ABOUT THE INITIATIVE
A simple belief: young people can build the welcome they want to see
In 2023, Chicago high school students Francesca Perlman and Peter Polsky recognized a critical gap in support for the city’s growing migrant population. Teens for Migrants began as a way to connect fellow students with practical, joyful ways to show up: toys, school supplies, clothing, hygiene items, gifts, educational activities, and neighborhood events. Today, the initiative works alongside schools and community organizations across Chicago centering youth leadership, dignity, and consistent care.
Francesca Perlman
Co-founder
Peter Polsky
Co-founder
IMPACT · PROJECTS IN MOTION
Every project starts with a neighborhood need and a group of young people ready to help
2023
DECEMBER 13, 2023
First Christmas Party
Pilsen-Little Village Parent University · Chicago, Illinois
Over 150 kids came to receive a special present, food, treats, and a visit from Santa. Thank you to all the donations of cookies baked by students from the Latin School of Chicago. We also were able to share our experience on television with Telemundo, allowing us to spread our story
2024
October 23, 2024
Halloween event
Pilsen-Little Village Parent University · Chicago, Illinois
Teens for Migrants’ event was an amazing experience. Thank you so much to all the volunteers from the Latin School of Chicago for helping make this event happen. We had over 150 kids visit, and each kid received a special Halloween gift and treats to celebrate
December 12, 2024
Christmas event
Pilsen-Little Village Parent University · Chicago, Illinois
At the Christmas event, we were able to give provide over 200 kids with their own holiday gift, food, and treats. We also had an appearance from Telemundo to help share the amazing celebration with others
2025
March 17, 2025
St. Patrick’s Day celebration
Hammond Elementary
We gave the students tasty holiday treats and beautiful snack bags decorated and donated by the Latin School of Chicago
March 17, 2025
Walsh Elementary visit
Walsh Elementary
Teens for Migrants visited Walsh Elementary to provide a school bag complete with a notebook, pencils, pens, and erasers. We also brought happy meals and sweet treats for every student. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this event possible
october 30, 2025
Halloween event
Perez School
We handout Halloween themed school bags to all the students, which included notebooks, pencils, colored pencil, erasers, and pens. Each student also received Halloween treats and bags donated and decorated by the Latin School of Chicago. In addition to the fun decorations, we enjoyed seeing all the amazing costumes
december 8, 2025
Boots and winter coats donation
Little Village Academy
Teens for Migrants visited Little Village Academy to donate boot and winter coats to all the students. In addition, we brought wonderfully decorated snack bags with treats that all the kids seemed to enjoy. In order to prepare each student for Chicago’s winter, we provided over 150 boots and costs to the students
CHICAGO PROJECT MAP
Where community care takes shape
MEDIA · COMMUNITY MOMENTS
Recognized by NBC Chicago
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LOOKING AHEAD
More schools - More student leaders - More moments of welcome
Our vision is a sustainable, youth-led model that builds long-term alliances and supports more migrant children and families across Chicago