Celsa Hernández first stepped into Onward Neighborhood House to see why so many of her neighbors were going in and out of this building. She was curious but didn’t yet know that this was the beginning of a journey that would reshape how she saw herself, her future, and what was possible for her family.
Originally from Durango, Mexico, Celsa has lived in Chicago for more than 30 years. A mother of two, she was looking for support and structure for her young son while continuing to grow herself. Although she initially came searching for citizenship classes, she soon discovered that Onward House offered much more: opportunity, guidance, and community.
Celsa enrolled in Onward House’s Computer Classes in 2023, driven by a deep love of learning. “I’m learning an infinite number of incredible things that I never knew existed, let alone imagined myself learning,” she shared. “I really like to learn. Even though some things don’t stick at first, I am left with the satisfaction that I learned something new.”
Over time, those lessons began to transform her daily life. Through the Computer Classes, Celsa gained practical skills she could use immediately. “I’ve learned a lot of new, productive things that I can include on my resume,” she explained. “For a job, I learned how to make an inventory and the importance of organizing things at home, like bills, on the computer.”
For the first time, Celsa no longer had to rely on others for tasks that once felt
overwhelming. “I don’t depend on anyone anymore to make documents that I need,” she said. “I can send my emails, write my letters, and make presentations.” What once required help from her daughter now came naturally to her, a shift that filled her with pride.
That confidence extended beyond
technology. As her son thrived in Onward House’s Early Head Start program, Celsa found space to work, learn, and grow
alongside him.
“Since my son was doing so well in this center, I had the opportunity to work a little more and come to school,” she shared. “That has created many positive changes in my life.”
Celsa also credits the support of Onward House staff and educators for making her
experience so meaningful. Speaking about Onward House’s computer instructor, she said, “We say that Professor Juan is magical. He figures out everything that we need to learn and teaches us. He always has the solutions.” His dedication made learning feel approachable and empowering.
Beyond academics, Onward House became a place where Celsa felt supported
emotionally and personally. “It is without a doubt a success for me to be at Onward,” she shared. “Everything has come from Onward House.”
Today, Celsa gives back in the ways she can. She shares resources with friends,
encourages others to seek help at Onward House, and even put up flyers at a local
corner store. “Since I receive so much, for me it’s a way of giving back,” she explained.
“Onward House gave me the possibility of feeling different, like a new person, a person with options and possibilities, with achievements.”
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