We're from Austin
We Serve Over 2,500 People Annually.
What About US was founded in 2003 to enhance the lives of Austin residents by connecting them with community resources, experiences, and opportunities. To this end, we conduct events and activities ranging from development forums, youth mentoring sessions, and family-friendly resource events to food drives and back-to-school backpack giveaways. To aid us in providing wraparound services, we regularly partner with organizations like Austin Coming Together, BUILD, Chicago CRED, Beyond Hunger, the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, and the Chicago Police Department’s 25th District.
Key to our success is being an ever-present resource in the Austin neighborhood. We see an increasing number of individuals who desire change. Some require our assistance with re-entry from the penal system or with recovering from abuse. Others need our help in acquiring basic life skills or with managing their careers effectively. What About US is uniquely positioned to “meet people where they are and help them get to where they need to go.”
Our current focus is community engagement, mentoring, food distribution, and violence prevention.
Our Austin Home
- Austin is home to nearly 97,000 Chicagoans in 36,000 households.
- Austin is Chicago’s largest community area geographically and second in population.
- Median household income is $33,515 compared to Chicago’s $58,247.
- 5% of residents are 19 and younger.
- 40% of Austin households have annual income under $25,000.
- 19% of residents have not completed high school.
Source: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov
Our BOard of Directors
Dorin "Pastor Mac" McIntyre
Board Member
- Founder and Executive Director Dorin McIntyre is a visionary with more than 20 years of experience in community organizing and outreach.
- In 2016, he left the private sector to pursue the goal of strengthening families and communities where crime and disinvestment have hit hardest.
- In 2017, he began pastoring the Mt. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago and has consistently fought to empower the less fortunate and the underprivileged.
- “Don’t let your past mistakes hinder your future progress.”
Waconda McIntyre
Board Member | Secretary
- Waconda McIntyre is the co-founder of What About US Charitable Enterprises, Inc.
- She has a passion for working with children and enjoys community outreach.
- She is a lover of books and enjoys sharing this love with those she meets, especially the youth.
- Waconda is very organized and is the What About US “human calendar and agenda resource.”
Cynthia Smith
Board Member | Treasurer
- Cynthia Smith’s professional background is in higher education.
- She received her Bachelor of Science in Advanced Technical Studies at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and a Master in Business Administration at Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais.
- For over 20 years, Cynthia has been volunteering and serving the community.
Henry Ollie
Board Member
- Henry Ollie is a Senior Manager at BMO Harris Bank, where he has served in the commercial loans area for 26 years.
- He has a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Roosevelt University in Chicago and a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Robert Morris College of Chicago.
Kenyatta Parker
Board Chairman
- Kenyatta Parker is the Energy Program Manager with Chicago’s Community Investment Corporation.
- Before joining the Board, Kenyatta volunteered with WAU for five years.
- “What About US gives me an opportunity to help disadvantaged families get an edge up in society like my family did when I grew up in Cabrini Green.”
Mario Pina
Board Member
- Mario Pina has owned and operated Cicero, IL-based Trans-O-Mex Transmission for over 30 years.
- He and his wife have four children and two grandchildren.
- A leader in Chicago’s Latino community, Mario’s passion to assist others is a true asset to What About US and the communities we serve.
Marion Short
Board Member
- Marion Short is a United States Army veteran and is currently employed with the United States Postal Service.
- With a unique gift in serving, Marion has a passion for giving.
- Inspired by his service to his country, Marion takes pride in helping our country’s forgotten veterans.
George Willis
Board Member
- George E Willis, Jr. is a father of eight and grandfather of six.
- George is employed by Provisur Technologies as an Electrical Mechanical Technician.
- “What About US allows me to pursue my passion for helping others in the community and providing multiple opportunities for our under-privileged youth.”