Do It For The South Side
Supporting children, youth, and families on the path to self-reliance.
Centers has been a constant presence on Chicago’s South Side for 55 years, helping families develop self-reliance, improve their quality of life, and participate in rebuilding their communities. Our programs span early childhood education, youth development, and family services, providing culturally grounded guidance, skill-building, and wraparound support. Centers' enduring commitment ensures the South Side remains a place of hope and progress, honoring our legacy while investing in a resilient, equitable future for generations to come.
Support Our Work
Your gift helps expand access to early learning, youth development, maternal and family support, and trusted community-based services.
When you give to Centers, you invest in resilient pathways for children, youth, and families.
You can also make an impact without making a donation.
Volunteers support our programs, events, and community outreach in meaningful ways. Whether you have a few hours or want to stay engaged long-term, there’s a place for you here.
Early Learning & Education
280+
children and families engaged
108
children served at Altgeld Early Learning Center
175
families supported through High Risk Infant Follow-Up visits
-
Centers’ Early Learning and Education programs support children and families during the most critical stages of development. Through high-quality early childhood education, home-based support, and family-centered services, children build the foundation for lifelong learning, emotional well-being, and school readiness. This work strengthens not only children, but entire households. A strong start creates resilient futures.
Youth Development
500+
youth engaged across programs
341
engaged in summer experiences
127
served via mentoring and after-school programming
-
Centers’ Youth Development programs provide trauma-informed, relationship-based support that helps young people grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Through mentoring, leadership development, workforce exposure, and enrichment, youth build confidence and explore future possibilities. This work centers youth voice while creating pathways to independence and long-term opportunity.
Community Partnerships
2,600+
community members served
1,297
educators impacted
734
seniors supported
-
Community Partnerships extend Centers’ impact beyond direct service by strengthening the systems and relationships families rely on every day. Through provider services, Safe Passage, and community-based initiatives, Centers expands access to resources, improves safety, and strengthens the early learning workforce. When communities are connected, families are better supported and children are better positioned to thrive.
Focused for Impact. Built for What’s Ahead.
Since 1971, Centers has grown alongside the South Side, responding to community needs, expanding programs, and building trusted pathways of support.
This past year, we made thoughtful and necessary decisions to sharpen our focus, aligning resources around the programs that drive the greatest long-term impact for children, youth, and families.
These decisions were not about stepping back. They were about moving forward with clarity, sustainability, and purpose, ensuring that Centers remains a strong, responsive, and enduring presence for generations to come.
As we honor this next chapter, we also celebrate the work that brought us here and the thousands of lives impacted along the way.
Help Shape What Comes Next
As Centers enters its next chapter, we are seeking leaders who are committed to strengthening families, expanding opportunity, and advancing community impact on the South Side.
Serving on our Board of Directors is an opportunity to guide strategy, deepen partnerships, and help ensure that our work remains strong, sustainable, and responsive to the communities we serve.
