborhoods of Chicago where she helps mentor and give back to the youth and underprivileged communities. As Program Manager, Kali hopes to continue to build and strengthen her relationship with the youth, create safe spaces, and opportunities that will lead to their personal and interpersonal growth.
Luz Magdaleno Flores is ConTextos' Art & Marketing Specialist. She is a Chicana content creator, poet, textile artist, and fotógrafa based in Pilsen by way of Oxnard, California, also known as DJ Light of Your Vida. She does this work to inspire youngsters of color to create and believe in the worth of their stories.
Naimah is a Black femme born and raised in Chicago who currently works as a licensed professional counselor, art therapist, and artist. Her clinical work and art practice often explore the intersections of art and mental health, primarily in Black and Brown communities.
She utilizes art to shift narratives around healing, mental health, and creating spaces where exploration and re-imagination are valued. Most of her visual work is informed by her lived experiences as a Black woman, artist, and therapist. Naimah's art practice focuses on utilizing mixed media, illustration, and technology to spark creativity and space for exploration.
Naimah has had the opportunity to work with a range of people across the lifespan in community, correctional, and nonprofit settings. She received her master’s in art therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and her bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Columbia College Chicago.
Sandra Avelar is a public health researcher with experience in community-based participatory research design and mixed-methods evaluation. She received her masters in public health at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health in 2022. Some of her previous work has been in occupational health-related research in Little Village and North Lawndale. Having been involved in various community-based participatory research projects, Sandra is passionate about her work and strives to implement equitable collaboration, authentic community engagement, advocacy, and social justice principles in her practice. She is the proud daughter of two Mexican immigrants and a strong advocate for collective and community healing. Her personal belief system is embedded in empathy and understanding
Trevor Lester aka YT from the Southside of Chicago, At the age of 20 Was incarcerated for murder and spent 8 years in Cook County Jail awaiting Trial before The charges were dropped. Now a Contextos Alumni Advocate, Published Author, and Author Circle Facilitator, YT is Focused on Using his Unique Journey of Empowerment to Inspire The Youth as well as his peers while continuing to be a voice for the voiceless.
Jonathan Ivory is a facilitator at Contextos Chicago. While being detained in Cook county Department of Corrections he participated in and published writings in Authors Circle. After going to trial and being found innocent he was released. While his life was irreparably altered by the injustice in the legal system his sense of hope and optimism remain inspiring and inspired. He now mentors youth in CPS Schools and young adults in community centers.