Our Belief + Mission
Despite the curveballs that life circumstances may throw, everyone deserves a chance to reach their full potential.
The Wood Family Foundation facilitates collaborative relationships between school partners and families that provide
support and opportunities to empower students to succeed in middle school, high school, and beyond.
The Wood Family Foundation’s premiere program, Pitch In, is an after-school model that employs high-quality
mentoring relationships and exposure to unique experiences to ensure that our 4th-8th grade students develop the
academic and social-emotional skills and mindsets necessary to transition to high school successfully.
Beyond the after-school component of our model, Pitch In deeply engages with our partner schools to
improve the culture of the middle grades (4th-8th grade), adding school-day capacity that aligns to principals’
visions for their school communities, providing access to an abundance of resources, and focusing not only on
our students, but also on their families.
Together We Win
Pitch In has given my grandson the confidence to lead others and speak in front of groups of people.
Jaylon has made new friends, bonded with his peers and become more independent since joining Pitch In.
I was really blessed and impressed that Kerry and Sarah were both so down to earth, and working in the trenches with all the volunteers. Ever since then, I try to help out and support WFF whenever I can, and mentoring for Pitch In is one way I can help.
The Latest Pitch In News!
Breakin’ A Sweat at Energeewhizz
This past Monday was our 4th through 6th grader's last trip to Energeewhizz. They had a great workout by rotating to several different seven-minute stations. Some of these included jumping on stability balls, punching and
Paddleboarding on Montrose Beach
Last Friday 8th Grade Pitch In students had the privilege of going paddle boarding with the Chill Foundation and Kayak Chicago. We started the day with a brief lesson on how to paddle board and
Pitch In Painting
This week’s craft our 4th through 6th grade got creative while painting colorful wind chimes! Each student brought to life wooden pineapples, fish, hot air balloons, or flowers. These beautiful artworks will be a part
Pitch In Lends A Helping Hand
Last week our 4th through 6th graders went on a field trip to the Chicago Urban Art Retreat Center in North Lawndale. This center was organized to provide an opportunity for community service to individuals in
Pitch In Summer Camp Fun!
Starting last week, Pitch In Summer Camp is in full swing! Students are getting used to a daily routine including morning yoga, learning a Spanish word of the day, and watering the Pitch In
Step Right Up for the Carnival!
Today Pitch In hosted our 4th annual end of year carnival. This year carnival was Luau themed complete with inflatable palm trees, toucans and leis. The students participated in carnival fun games including 'Dunking Ducky',
Last Family Dinner of 2017-2018 school year!
Last week, students & mentors enjoyed their last family dinner of the 2017-2018 school year! The 4th graders spent the month of May learning all about putting safety first and presented poster boards on
A Very Special Thank You to Our Mentors
It's the end of the school year and that means it's time to give thanks to all the people that contributed to another successful Pitch In year! Our mentors always go above and beyond
