Dear Onward House Supporters,  

Welcome to the first edition of our quarterly newsletter – I’m excited to share with you the incredible progress we’ve made and give you a glimpse of the great things on the horizon for Onward Neighborhood House.

Our year-round Early Childhood and School Age programs had a busy summer, with some students transitioning to kindergarten and others moving into our School Age program. The new program year began on September 1st, and classes are now in full swing. It’s always a joy to see our classrooms buzzing with energy and learning, as we support our students in their academic and personal growth.

As we reach the halfway point of Hispanic Heritage Month, I am especially proud to reflect on the diversity within our organization. With a staff that mirrors the rich cultural makeup of the Belmont Cragin community—which contains the largest Latino population in Chicago—we are uniquely positioned to serve our residents with deep understanding and care. At the same time, we wholeheartedly welcome and support all immigrants, regardless of their country of origin.

Onward House has seen remarkable growth over the past few years, and we are on the brink of even greater expansion. In May, we celebrated our first in-person Gala since 2020, where we unveiled plans for a new building, and were met with overwhelming support from community members, elected officials, and partner organizations. With the opening of this new facility next year, we will be better positioned to extend our reach and deepen our impact across Chicago’s Northwest Side.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. I look forward to sharing more exciting updates and successes with you as the year progresses!

Thank you for your continued support!

Mario F. García  

Executive Director 

Onward Neighborhood House 

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