A Bit About Us

The strong relationship Awake has built with the Berwyn community since 2015 – and especially its most vulnerable immigrant residents – has grown out of our deep commitment to our mission to be a catalyst for good relationships, leadership, and justice. Awake has been on the front lines supporting transgender students at Morton high school as they pushed for transparent policies (2017-19), organizing parents to successfully halt school closures (2015), working with residents to implement city policies that protect immigrants (sanctuary city status and $15 minimum wage, 2016-17), as well as exploring options for a local newspaper. Our on-going educational programming annually serves 100+ children through summer reading and STEM programs, and year-round cultural field trips and enrichment workshops, while also providing leadership training to 12-15 local high school students who serve as program aides. Awake was started by members of Unity Lutheran Church, a progressive ELCA church in Berwyn. Awake was awarded its own 501c3 status in 2019.