Meet Karron Hurks, Our New Board Member

Karron Hurks, board member of The Neighborhood Bridge.

Karron Hurks grew up in Austin and West Garfield Park. He attended St. Catherine-St. Lucy School for a year before transferring to Ascension.

“I’ve seen firsthand the disparities in resources and opportunities available to residents in Austin compared with areas like Oak Park,” he says. “Over the years, I’ve witnessed the lack of local funding decrease access to the social services that could enhance education, provide employment opportunities, and support overall quality of life. My experience has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of providing high-quality human services to families in the area. The need is clear and I’m willing to work.”

“The reason I believe The Neighborhood Bridge is a great investment is that it focuses on a singular community. We’re not trying to solve all problems for everyone all over the Chicago area—that’s what drew me to the work. I have a passion for social justice and a desire to give back to the community that raised me. I saw the obstacles that many families faced due to systemic issues, and I believe in the power of community-driven change. There is power in providing services to individuals and families—that’s why I think people will get involved and stay involved. It’s helping families in their own backyards. Being part of this enables me to be on the front lines of change and improve the lives of families within a community that is dear to me.”

“Having grown up in Austin, I have an intimate understanding of the challenges and struggles that a lot of the residents face,” he said. “I was granted a scholarship through a mentor program that provided up to 75% of my high school tuition, and I stay in contact with that mentor today.” Karron also earned an individual scholarship to the University of Illinois.

“I have a passion for social justice and a desire to give back to the community that raised me. I saw obstacles that many families faced due to systemic issues, and I believe in the power of community-driven change.” — Karron Hurks

Because Hurks’ mother had multiple sclerosis, he was torn about leaving home for college as he worried that she would need him. His parents were both college graduates and wanted more for him. The community stepped up to support his family, allowing him to remain on campus downstate, earn an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from the University of Illinois, and then an executive MBA from Howard University in Washington, D.C.

“Many people on the West Side don’t have that network,” Hurks notes. “Parents are working around the clock, and if health disparities come into play, a young person’s educational journey can be interrupted.”

“Being in the hub that The Neighborhood Bridge creates, identifying situations where families may need additional help, and introducing them to other programs all make a difference. Experiences like this enable students to accelerate to the next level, which may feel very foreign at first. The Neighborhood Bridge will help bring awareness to programs and services that are already in place,” said Hurks, adding that many families may not be aware of the less tangible benefits of community-based social supports.

“I benefitted from knowing my Alderman, Michael Chandler (formerly of the 24th ward), and connecting to services through his office in West Garfield. Our local officials have the keys to the resources but often don’t know who needs them. The constituents don’t know what they don’t know about local services right in their own backyards. The Neighborhood Bridge can help with evangelizing to bring those two together.

“Nothing can happen for free,” Hurks added. “We’re in the process of building a very strong and effective team at The Neighborhood Bridge to operationalize and scale this idea and make it a reality. Our ‘ask’ to the community is to see the value in getting involved.”

“Not everyone has the financial resources to donate, but there will be many other ways to contribute. Anyone who can see the value of investing their time in the future of their community is encouraged to take part. Or, as Hurks put it, “Help us scale and evangelize!”

Read Karron Hurks’ biography here.

Learn more about volunteering for The Neighborhood Bridge here.