For any press inquires, please contact Emilio Araujo, Director of Development and Communications, at earaujo@onwardhouse.org or give us a call at (773) 622-3215.
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Mission:
Onward Neighborhood House opens doors to improve lives and uplift communities through educational, economic and human services.
About:
The mission of Onward House is to open doors to improve lives and uplift communities through education, economic empowerment, and human services. Since 1893, the organization has provided wraparound services and support to Chicago’s low-income and immigrant communities. Throughout its history, Onward House has aimed to address fragmented access to human services by creating a comprehensive safety net. As such, we have adapted and grown to meet our participants where they are, in terms of their physical location, educational background, health and nutrition needs, and professional development.
Today, we operate out of three locations on the 5400 block of West Diversey Avenue in Belmont Cragin, and offer Early Childhood Education, including Special Education Services, a School Age Program, a Food Pantry, an Illinois Welcoming Center for immigrants and refugees, an Adult Education program, and Health Services including a co-located Health Clinic operated by CommunityHealth.
History:
Founded in 1893, Onward Neighborhood House originally served as a church, and then as a settlement house: a school, refuge, and community center where thousands of impoverished working immigrants could access vital social services as they strove to integrate into all facets of life in Chicago, their new home. In the early 20th Century, many needed food, clothing, and shelter, and Onward House responded. Today, adult education and affordable child care rank among the community’s greatest needs; Onward House is one of the only comprehensive adult education providers in Belmont Cragin, and one of the major providers of high-quality early childhood education.
Population Served:
Onward Neighborhood House assists 10,000 working class parents and children annually in Belmont Cragin and Chicago’s Northwest Side through programs, services, community workshops, and events. The Belmont Cragin community is 78% Hispanic/Latino and primarily Spanish speaking, with 38% of that population born outside of the U.S.
Onward House fulfills a unique role in our community: a trusted support system that provides local residents with the resources and assistance they need. We actively engage with the community to identify unmet needs, build long-term relationships, and aim to develop holistic, co-located programs to make it possible for multiple generations of families and individuals to thrive.
