A story of sidewalks and souls: A 40-year mission of love and understanding on the tough streets of Chicago south side.
This website is dedicated to a four series documentary about a man who has been helping impoverish people in some of the most violent places in Chicago. But it has not been money that is the key to his success, he has learned it takes so much more to cross boundaries. Below are some sample clips for each episode.
“Crossing Boundaries ” is a documentary series idea about violence and poverty in Chicago’s black community, told through the eyes and experiences of Brother Jim Fogarty. Brother Jim reflect on 40 years of literally walking in the most dangerous black communities in Chicago and meeting people where they are. Through so many years of helping other we learn what works and what does not work and the pitfalls of why we keep repeating the same mistakes in our quest to stop the violence and poverty in Chicago.
Documentary Trailer
2024
In the heart of Chicago's most dangerous neighborhoods, one man has dedicated over 40 years of his life to change Chicago. This is Jim Fogarty, known on the streets as Brother Jim. This trailer captures a small part of his remarkable journey, revealing how Brother Jim’s relentless dedication, observations and empathy inspire profound change in even the most challenging environments.
EPISODE #1: Violence
From standing in the middle of a gang shoot out to encouraging gang members to seek a better life outside of the gangs, Brother Jim understands why we have so many guns in Chicago and why the kids who carry them believe they need to. Brother Jim’s church is the street, not a building. Walking the streets in a habit made from blue jeans, he teaches love in the face of fear all the while keeping his values in the midst of gang values.
EPISODE #2: Racism
Brother Jim has supported his community through court, injuries, funerals; going to government agencies to navigate red tape; helping people to overcome paralysis of what poverty causes people to inhibit themselves. Over this time he has seen racism from both sides of the spectrum and has come to have a different understanding of Racism.
EPISODE #3: Economics in Poverty is Different
This is an introduction to the scale, depth and deep rooted history of generational poverty in Chicago. We shed light on “the underground illegal economy” where normal economic and financial principles simply no longer work.
EPISODE#4. Answers
For over forty years, Brother Jim has supported his community through court, injuries, funerals; going to government agencies to navigate red tape; helping people to overcome paralysis of what poverty causes people to inhibit themselves.
About Crossing Boundaries
This is just a small sample of the Brother Jim Story. We are searching for funding and/or distribution to reveal the full story of how we can actually make change from someone who has been doing it for over 40 years.