Architecture
Interiors
Engineering
Construction
www.epsteinglobal.com
1st Annual Epstein Community Foundation Cornhole Tournament
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Architecture, design, engineering and construction professionals participated in this
tournament which raised over $4000.00 for the ECF.
Epstein Community Foundation
BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE
The employees of Epstein, a Chicago-
based architecture, interiors, engi-
neering and construction firm, have
founded the Epstein Community
Foundation to partner with commu-
nities for improved schools, safe envi-
ronments and sustainable design.
The first major Epstein Community
Foundation project is with McNair
Academy, located at 4820 W. Walton
Street in the South Austin neighbor-
hood. The K-8 student body of 650
(including 150 special education stu-
dents) is composed almost entirely of African-American students from low-income
households.
The employees of Epstein created the Epstein Community Foundation to help build
brighter futures in areas that need help and McNair School was the perfect candidate
to partner with. McNair is embarking on positive changes, including significantly
improved test scores. The percentage of students who meet or exceed standards for
their grades grew from 23% in 2005 to 41% in 2007. Epstein wanted to support the
efforts of the principal, teachers, students and the community to continue the
momentum of these improvements.
Currently underway at McNair is the Epstein-sponsored program, "Real Men Read."
Epstein employees regularly visit McNair to participate in reading sessions with stu-
dents, aimed at demonstrating that "real men" read and value education. The program
aims to encourage and improve literacy skills of students, provide mentoring oppor-
tunities, and reinforce the importance of student achievement as well as community
partnerships.
The Epstein Community Foundation has put in place a number of other programs for
McNair students, including:
"
Letters to Santa (wishes fulfilled by Epstein employees)
"
3,500 items donated in a sch