Our Mission
Dear Austin is a non-profit organization based in the Austin community of Chicago. Dear Austin focuses on mentoring and tutoring pre-teen, teen, and young adult individuals, aiming to empower them for success in academic and personal pursuits.
About Us
Dear Austin started off as a letter to the Austin Neighborhood. In the letter, Austin was compared to a child in the Juvenile Detention Center. That’s where the name came from. The event that led to the actual organization being formed was the death of a former student Laquan Allen. This is when I realized something had to change! If I could help one kid’s fate change, I’ve done my job.
Our Vision
Dear Austin envisions a thriving and empowered Austin community, where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We believe in building a solid foundation for the future by investing in the youth of the Austin area. Through comprehensive mentoring, tutoring, and personal development programs, we aim to equip young individuals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. By empowering the youth, we strive to create a ripple effect of positive change, strengthening the fabric of our community and fostering a culture of achievement, resilience, and compassion.
Core Values
Respect
Integrity
Accountability
Brotherhood
Youth Mentoring Entrepreneurship Leadership Mental Wellness Tutoring
Copyright © 2026 Dear Austin USA. All rights reserved.
Dear Austin is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.