Community Partner Agencies
Agencies A-F
8th Day Center for Justice - The staff of the 8th Day Center envisions a world of right relationships in which all creation is seen as sacred and interconnected. In such a world all people are equal and free from oppression, have a right to a just distribution of resources, and to live in harmony.
About Face Theatre - About Face Theatre creates exceptional, innovative, and adventurous plays to advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity, and to challenge and entertain audiences in Chicago, across the country, and around the world.
Abraham Lincoln Center - The Center works towards the advancement of the physical, intellectual, social, civic, moral and religious interests of humanity regardless of religious, ethnic or cultural background.
Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago - Access Living is a non-residential Center for Independent Living for people with all types of disabilities. We provide services that promote the independence and the inclusion of people with disabilities in every aspect of community life.
ACLU - The American Civil Liberties Union works to preserve Constitutional protections and rights, and also to extend rights to segments of our population that have traditionally been denied their rights, including Native Americans and other people of color; lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people; women; mental-health patients; prisoners; people with disabilities; and the poor.
Admission Possible - Admission Possible is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping promising, low-income young people prepare for and earn admission to college.
AFSCME - American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees - AFSCME is a union made up of a diverse group of people who share a common commitment to public service.
After School Matters - After School Matters is a non-profit organization that partners with other local organizations to expand out-of-school opportunities for Chicago teens.
Aide for Women, Inc. - An organization committed to serving women's needs and offering education about healthcare options, a confidential help-line, and physician referrals.
AIDS Foundation of Chicago - The AIDS Foundation of Chicago provides funding for local care and prevention programs, advocates for sound AIDS policy and increased support for AIDS services, and develops and implements strategies for coordinating AIDS care and prevention services through our 135-member Service Providers Council.
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago - ALCC provides legal assistance, advocacy and offers training and educational programs to help protect the rights of persons with HIV.
AidsCare - AidsCare is a home which is structured to allow residents to move along a continuum from independent to assisted living and back, depending on their needs, and to help them access all the medical and support services they require.
Alternatives, Inc. - Alternatives provides comprehensive and creative programs such as counseling, after-school and summer activities, career and employment skills training, and cultural and arts activities for young people and their families residing on the northside of Chicago.
Alzheimer’s Association - The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.
American Diabetes Association - Committed to our mission, to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes, the ADA funds biomedical research nationwide, and provides programs and services to educate more than 25 million people annually about diabetes prevention, care and management.
American Indian Center - The American Indian Center's mission is to promote the fellowship among Indian people of all Tribes living in metropolitan Chicago, and to create bonds of understanding and communication between Indians and non-Indians in this city. They also work to advance the general welfare, foster the economic and educational advancement, to sustain cultural, artistic and avocational pursuits of American Indians.
American Parkinson Disease Association - The Midwest APDA strives to improve the lives of people with Parkinson's, their caregivers and family members by providing education, creating public awareness, fostering a supportive environment and raising funds for research.
American Red Cross of Greater Chicago - The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
Amnesty International - Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights for all. The Amnesty Internatioal mission is to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated.
Anti-Defamation League -Tthe nation’s premier civil rights/human relations agency, ADL fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all.
Apna Ghar, Inc. - Apna Ghar is a domestic violence shelter serving primarily Asian women and children and was the first Asian shelter of its kind in the Mid-Western United States.
Around the Coyote - Around the Coyote, a 501(c)3 non-profit, supports, promotes and makes accessible Chicago's multidisciplinary arts community. Our activities enhance public discourse and provide creative outlets for emerging artists.
Arthritis Foundation - The Arthritis Foundation is the only national, voluntary health agency seeking the causes, cures, preventions and treatments for the more than 100 forms of arthritis.
Artreach at Lillstreet – Artreach is dedicated to bringing hands-on art making experiences into the community and providing low-cost, high-quality arts education and public art programs for people and communities in need. (Community-based FWS site)
Arts and Business Council of Chicago - A&BC-Chicago supports hundreds of non-profit arts groups by strengthening the management of their organizations through educational programs and business services, and by helping them build dynamic partnerships with the for-profit sector. (Community-based FWS site)
Asian American Institute - The Asian American Institute is a pan-Asian not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to empower the Asian American community through advocacy, utilizing research, education and coalition building.
Asian American Journalists Association - The AAJA serves Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by encouraging young people to consider journalism as a career, developing managers in the media industry, and promoting fair and accurate news coverage.
Asian Human Services, Inc. – AHS exists to provide quality, compassionate, and culturally competent services in over 28 languages to low-income Asian-American and immigrant and refugee communities in metropolitan Chicago. (Community-based FWS site)
Association House of Chicago - Association House is a foremost community resource offering comprehensive services in English and Spanish that help families help themselves.
Athena Magazine for Girls - Athena Magazine for Girls is a new online publication aimed at girls ages 12 to 18 that aims to provide girls and young women with a magazine that is well-rounded, informative, fun, and relevant to meet their varied and multi-faceted needs.
Aunt Martha’s Youth Services, Inc. - Aunt Martha's offers a variety of programs and services designed to provide a full continuum of care for children, teens and families. These resources form a spectrum of care that includes: child welfare, community based, healthcare, juvenile justice and prevention services.
Beacon Street Gallery and Performance Company - Beacon Street Gallery and Performance Company is a successful arts education organization with innovative, community-based programs informed by respected and progressive resources in the education and arts communities. (Community-based FWS site)
Best Buddies - Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.
Bethany Brethren Community Center - The Bethany Brethren Community Center (BBCC), founded in 1991, grew out of the historic relationship between the First Church of the Brethren and Bethany hospital. BBCC is currently re-envisioning efforts to bring together church members, neighborhood children, youth and elderly for life-building activities and projects.
Bethel New Life, Inc. - Bethel New Life, Inc.’s mission is to realize God’s vision of a restored society by empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building neighborhoods through community-driven, solution-oriented, and value-centered approaches.
Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) - BEHIV is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS service organization serving the Northside of Chicago and the Northern suburbs with services including case management, housing assistance, mental health counseling, prevention services, HIV testing, educational outreach, art therapy and massage therapy.
Between Friends - Dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and abuse by providing education, support, counseling, and advocacy services, Between Friends works with individuals, families, and communities to create awareness about domestic violence and abuse and to reduce its prevalence and impact. (Community-based FWS site)
Beyondmedia Education - Beyondmedia envisions a compassionate and just society where universal access to media tools and information equip women and youth to document and communicate their stories, serve as educators and role models for others, influence public policy, and generate social transformation.
Beyond Today - Beyond Today is a neighborhood environmental and social justice group near the Chicago River by Montrose and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago - Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships with proven results.
Bosnian and Herzegovinian American Center - The Bosnian and Herzegovinian American Community Center serves refugees from the Former Yugoslavia as well as members of a multiethnic community of Chicago.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago - The Boys and Girls Clubs’ mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Boys Hope Girls Hope - Boys Hope Girls Hope helps academically capable and motivated children-in-need to meet their full potential and become men and women for others by providing value-centered, family-like homes, opportunities and education through college.
Bread for the World - BFW is a nationwide Christian movement that seeks justice for the world's hungry people by lobbying our nation's decision makers. We write, call and visit members of Congress, and generate media attention about national legislation and other efforts that address hunger.
Breakthrough Urban Ministries - Breakthrough Urban Ministries demonstrates the compassion of Christ by providing neighborhood-based holistic services that empower individuals, families and urban communities to overcome poverty, addiction and isolation.
Cambodian Association of Illinois - The Mission of the Cambodian Association of Illinois is to enable refugees and immigrants from Cambodia residing in Illinois, especially those in metropolitan Chicago, to become self-sufficient, productive participants in U.S. society while preserving and enchancing their cultural heritage and their sense of belonging to this community.
Cabrini Connections - Cabrini Connections is a one-on-one tutoring and mentoring program serving 7th through 12th grade students living in Chicago's Cabrini-Green public housing project.
CAIR-Chicago (Council on American-Islamic Relations) - CAIR is an organization involved in civil rights issues, political empowerment, media monitoring, and community outreach.
Canine Companions for Independence - Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.
Care for Real - Care for Real is an Edgewater organization that provides food and clothing to some 300-350 needy families per month.
Career Transitions Center - The CTC is a not-for-profit organization which provides professional, emotional and spiritual support to those seeking a job, looking for meaningful work, or otherwise undergoing a career transition.
Casa Aztlán Community Center - Acknowledging the strengths of Mexican families, Casa Aztlán seeks to sustain the strong cultural identity and community of Pilsen by organizing, educating and providing supportive services in order to combat social violence, discrimination and poverty.
Casa Central - Casa Central is the largest Hispanic social service agency in Chicago and arguably in the country, providing programs for all ages.
Casa Guatemala - Casa Guatemala is dedicated to organizing the Guatemalan community so that it may, for itself, secure inherent, basic human rights, which include the right to live any where one chooses, free from fear, ignorance, poverty or repression in a society which turns away and does nothing.
Cathedral Shelter of Chicago - Cathedral Shelter offers a variety of programs and services to help clients overcome the formidable obstacles they face to self-sufficiency. Some of these programs include recovery services, housing programs, food pantry, parental training, and employment services.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago - Catholic Charities of Chicago is one of the largest private, non-profit social service organizations in the Midwest. With more than 159 programs at 156 locations across Cook and Lake counties, we help people of all races and religions move toward empowerment and self-sufficiency.
Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program - The Refugee Resettlement Program provides comprehensive resettlement services to refugees from various regions of the world during their period of adaptation, leading them to greater self-sufficiency. Planned activities address specific problems such as linguistic barriers, housing, financial assistance, interpretation and mediation services, transportation, orientation and case management.
Catholic Relief Services - Our mission is to assist impoverished and disadvantaged people overseas, working in the spirit of Catholic Social Teaching to promote the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. Our operations serve people based solely on need, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity.
Center for Economic Progress - The CEP is a front-line service provider, advocate and community educator that encourages financial stability and helps build the assets of thousands of working families each year.
Center for Family Services - The Menta Group's Center for Family Services has provided an array of services to high-risk children and their families in home-based and community settings, as well as in residential settings.
Center for Independent Futures - The Center for Independent Futures is a not-for-profit organization that forms innovative partnerships to create product and service models that give adults with disabilities and their families the skills and opportunities to realize full lives. We use our proprietary processes to establish sustainable solutions through community living options, personal networks, lifelong planning and education.
Center for New Community - The Center for New Community is a national organization committed to building community, justice, and equality. It works nationwide to cultivate civic life and advance systemic change, in partnership with local leaders, organizations, congregations, and other institutions.
Centers for New Horizons, Inc. - Centers has played a vital role in the transformation of Bronzeville. For the past 35 years it has provided a holistic approach to community development centered on the strengthening of families.
Centro de Salud Esperanza - A health center focusing mainly on Latino populations on Chicago's south-west and south-central sides.
Centro Romero - Centro Romero is a community-based organization that serves the refugee immigrant population on the northeast side of Chicago. Our interrelated programs include adult education, women's empowerment projects, legal assistance, and youth learning and leadership development as well as special projects such as Community organizing and HIV/AIDS Outreach and Education.
Chicago Abused Women Coalition - CAWC is committed to ending domestic violence. Using a self-help, empowerment approach, we provide a shelter for women and children, and counseling, advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline for people affected by domestic violence. We work for social change through education, service collaboration and institutional advocacy.
Chicago Alliance for Neighborhood Safety (CANS) - CANS provides community organizations and residents with training and technical assistance, research, and safety-related public policy advice. Its mission is to build friendlier and safer communities.
Chicago Association of Retarded Citizens (CARC) - CARC’s mission is to provide quality services to persons with developmental disabilities and other special needs that promote choice, independence and community integration. This included such services as an Early Intervention Center, Family Support Center, Work Center, and Community Living Services.
Chicago Botanic Garden - The Chicago Botanic Garden is the second most visited public garden in the United States, it has more than 1.9 million plants of 8,800 taxa, and is a recognized center of education, research and conservation.
Chicago Cares, Inc. - Chicago Cares creates unique volunteer experiences for individuals, businesses and organizations to help combat many of our community’s most urgent needs. Chicago Cares develops 200 hands-on group volunteer projects each month.
Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center - The staff of the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center works closely with the children and families to provide support and hope. In a culturally sensitive environment, these professionals serve as intake coordinators, court and family advocates, mental health counselors and specially trained forensic interviewers, all working as a team to bring hope and healing to Chicago’s abused children.
Chicago Children's Museum - Chicago Children's Museum's mission is to create a community where play and learning connect. Fifteen permanent exhibits and programming spaces provide innovative learning experiences for children and their caregivers.
Chicago Christian Industrial League - The Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL), established in 1909 on the Near West side of Chicago, is a non-sectarian, non-profit organization serving poor and homeless men, women, and families from the entire metropolitan area. CCIL works to provide the resources, opportunities and support necessary so these poor and homeless Chicagoans can return to the workforce and lead independent lives.
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless - The CCH organizes and advocates to prevent and end homelessness based on our belief that housing is a human right in a just society.
Chicago Cultural Center - Chicago's Architectural Showplace for the Lively and Visual Arts and home of the city's official Visitor Center. As one of the most comprehensive free arts showcases in the United States, this landmark building is the setting for hundreds of programs and exhibitions presented annually by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.
Chicago Festival Association - The Chicago Festival Association (CFA) is one of the most unique and exciting nonprofit organizations in the city of Chicago. After all, we produce the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade!
Chicago History Museum - The Chicago History Museum is a privately endowed, independent institution devoted to collecting, interpreting, and presenting the rich multicultural history of Chicago and Illinois, as well as selected areas of American history, to the public through exhibitions, programs, research collections, and publications.
Chicago House & Social Services Agency - Chicago House serves homeless Chicagoans living with HIV and helps men, women, and children affected by AIDS build lives of health and hope. (Community-based FWS site)
Chicago Housing Authority - For more than 60 years, the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) has played a key role in providing housing options for low and moderate income residents in the City of Chicago.
Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) - The Chicago Human Rhythm Project sustains and advances tap and contemporary percussive dance as recognized art forms through year-round concert presentations, educational forums and community outreach.
Chicago Jesuit Academy - Chicago Jesuit Academy is a full-scholarship, college preparatory, Jesuit, Roman Catholic middle school for young men from modest economic backgrounds.
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning - Formed in 2005, CMAP integrates planning for land use and transportation in the seven counties of northeastern Illinois. CMAP is developing strategies to address the city’s growth and its serious implications for transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and natural resources.
Chicago Public Library - The Chicago Public Library is at the forefront of providing innovative library services, technologies and tools Chicagoans need to achieve their personal goals and to establish our City's role as a competitive force in the global marketplace.
Chicago Public Schools - Office of Language and Cultural Education - The Office of Language and Cultural Education believes in the importance of cultivating a true appreciation for cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity in Chicago Public Schools students.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra - The CSO is a musical tradition in Chicago and around the world producing and presenting classical music to a variety of audiences locally, nationally and internationally.
Chicago Youth Centers - CYC is Chicago's largest independent, locally based, multi-site youth services organization. CYC offers services to children and youth, ages 3 — 18, in seven neighborhoods (Bridgeport, Grand Boulevard/Bronzeville, Humboldt Park, North Lawndale, South Shore, Riverdale/Altgeld and Roseland) through nine community centers.
Chicagoland Bicycle Federation - The mission of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is to improve the bicycling environment and thereby the quality of life in the region by promoting bicycle safety, education and facilities, and by encouraging use of the bicycle as an energy-efficient, economical, and nonpolluting form of transportation and as a healthful and enjoyable form of recreation.
Children’s Home & Aid Society of Illinois - Through its dedicated team of volunteers and staff who deliver more than 70 comprehensive social service programs throughout 40 Illinois counties, Children’s Home + Aid helps children and families overcome the overwhelming obstacles of poverty, abuse and neglect.
Children’s Memorial Hospital – Children’s Memorial provides compassionate care in a family-centered environment, staffing top pediatric specialists, using the latest technologies and offering valuable kid-focused experience with a mission dedicated to the health and well-being of all children. (Community-based FWS site)
ChildServ - ChildServ is a child welfare social service agency with programs are driven by its mission tenets to educate children and youth, prevent conditions in which children, youth, and families are placed at risk, and advocate to influence legislation and social and educational policies directed at meeting the needs of children and families.
Chinese Mutual Aid Association - CMAA's mission is to serve the needs, promote the interests, and enhance the well-being of Chinese as well as all other immigrants and refugees in Chicagoland, and to foster their participation in American society.
Christian Community Health Center - CCHC is a federally-qualified 501(c)3 not-for-profit, faith-based, health center serving the greater south side of Chicago. Our goal is to provide quality comprehensive health care and disease management for our communities.
Christian Peacemaker Teams - Enlisting the whole church in an organized, nonviolent alternative to war, today CPT places violence-reduction teams in crisis situations and militarized areas around the world at the invitation of local peace and human rights workers.
Christopher House - Christopher House is a five-site family resource center. Through child and youth development, teen parent support, literacy, counseling and emergency services, Christopher House provides a web of support to children and their families.
City Year Chicago - City Year brings together young adults from diverse backgrounds for a demanding year of full-time community service, leadership development, and civic engagement.
Clearbrook - Clearbrook is a non-profit social service agency providing services to children and adults with developmental disabilities.
CommunityHealth - CommunityHealth is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality free health care to uninsured people living in Chicago and the surrounding communities.
Community Shares of Illinois - The Community Shares of Illinois was founded as a mechanism to support non-profit organizations in Illinois which are engaged in social change, citizen education and empowerment. (Community-based FWS site)
Concordia Child Care Center - Concordia Avondale Campus believes that access to quality programs should not be tied to income. We demonstrate this belief with our sliding tuition scale as we provide working families with nationally accredited preschool and after-school programs.
Connections for the Homeless - Connections for the Homeless works with a variety of communities in northeast Cook County through direct services and education to prevent and reduce homelessness among individuals and families.
Cornerstone Community Outreach - Cornerstone Community Outreach was created in 1989 to raise the quality of life for low-income residents of the United States and the rest of the world through social, educational and economic development programs.
Council for Jewish Elderly - Council for Jewish Elderly (CJE) is an innovative provider of community-based and residential programs and services for older adults and their families throughout Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.
Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions (CPWR) - The mission of the CPWR is to cultivate harmony among the world’s religions and spiritual communities and to foster their engagement with society and other guiding institutions in order to achieve a peaceful, just and sustainable world.
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School - Cristo Rey Jesuit High School offers a Catholic college preparatory education for the immigrant families of Chicago's near southwest side.
Crossing the Border: Intercultural Initiatives for Learning and Peace - Crossing the Border is committed to developing intercultural alliances to build capacity in education and mental health and promote understanding and peace. The organization focuses on engaging professionals to collaborate for change.
DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) - DATA aims to raise awareness about, and spark response to the crises swamping Africa: unpayable debts, uncontrolled spread of AIDS, and unfair Trade rules which keep Africans poor.
DevCorp North – DevCorp North strives to improve the business and economic climate of Rogers Park through business, community and economic development while valuing the diversity of Rogers Park and diligently working to enhance it through balanced growth. (Community-based FWS site)
Dreams for Kids - Dreams for Kids is a Chicago based non-profit children's organization, with a mission to empower young people of all abilities through dynamic leadership programs and life-changing activities that inspire them to fearlessly pursue their dreams and compassionately change the world.
Dyspraxia USA NFP - Dyspraxia USA NFP is the first organization in the United States to promote awareness and offer support to those who have a neurological disorder known as Dyspraxia.
Edgewater Chamber of Commerce – The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce provides an active, comprehensive program to Edgewater, a reviving business community bordering the campus of Loyola University Chicago. Services include business recruitment, maintenance and improvement, marketing, education and community services. (Community-based FWS site)
Edgewater Community Council (ECC) – The Edgewater Community Council was formed to improve the quality of life of the diverse Edgewater community and to encourage the maximum participation of residents to promote the physical, educational, cultural, recreational, social, charitable and economic development of the community. (Community-based FWS site)
Erie Neighborhood House – Erie Neighborhood House promotes a just and inclusive society by strengthening low-income, primarily Latino families through skill-building, access to critical resources, advocacy and collaborative action. (Community-based FWS site)
Fairygodmother Foundation - Fairygodmother Foundation is a charity that grants wishes to terminally ill adults given a year or less to live. Our Wish Granting Program offers these adults a crucial respite from their illnesses and allows them and their families to create important memories that help ease the pain of their loss.
Family Defense Center – The Family Defense Center advocates for justice for families in the child welfare system, specifically for families threatened with losing their children to foster care. (Community-based FWS site)
Family Network, a Family Focus Center - Family Network is a not-for-profit agency providing parent support, social and educational programs and child development activities to Highland Park and Highwood families of all ethnic, socio-economic and religious backgrounds.
Flourish Studios - Flourish Studios is a multi-faceted learning gallery which integrates professional guidance, inspirational resources and nurturing ambiance to motivate and prepares adults, teenagers, and children to bring about significant, self-selected life changes.
Franciscan Outreach Association - We provide for basic human needs such as food, shelter, encouragement and assistance in creating a better life for the homeless and marginalized, especially those who are underserved.