Community Outreach to Diversity Organizations

With over 35 million members, AARP is the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over in the United States. AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service.

The mission of ABJ Community Services, Inc. is to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of families, children and senior citizens by offering effective health and human services. ABJ Community Services, Inc. provides the most versatile, professional, and supportive individual and group services possible to each client and the community. Services are offered without consideration to age, race, creed, color or religious affiliation.

Today the Abraham Lincoln Centre builds on the foundation that was laid in the early 1900s. The Centre continues to meet the needs of people regardless of religious, ethnic or cultural background. Abraham Lincoln Centre now has thirty programs at 30 sites on Chicago’s south side, concentrating on the needs of residents in the Greater Grand Boulevard community (also known historically as Bronzeville) where the central office is located.

Our mission is to serve those who, because of disabilities or other limiting conditions, need help in finding and pursuing paths leading to healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. The Vocational Training and Job Development and Placement program assists persons with developmental disabilities and other economically disadvantaged individuals secure integrated employment, attain economic self-sufficiency, and engage in competent community living.

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. Apna Ghar takes its name from a Hindi-Urdu phrase meaning "Our Home", and since January 1990 has served over 5400 domestic violence clients. The Asian-American community, currently the fastest-growing population, demonstrates unique needs in language, religion, family systems and food preparation. Apna Ghar helps them heal and enhance their sense of dignity and self-respect.

The Ark of Safety Center, Inc., is a non-profit faith-based organization committed to restoring addicted and non-addicted individuals from the life altering decisions that have kept them in bondage. The Center provides housing and supportive services to men and women seeking peace and guidance towards healthy living and restoring their families. Christian values, morals and social principles is the Center's primary focus. With proper support and focus, participants will renew their confidence and return to their families and community.

The mission of Bethel Community Facility is to address the spiritual, social, physical, emotional, and cultural needs of people regardless of race, creed or color. In serving the disadvantaged of Suburban Cook County, we will participate in the development of the community economically and socially; promote the educational growth of both children and adults and assist in the strengthening of the family.

The Campus Kitchens Project empowers thousands of students each year to recycle food from their cafeterias, turn these donations into nourishing meals, and deliver those meals (along with a friendly visit) to those who need it most in communities across the country. Then, we open up that on-campus kitchen space to teach culinary skills to unemployed men and women, who in turn teach the college students a thing or two about poverty, stereotypes, and what it takes to make it these days.

CRC energizes and empowers clients by offering education, training and mentoring in a supportive environment focused on self-empowerment by fostering hope and optimism, validating and restoring self-esteem and encouraging persistence in the face of obstacles. CRC’s role is to “teach them how to fish,” ultimately, guiding clients toward greater economic self-sufficiency and long-term independence.

Our mission is to minister with love and compassion among and with the most vulnerable of our community - particularly those who suffer from addiction - through crisis intervention, addiction recovery, community assistance and life skills development.

DAYBREAK Shelter operates 24-hours a day, 365 days a year and provides emergency housing, and supportive services to individuals and families who are homeless. Some participants in the program are in need of short-term housing, as a result of a situational crisis. Others need support services as they work to reestablish permanent housing.

Whether they are young or old, hungry or addicted, homeless or friendless, Catholic Charities sees the face of God in those in need. By providing food, clothing, shelter and counseling, we bring hope to the hopeless in the city of Chicago and its suburbs. With more than 168 programs at 157 locations across Cook and Lake counties, we help people of all races and religions move toward empowerment and self-sufficiency. Last year we brought more than 870,000 parents, children, seniors and individuals help during the hardest times of their lives.

Inspired by Christ's call to serve, our mission is to serve those in need, to advocate for justice and to call upon others to do the same. Catholic Charities shall strive to be one social ministry, in valued relationship with parishes, while walking together with our poorest and most vulnerable sisters and brothers.

CEDA is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of the people it serves. By offering a variety of community development and social service programs, CEDA's goal is to assist individuals and families in becoming economically self-sufficient.

The mission of Chicago Commons is to help individuals, families and communities to overcome poverty, discrimination and isolation. It is the same today as it was in 1894, the year of our founding by the social reformer, Graham Taylor. Graham Taylor's vision was to create a community of people that worked with--and not for--people, helping them overcome obstacles by building on strengths and assets.

Gateway Homeless Services encompasses the programs of Christian Service Center and Someone Cares Mission. We began in 1975 as a community center, founded by local businessman, Robert Nelson. Today, Gateway Homeless Services is the largest and most comprehensive emergency shelter in Missouri. It provides 150 beds and numerous social services to homeless women, children and families.