Making a difference takes just one

Sometimes the most inspiring people are the ones we pass each day.

Introducing Michael Trout, a regular Chicago guy. Grew up in the suburbs. Went to Wheaton College—a strict Christian school of old-school values and traditions. At the time, it was most famous for prohibiting students from dancing on campus, and rumor was, holding hands and kissing were even considered questionable.

Trout, who would become a feisty and passionate leader, was not so keen on all those school rules—or the status quo for that matter. Right out of Wheaton, he married his college sweetheart, moved to North Lawndale, one of Chicago’s most economically-deprived neighborhoods, and became what he calls a “night minister.”

It meant hanging out on street corners, developing relationships with gangbangers, drug dealers and prostitutes and putting himself into dangerous situations night after night. It was an unusual choice for a 21-year-old white kid from the suburbs, but for Trout, it sure beat an internship at Merrill Lynch.

Local African American minister John Spikner took young Trout under his wing and helped him gain access to the neighborhood. Trout developed a talent for helping. He talked to the young men he met on the streets and counseled them. He listened to their problems and difficult situations. He offered advice, assistance, food, money, whatever it took. But most of all, he cared. And people could tell. He was able to create real connections with some of Chicago’s toughest.

The Young Men’s Educational Network (YMEN)

Before long, Trout’s off-the-cuff street corner ministering turned into a lifelong mission. In 1996, Trout and a group of 12 boys started their own community-based organization called the Young Men’s Educational Network, or YMEN as it’s known in Lawndale. Beginning with after school tutoring in Trout’s apartment, YMEN has steadily grown over the past 24 years and now serves 300 youth annually. Some 30 years later, Trout is still going strong with more than one hundred YMEN youth having gone on to college, the military and other meaningful careers.

Trout is not famous. You don’t hear much about him in papers, magazines or online. He’s one of Chicago’s many unsung heroes you may pass every day. But his spirit, enthusiasm, and belief in kids who need someone to believe, have helped an awful lot of young boys become successful men.

For more information on Trout or his organization, visit ymenchicago.com or call (773) 522- 9636. Know of a story like Mike’s you’d like us to hear? Contact the Chicago Star at: info@chicagostarmedia.com.