Diane Latiker

The mother of eight children, “Ms. Diane” has the children refer to her, is a 24 year resident of the Roseland community on the far south side of Chicago. She founded Kids Off The Block, Inc. (KOB) in her home in July of 2003. Ms. Latiker was given this vision through her mother Evangelist Ruth Jackson. Ms. Jackson, saw that the youth in the neighborhood liked and respected her daughter. Looking at the children that were always at her home, Ms. Diane saw health professionals, doctors, lawyers, professional musicians, professional sports figures, politicians, and actresses, and the list goes on. Ms. Diane believed that she could make a difference in the community, and in the many youth that she came in contact with daily. She became encouraged and opened up her home to get these young people off the streets and involved in programs that would benefit them for the rest of their lives. KOB started out with ten neighborhood kids, and now has impacted thousands of lives. “Some say our youth is a lost generation, I don’t believe that to be true. I Diane Latiker, Founder and President of Kids Off The Block organization think differently, I have heard the voices and they speak of hope and love. Through forms of compassion, love, and guidance this generation can be led to discovering a spectrum of opportunities and become positive leaders in our communities”.

Featured on ABC “Secret Millionaire” July 1, 2012

CNN Top Ten Hero 2011

CNN Hero of the Week in April 2011

NAMED TO MAYOR-ELECT RAHM EMMANUEL TRANSITION TEAM (PUBLIC SAFETY) 2011