Join us for S3:EP2 of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as LaVont’e Stewart, Executive Director, Lost Boyz Inc., sits down with our host, Roy Kessel, to discuss why he launched Lost Boyz and how it has developed over its lifespan.
LaVont’e earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Chicago State University. He then continued his education at Chicago State University to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science. However, LaVont’e faced obstacles during this time when illness struck his family. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree, LaVont’e started working closely with troubled youth through baseball, and founded Lost Boyz Inc., an award winning youth serving not for profit organization.
While working on his Master’s degree, LaVont’e worked for the Black United Fund of Illinois specializing in gang intervention and violence prevention. During his tenure he authored the Safe Passage program utilized currently by Chicago Public Schools.
LaVont’e left BUFI to pursue a career in government. LaVont’e worked for the Illinois General Assembly which he spent six years. Six months in the House and the rest of the duration in the Senate. LaVont’e served as Chief of Staff to 26th District State Representative, Kim DuBuclet, and as District Liaison, Special Projects Manager, and Associate District Director to 13th District State Senator, Kwame Raoul. LaVont’e later earned his Master’s in Public Administration at DePaul University, and served as Vice President of Pi Alpha Alpha, a national honor society for public administrators. LaVont’e currently resides in his childhood community of South Shore with his wife and three children, and has worked for the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office for the past two years.
Lost Boyz Inc.’s mission is to help Chicago’s youth. Lost Boyz Inc. is dedicated to helping children by targeting at-risk youth, specifically those that have trouble with their academic performance or behavior in and out of school; using sports as a base for development amongst young; and providing the opportunities for socialization and character development which are critical to reducing violent behavior or violence victimization.
HIGHLIGHTS OF LaVont’e’s PODCAST
- 03:30 Impact of drugs in the late 80s
- 05:15 How being under duress effects the functionality of people
- 08:45 Being patient launching an organization
- 12:45 Most proud of kids who have been through program
- 19:45 Struggles of finding funding
- 22:25 Having more love and respect from outside of your hometown
- 26:00 Microenterprises
- 36:30 Wanting to create own facility-replicating and expanding
- 47:30 Access to the game
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS AND WEBSITE
- Website: https://www.lostboyzinc.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LostBoyzInc/
- Twitter: @LostBoyzInc
- LinkedIn: Lost Boyz Inc. / LaVont’e Stewart
- Instagram: @LBoyzInc
- Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDgg4Ht8TXxl7zTpXQN1SDw
