Short Summary

Hello, my name is Jeffrey Maxwell and I am on a mission to transform our youth and our communities. If there is anything to get about me it’s that I love God and I’m an obedient disciple. 

I am a product of one of the most infamous communities in the United States, Chicago’s Englewood community. Although I’m a witness to the elements that support Chicago’s reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in America, I also clearly see the nuances of possibility; and I’m here to tell you, there’s hope and we are not forgotten.

For the last fifteen years, I’ve been ministering in county jails, prisons and some of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods. I’ve secured hundreds of above-minimum wage jobs for people our society deems unemployable. I’ve provided chartered bus transportation for people to travel to  and from work.  I’ve had long-term gang members sever their gang ties.  I’ve organized soup kitchens, food giveaways, clothing drives and much more. 

Sure I’ve made a difference. A big difference. But not a tectonic plate shifting difference. There hasn’t been a radical alteration in the way we view ourselves, each other and our communities. We have not tapped into our power and purpose in ways that honor the possibility of our humanity. 

If we tell the truth, many of us have given up hope and are downright broken hearted over the condition of our communities. Our babies being killed, our women and elderly being car jacked, one out of every three of our young people being involved in the criminal justice system, criminal backgrounds preventing our young people from working, food desserts, trap houses and on and on.

Unfortunately we’ve been waiting on the cavalry to come and save us. The good news is there is none coming and the better news is, the answer’s been right in front of us. The ingenuity, talent, resources and everything we need, we already possess. I have a clear vision to uplift, empower and alter the course of history for our communities. 

My vision includes and is not limited to providing thousands of jobs, farming knowledge and skills, access to low cost fresh fruits and vegetable, business development and training, life skills, job skills, tutoring STEM training and exposure, transportation, a means of self reliance, an environment that pulls for us to reach back  and more. 

However, I can’t do it alone. I need your support! 

What We Need & What You Get

Break it down for folks in more detail:

• Our initial goal is to raise 100k. This will support:

• systems needed to provide jobs
• transportation
• hiring support staff
• purchasing supplies,
• purchasing of goods to sell,
• rent for headquarters.

PERKS

50.00 – Handwritten thank you postcard from the founder of The Chicago Peace Initiative (300)

150.00 – A Chicago Peace Initiative Mask (300)

200.00 – A Chicago Peace Initiative T-Shirt (300)

300.00 – A personal fb thank you message + Your choice of a Chicago Peace Initiative T-shirt or Mask (100)

500.00 + A copy of the (yet to be released debut) manuscript of Be Killed or Be King by Jeffery Maxwell + Your choice of a Chicago Peace Initiative T-shirt or Mask and a personal thank phone call. (25)

Risks & Challenges

The risk is that what I am committed to doing is a herculean task and it will require not just my sustained tenacity and enthusiasm but people like you to join me and adopt my mindset and faith. I am faithful that God is who he says it is and this endeavor has been ordained by the Most High. Practically speaking, I’m surrounding myself with subject-matter experts and individuals that are committed to the vision being fulfilled.

Other Ways You Can Contribute

• Get the word and make some noise by sharing our link.
• We can also be found at chicagopeaceinitiative.org