The Evolved Network empowers youth in systemically oppressed communities through experiential culinary and gardening mentorship programs, providing transformative healing skills and personal growth opportunities to help youth evolve and become masters of their unique gifts.

The Evolved Network envisions a world where youth experience profound growth and healing through holistic, therapeutic programming in gardening and cooking. By nurturing the mind, body, and soul, we empower young individuals to build connections, foster community, and realize their uniqueness and full potential.

Creating sustainable experiences of radical hospitality through the giving and receiving of nurturance, patience, togetherness, respect, stewardship, practical skills, depth of consideration, justice, commitment and hope.

Combining youth therapy work with cooking, The Evolved Network is a youth development program that demonstrates the transformative power of redemptive hospitality–an experience of healing through means of serving. Our innovative approach integrates experiential programming, culinary arts, gardening, and holistic therapeutic support. We aim to nurture not only culinary and gardening skills but also emotional well-being, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

We believe that keeping kids nurtured, fed, hopeful, and safe is a collective responsibility. Because of this, we rely on partnerships with schools and community organizations to ensure that we are present for the youth who may most benefit from our programming.

Your generosity has allowed us to create a positive impact through the power of food for 788 youth on the south, southwest, and west sides of Chicago since January of 2023.We served 475+ young people across Chicago last year, but we couldn’t do it alone–join The Evolved Network today to ensure our kids are nurtured, fed, safe, hopeful, and free to live into their potential.