Diane Latiker

Founder of Kids Off The Block In 2003, Diane Latiker opened her home to youth in her community to help them steer away from the negative influences they saw daily. Kids Off The Block (known as KOB) began to work with youth, teens, and young adults ages 12-24 years old. After speaking with the young people about their issues and concerns, she offered them homework help, mentoring, activities and a "safe place". Her work with youth emphasized self-development that would lead to change. Through individual meetings and group discussions new recruits were encouraged to assess their current situation, identify skills and a knowledge base needed to achieve the goals they have targeted. Starting out with ten youth from the neighborhood, almost 14 years later, KOB has serviced over 3,000 participants since its inception. The “at-risk” youth are involved in Health Workshops, Cultural Events, Educational Tutoring and celebrations in their honor for achievements and participation. The density and variety of programming invites these youngsters to come “off the streets” and become engaged in events that are conducted in a safe and caring environment.

Recent Posts by Diane

KOB Basketball “Peace Championship” Game

KOB Basketball “Peace Championship” Game

KOB “Peace Championship Game” made me so proud today! Congratulations to the Red Team, thank you Ron Stagger, James Stagger and Dante Gaines, you did an awesome job!!! Thank you KOB Family for the supporting the youth. Also, thank you Tina Reid, and Nike for your donation!

Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep Students & Kids Off The Block Clean Up The Community!

Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep Students & Kids Off The Block Clean Up The Community!

Big shout out to Gwendolyn Brooks students for coming out today and helping KOB to beautify our community. They did an awesome job, thank you so much!

Mayor Rahm Emanuel Visits Kids Off The Block!

Mayor Rahm Emanuel Visits Kids Off The Block!

On a Sunday afternoon in April 2014, Mayor Rahm Emanuel visited Kids Off The Block to speak with young people about their goals/dreams, challenges and the impact KOB has had in their lives. We were very proud of them, they spoke with dedication to achieving their success!

Thank you Mayor Emanuel for taking the time out of your busy schedule to listen!

CNN & The Annenberg Foundation Offer 3 Day Training to Kids Off The Block Board Members Diane and Aisha Latiker in Los Angeles!

CNN & The Annenberg Foundation Offer 3 Day Training to Kids Off The Block Board Members Diane and Aisha Latiker in Los Angeles!

CNN and Annenberg Foundation ROCK like no other!!! Training was intense, eye-opening and inspiring! We are equipped to rewrite history for the Young People!!! 20 past and present CNN Heroes in one room, the Power, we can and will change the world for the good! We are so fired up!!!!!!!!!!!!

ACTIONMAG Honors Kids Off The Block!

ACTIONMAG Honors Kids Off The Block!

I’m so excited to Spotlight Diane Latiker & her organization “Kids off The Block” today.. @ACTIONMAG honors you on TODAY!! Make sure you all support her& the AMAZING things that she’s doing in the community.. Thanks for being an inspiration..

Honoring Those Who Inspire Meet Diane Latiker – Founder of Kids Off The Block, Inc. Diane Latiker founded KOB, a multi-service youth program from her home. What started off in 2003 with only 10 neighborhood children, KOB in 2010 moved into an office space and has grown to help over 2,000 youth across Chicago. The mission of the organization is, “To provide at-risk low income youth positive alternatives to gangs, drugs, truancy, violence, and the juvenile justice system.” The organization is based on the far south side of Chicago in the Roseland Community. Youth ages 12 – 24 are able to participate in tutoring, mentoring, music, drama, sports, community service, out of town travel, GED preparation, and learn life skills. During the school year, KOB is open Monday – Friday 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm and during the summer, Monday – Friday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. KOB has participated with many other organizations through various activities and has been given many accolades for their services to the community. Some of which are: partners with the City of Chicago in the After School Matters Program and host of an annual “Feed A Teen” Thanksgiving Day Dinner, and has been featured in Ebony Magazine and the Chicago Tribune. KOB is committed to the youth that are serviced through their organization.

To learn more about KOB visit them online at www.kidsofftheblock.us  www.facebook.com/dianekob, www.twitter.com/KidsOffTheBlock, and www.youtube.com/dianekob.