Robert Renteria, Jim Oberweis, Make Impact in Chicago Schools

Jim Oberweis recently donated 1,000 copies of author Robert Renteria's Barrio books to Chicago schools, Renterias' publicist announced today. Barrio books inspire, motivate, and teach at-risk youth how to make better choices. Renteria addresses youth issues through his book series and school-based and faith-based curricula.

"I am proud of Robert," stated Fran Briggs, Director or eMediaCampaigns! "The books have greatly enhanced the district's curriculum. The author challenged educators, politicians and problem-solvers to help distribute tools which resolve some of the most pressing issues facing Chicago and now, they are."

Oberweis is well-known for his philanthropic endeavors, and his extensive participation in youth-related programs. More than two decades ago, he established the Oberweis Foundation as a charitable trust. It was created to help children and adults in difficult economic circumstances, such as those served by Hesed House and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

"Jim Oberweis is making a difference in the lives' of Chicago and suburban youth by donating Barrio books," stated and exuberant, Robert Renteria. "His donation helped us to continue to supply a school and faith-based curricula for teachers and staff who work with teens and at-risk youth. The Barrio book series provide teaching tools which help stop gang activity, bullying, and violence. They help stop our kids from failing in schools by bridging the educational gap. They also support their critical thinking skills."

"When I first read Robert's, 'From the Barrio to the Boardroom' about seven years ago I thought, 'What a great inspirational story,'" stated Oberweis. "Interestingly, I personally identified with many of the struggles that Robert went through. I decided that I wanted to help get this story to as many kids as possible to give an idea of how they might be able to overcome some of the challenges in their own lives."

About Robert Renteria
Renteria addresses youth issues through his Barrio book series and school-based and faith-based curricula to inspire, motivate and teach teens and at-risk youth how to make better choices. He says the Barrio movement will help to change the landscape by offering effective teaching tools. His books and comprehensive non-generic programs have impacted hundreds of thousands of youth across America and in 24 other countries. As a critically acclaimed speaker, he is instrumental in expanding youth and anti-violence initiatives. He is also recognized for his effectiveness to transcend culture by reaching youth from different backgrounds and countries. For additional information, visit www.fromthebarrio.com, email robert@fromthebarrio.com , or call 312-933-5619. For bookings, press inquires, interviews and photo exhibits, please contact his publicist: Fran Briggs: franbriggs@aol.com

About Jim Oberweis
Jim Oberweis is a successful entrepreneur, family man, and common sense conservative. Over the course of his four decade career as a small businessman, he’s helped create thousands of jobs in Illinois. He knows first-hand how high taxes and burdensome regulations can prevent businesses from expanding and creating new jobs and is committed to reforming our government. A native of Illinois’ Fox Valley region, Jim graduated from Marmion Military Academy before going on to earn a B. A. from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and, later, an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. Jim is well known for his philanthropic endeavors. More than two decades ago, he established the Oberweis Foundation as a charitable trust created to help children and adults in difficult economic circumstances. Jim is married to Julie. He has five adult children, two stepchildren, and nineteen grandchildren, most of whom call Illinois home.