Urban Goods Foundation

My name is Quinton Lewis, and I serve as a firefighter for the City of Chicago. In this role, I often arrive at some of the most difficult moments in people’s lives — families without basic necessities, children exposed to violence or addiction, and communities forgotten by larger systems. These experiences left a lasting impression on me.

Six years ago, before the pandemic, my son and I (also, Quinton) started a simple lemonade stand with the goal of bringing smiles to our neighborhood and meeting new people. We gave it away although we received the occasional donation. What began as a small act of service has since grown into a much larger mission. Together, we’re now working to implement a structured system that provides families in need with access to essential resources — more consistently and directly. I truthfully just want to leave a lasting mark on the world. Something that survives both my son and I, and leaves a better world for future generations.