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About C.O.T.H

Who We Are

A foundation with a mission.

Established in 2018, City on the Hill was created as a positive and proactive response to combat Chicago's increase in violence, with a supplementary goal to create more diversity in the construction field. At C.O.T.H., we seek to bridge the gap between high school and young adulthood for our youth by providing vocational mentoring services to participants between the ages of 16-21. We are a grassroots organization that proves to be a vital component in the improvement and support of our community.


Our staff members are seasoned veterans with 15 years or more experience working with youth. We have mentors in place who strive to go above and beyond to inspire and drive our mentees. We motivate our students to enroll in programs that will further their education, with a newly added skillset focused on the skilled trades industry. As part of our program, we guide and support our mentees throughout the process of applying for and participating in various apprenticeship programs. City on the Hill mentoring continues after the completion of an apprenticeship, too, as we guide our mentees through the process of job placement. 


In addition to these core efforts, C.O.T.H. provides ongoing education, GED assistance services, and access to an extensive library of information about the 24 skilled trades. Above all else, we encourage a sense of community and working for the greater good for our youth. 

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At City on the Hill Youth Foundation, our mission is to bridge the gap between high school and ongoing education. Our focus is to  educate and revitalize  the at-risk youth of Chicago IL, ages 16-21. We  accomplish this through vocational mentoring and introducing our youths and students to mentors working successfully in professional trades. In all our efforts, we focus on community and the greater good.

our team

City on a Hill Youth has been blessed with an exceptional leadership.

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Tyrone Porties, Founder and President

Tyrone is the founder and executive director of City on the Hill Youth. Tyrone is a native of Chicago, IL. Tyrone has been a journeyman carpenter for 5 years. With his driving passion for the youth in underserved communities and his long-term commitment to working in this field, even as a youth himself, Tyrone was a camp leader at the Foundation of Hope, a nonprofit organization that served ages 6–21. His diligent work led him to create the City on the Hill. Tyrone formed COTH to help reduce gang violence and poverty in the city of Chicago and to help afford youth opportunities to learn lifelong skills.

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Kina McAfee, Vice-President

Ms. McAfee is a journeyman carpenter and currently serves as the Assistant Coordinator of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Apprentice and Training Program in Elk Grove Village, IL. She attended Northwestern University and received a BA in Urban Studies/Political Science. She has been an instructor in the carpentry field for the past 20 years. Ms. McAfee has also served on the Board of Directors for Chicago Women in Trades and the Interfaith Equal Employment Initiative. She is a native of the south suburbs of Chicago. Ms. McAfee recently joined the Board of Directors for COTH as the vice president.

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Lorraine Gohil, Secretary

Ms. Gohil is a retired postal worker who worked for USPS for 35 years.  She has been working behind the scenes with the organization, helping with community events, and corresponding with donors. She currently spends her time with her family, especially her grandchildren, as well as volunteering in the community.

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Angela Hongo, Treasurer

Angela Hongo, the eldest of three siblings and a widowed mother of three, grew up on the south side of Chicago.  Angela has a heart for the youth and community. She has advocated for youth via the C.A.S.A program that collaborates with state officials to make a difference. Her voice has been so impactful in voicing resolutions for violence that she has been featured on numerous news platforms and panels and requested for speaking engagements. Serving in the capacity of Director of Operations for Johnson Company LLC, she was granted insurmountable opportunities over the course of 21 years. Angela currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Empire Dance Institute, Transcending Youth into Greatness, BCS Productions, NHE Development Group, City on a Hill Youth Foundation, and TEK Green NFP.