Lost Boyz Inc., a South Side youth sports organization, has been saved from closure after a year of financial struggles. The organization, which uses baseball, softball, and leadership programs to help kids develop social and emotional skills, had been on the brink of shutting down due to severe financial struggles.

New Beginnings

However, thanks to a boost in government grants and a capital grant from the state, Lost Boyz has been able to purchase a new building in South Shore and is now nearing a full recovery. The new building, located at 1802 E. 71st St., will have indoor practice space, a weight room, classrooms, offices, and a small cafe.

The purchase of the building is a significant milestone for the organization, which has been serving the community for many years. Lost Boyz founder and executive director LaVonté Stewart said, “I’m excited, man. We’ve got an asset — people from the community own something in the community.”

Community Support

The organization has received support from the community, including a $500,000 check from Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza and a $75,000 donation from Barstool Sports personality Dave “Big Cat” Katz. The donations have helped Lost Boyz stay afloat and will support the building’s renovation.

Lost Boyz is now looking to the future, with plans to expand its programs and services. The organization is awaiting decisions on a few other public and private grants to provide more cushion for the year ahead. Stewart said, “Regular folks around the neighborhood who’ve been pouring their love and heart into those neighborhoods, they deserve shots like this.”

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.