Empowering At-Risk Youth: The iCan Dream Center's Mission to Cultivate Successful Transitions

The iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park, Illinois, is a beacon of hope for at-risk youth, guiding them through the challenging transition from adolescence to adulthood. Founded with the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive, this innovative center has been making a profound impact on the lives of students who face a myriad of obstacles, from learning disabilities to social isolation and behavioral challenges.

Unlocking the Potential of At-Risk Youth

Bridging the Gap Between Aspiration and Reality

The journey from childhood to adulthood is often fraught with uncertainty, and for those considered "at-risk," the path can be even more daunting. The iCan Dream Center recognizes this challenge and has made it its mission to guide these students through the transition, equipping them with the skills and resources they need to succeed in the job market and beyond.

At the heart of the center's approach is the understanding that every student is unique, with their own set of strengths, weaknesses, and life experiences. By providing personalized support and tailored programs, the iCan Dream Center helps these young individuals navigate the complexities of adulthood, from developing practical life skills to building professional competencies.

The center's founder, Ford, emphasizes the importance of this holistic approach, noting that the journey to adulthood is not always a straightforward one. "Our students come here to learn to become adults," Ford explains. "We're all so excited to get to adulthood, and once it gets here, it's like 'oh, this is what it is.'"

Fostering Partnerships for Meaningful Opportunities

To ensure that its students have access to meaningful opportunities, the iCan Dream Center has cultivated a network of businesses and organizations that are committed to supporting their mission. These partnerships have enabled the center to connect its students with internships and job placements, allowing them to gain valuable work experience and build their resumes.

The center's efforts were recently celebrated at an awards ceremony, where several of these partner organizations were recognized for their contributions. Among the honorees were businesses such as The Scoop in Tinley Park, Tricoci University in Tinley Park, Liberty Pointe Realty in Orland Park, Jewel-Osco in Palos Park, Grand Prairie Library in Country Club Hills, Central School Bus in Crestwood, Party Paws in Chicago Heights, and Dunning's Market in Flossmoor.

These partnerships not only provide employment opportunities for the students but also foster a sense of community and support. The center's vocational specialist, Zipporah Leach, praised the commitment of these organizations, highlighting the "extraordinary" work of behavior specialist Nicole Jokubauskas, who has been instrumental in running the center's practical community application program.

Empowering Students to Achieve Their Dreams

The true testament to the iCan Dream Center's success lies in the stories of the students themselves. Madelynn Lloyd, a Tinley Park resident who has been with the center for five years, shared her gratitude for the opportunities she has had to work at various jobs, including Rizza Ford, Amazing Fantasy Books and Comics, and We're Nuts About Mutts.

"iCan Dream gave us that chance," Lloyd said, referring to herself and her twin sister. "We did graduate in April and at that time, I didn't think we could do it, but we did." Lloyd's experience highlights the transformative power of the center's programs, which have not only helped students find employment but also instilled a sense of confidence and accomplishment.

The iCan Dream Center's commitment to its students extends beyond job placement. The center also offers a range of Saturday programs, including a live animal experience, a costume party, indoor family entertainment, go-karting, a gaming Battle Royale, adventures in problem-solving, a dance, and adaptive tennis. These activities are designed to foster social connections, develop life skills, and provide a sense of community for the students.

As the iCan Dream Center continues to grow and evolve, its impact on the lives of at-risk youth in the Tinley Park area is undeniable. By empowering these young individuals and providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed, the center is paving the way for a brighter future, one student at a time.

Pioneering the Future of Crypto Derivatives: EDXM Global's Perpetual Futures Venue Launches in Tokyo

EDXM Global, a leading digital asset technology company, has announced the upcoming launch of its highly anticipated perpetual futures venue. This new platform, set to go live in Q1 2025, promises to revolutionize the way institutions and investors engage with the rapidly evolving crypto derivatives market. With a focus on security, efficiency, and risk mitigation, EDXM Global's offering aims to provide a trusted and liquid trading environment for Bitcoin, Ether, and other major cryptocurrencies.

Unlocking Institutional Adoption of Crypto Derivatives

Secure and Efficient Crypto Futures Trading

EDXM Global's perpetual futures venue will be located in the heart of Tokyo, co-located at the Equinix TY3 data center. This strategic placement, combined with a robust central clearinghouse and a single net settlement process, will enable secure and efficient trading for clients. By reducing the upfront capital required and minimizing credit risk, EDXM Global's platform aims to lower the barriers to entry for institutions seeking to participate in the crypto derivatives market.The venue's unique bankruptcy-remote structure is a game-changer, allowing members to retain ownership of their currency deposits. This feature provides an added layer of protection, instilling confidence in the platform's ability to safeguard client assets.

Expanding the Crypto Derivatives Landscape

EDXM Global's perpetual futures venue will initially support trading in Bitcoin and Ether, two of the most prominent cryptocurrencies. However, the platform's roadmap includes the addition of other major digital assets, such as Solana and XRP, in the months following the launch. This diversification will cater to the growing demand for exposure to a wider range of crypto-based derivatives.By offering a familiar and secure trading environment, EDXM Global aims to address the concerns that have historically deterred some institutions from entering the crypto derivatives space. With the platform's user-friendly GUI and API access, these firms can now seamlessly integrate digital asset strategies into their investment portfolios.

Experienced Leadership Driving Innovation

EDXM Global's new perpetual futures venue will be led by a seasoned team of industry veterans. Kai Kono, the newly appointed CEO, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at institutional digital asset firms, including Zodia Custody. Kono's deep understanding of the crypto landscape, combined with his extensive background in traditional finance, positions him as the ideal leader to guide EDXM Global's growth in the Asia-Pacific region.Joining Kono is Rakesh Madamanchi, the Chief Compliance Officer. Madamanchi's impressive resume includes over 15 years of legal and compliance experience at global banks, such as Wells Fargo, ANZ, and Standard Chartered Bank. His expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments will be crucial in ensuring EDXM Global's perpetual futures venue operates within the highest standards of compliance.

Accelerating the Adoption of Digital Asset Strategies

Jamil Nazarali, the CEO of EDX, the parent company of EDXM Global, expressed his excitement about the launch of the new perpetual futures venue. "EDXM Global's platform will provide clients with a safer, more streamlined experience that reduces costs and improves both capital and operational efficiency. We're thrilled to launch this new business and have complete confidence in its success under Kai's leadership."Kai Kono echoed this sentiment, stating, "I am thrilled to lead EDXM Global's growth in APAC and to help accelerate the adoption of digital asset strategies for institutions in the region. Many of these firms have long had the desire to enter this space, but have been reluctant to do so given the perceived risks. Now that EDXM Global can deliver crypto derivatives trading within a familiar, secure trading environment, I anticipate strong interest from a wide range of participants."EDXM Global's perpetual futures venue represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the crypto derivatives market. By addressing the key concerns of institutional investors and providing a trusted, efficient, and secure trading platform, the company is poised to drive the widespread adoption of digital asset strategies across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Cattle Futures Fluctuate as Traders Await Direct Market Activity

The cattle futures market at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange experienced mixed trading as participants waited for the week's direct business to unfold and the release of the USDA's Cattle on Feed report on Friday. While live and feeder cattle prices saw some movement, the overall market remained relatively quiet, with bids and asking prices still taking shape.

Navigating the Shifting Cattle Landscape

Cattle Futures Reflect Cautious Sentiment

The October live cattle contract closed $0.50 lower at $178.30, while the December live cattle contract remained unchanged at $179.85. In the feeder cattle market, the October contract closed $0.80 lower at $239.95, and the November contract closed $0.17 lower at $238.12. This mixed performance suggests a cautious sentiment among traders, as they await further developments in the direct cash cattle trade.

Direct Cash Cattle Trade Remains Quiet

Direct cash cattle trade activity was once again subdued on Wednesday, with bids proving elusive throughout the week. Asking prices of $184 to $185 per live cwt were reported in the South, but no firm trade was established in the North. Market participants appear to be holding out for significant trade volume, potentially waiting until later in the week after the release of the USDA's Cattle on Feed report on Friday.

Regional Feeder Cattle Market Trends

At the Interstate Regional Stockyards in Missouri, feeder steers and heifers were steady to $3 higher, while slaughter cows were $4 to $6 lower. The USDA noted that demand was good despite the light supply. Receipts were down compared to the previous week and the same period last year. The feeder cattle offering consisted of 58% steers, with 39% of the animals weighing over 600 pounds. Medium and Large 1 feeder steers weighing 609 to 646 pounds sold for $265 to $271, while those weighing 733 to 745 pounds brought $245 to $253.75. Medium and Large 1 feeder heifers weighing 700 to 740 pounds sold for $220 to $237.50.

Boxed Beef Prices Decline Sharply

Boxed beef prices closed sharply lower, with Choice beef down $2.53 to $301.38 and Select beef down $2.47 to $289.75. The Choice-Select spread narrowed to $11.63. The decline in boxed beef prices was attributed to light demand for the heavy offerings. Estimated cattle slaughter for the week was 125,000 head, down 1,000 from the previous week and more than 2,500 lower than the same period last year.

Hog Futures and Cash Prices Mixed

In the hog market, lean hog futures ended the day mostly higher, with the October contract closing $0.27 higher at $82.05 and the December contract closing $0.17 higher at $73.87. This was driven by spread trading and stronger pork values during the session.Cash hog prices, however, closed lower with a light negotiated run. After a couple of solid days of business, processors appear to have scaled back their procurement efforts, leading to lower prices and weaker runs. While demand for U.S. pork in the global market has provided some strength, lingering concerns about domestic demand have been troubling the market. Hog weights have dropped by half a pound on the week but remain more than 4.5 pounds above year-ago levels. Barrows and gilts at the National Daily Direct closed $2.45 lower, with a base range of $73 to $79 and a weighted average of $74.88.

Pork Values Decline, Hog Slaughter Drops

Pork values closed weak, down $0.59 to $94.41. Bellies and picnics were sharply lower, while butts and hams were also lower. Ribs and loins, however, were firm to higher. Estimated hog slaughter for the week was 479,000 head, down 4,000 from the previous week and about 8,500 lower than the same period last year.