CHICAGO COMMONS CELEBRATES 130 YEARS, UNVEILS REBRAND, NEW EARLY EDUCATION CENTER AND VISION FOR FUTURE AT ANNIVERSARY GALA

CHICAGO COMMONS CELEBRATES 130 YEARS, UNVEILS REBRAND, NEW EARLY EDUCATION CENTER AND VISION FOR FUTURE AT ANNIVERSARY GALA

The nonprofit raised more than $450,000 to support its mission of empowering underserved communities across Chicagoland

CHICAGO — Chicago Commons celebrated its 130th Anniversary Gala, themed “Honoring the Past. Building the Future,” at Morgan Manufacturing on Friday, May 10. The event brought together more than 500 leaders from Chicago's business, philanthropic and community sectors to commemorate the organization's history, impact and future endeavors. This gala marked a significant milestone for Chicago Commons, reflecting on generations of impact in Chicago, while also signifying an inflection point for the remarkable growth the organization has experienced over the last few years.

Chicago Commons announced that the organization will build a new Early Education Center in the LeClaire Courts community near Midway. This initiative is due to the organization receiving a $9.5 million capital grant from the Illinois Capital Development Board with support from Governor JB Pritzker, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García, State Senator Javier Cervantes, State Representative Aaron Ortiz and Alderman Michael Rodriguez. This center will be part of a $500 million investment in Chicago’s Southwest Side led by Cabrera Capital and other partners. The new early education center will help the community that has been recognized as an early education desert. Chicago Commons is partnering with others to serve the multi-generational needs of the community through this project.

During the event, Chicago Commons also unveiled a refreshed brand identity, signaling a bold step forward for the organization and its commitment to serving future generations. The updated visual elements underscore the organization’s deep understanding of individual needs and mission to provide under-resourced communities with life-changing services that enable them to break the cycle of poverty to live their fullest lives and thrive across generations. The organization showcased a redesigned logo, updated brand messaging, and a newly relaunched website, all crafted to embody its renewed mission focused on providing care, compassion, and high-quality service.

"We are incredibly proud to celebrate Chicago Commons' 130th anniversary and reflect on the remarkable journey that has brought us to this moment,” said Edgar Ramirez, President and CEO of Chicago Commons. “With the unveiling of our refreshed brand identity, multiple federal initiatives targeting seniors in under-resourced communities on the South side and the announcement of upcoming initiatives of a new early education center at LeClaire Courts, we are eager to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families across Chicago. Here's to 130 years of service and to many more to come."

The gala successfully raised over $450,000 in funds to bolster future investments in empowering families throughout Chicago via the organization’s programs. These initiatives aim to empower parents and caregivers to equip their children with the essential tools and resources for success while also aiding seniors and individuals with disabilities to lead independent and dignified lives.

Ana Belaval from WGN Morning News served as the event's Master of Ceremony, and the evening included a cocktail reception, dinner and activities featuring and inspired by Chicago Commons' programs. The gala also recognized community leaders who have made significant contributions to Chicago Commons' mission. The event concluded with an after-party presented by the Commons Emerging Leaders Council.

The Lea Taylor Philanthropy Award was presented to JPMorgan Chase, which has been a long-time supporter of Chicago Commons. JPMorgan Chase has been instrumental in providing funding for programs to create workforce strategies helping low-income women and single mothers of color achieve financial stability and build wealth, such as through Chicago Commons' successful Family Hub program and among others.

"At JPMorgan Chase, we believe in the power of investing in communities to create lasting change and are deeply honored to receive the Lea Taylor Philanthropy Award from Chicago Commons,” said Molly Leonard, Vice President, JPMorgan Chase Global Philanthropy. “Our partnership with Chicago Commons reflects our shared commitment to breaking down barriers and creating programs that empower individuals and families to achieve economic stability and build brighter futures."

Additionally, Evette Williams, the Pathways for Parents Leader, received the Donald L. Duster Leadership Award for her remarkable journey. Evette found hope and support through Chicago Commons' programs. Through the Pathways for Parents Program, she pursued her dream of becoming an early educator, excelling academically while balancing her roles as a parent and student. With the guidance of mentors and the resources provided by the program, Evette achieved her educational goals and discovered her passion for teaching. Today, as a Teacher Assistant, she not only supports herself and her granddaughter but also inspires others with her story of triumph over adversity.

"My journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, is a testament to the transformative power of community support and resilience and I am deeply honored to receive the Donald L. Duster Leadership Award from Chicago Commons,” said Evette Williams, Pathways for Parents Leader. “Chicago Commons' Pathways for Parents Program provided me with the tools and encouragement to pursue my dreams of gaining valuable experience in child development and obtaining my associate and bachelor's degrees. Every day when I arrive at the center, I see the excitement in the children's eyes, and it mirrors the joy in my own heart, knowing that I’m making a positive impact on their lives like Chicago Commons did for me and my family."

The gala owes its success to the generous support and sponsorship of Peoples Gas as the Presenting Sponsor, alongside esteemed contributors such as ComEd, Northern Trust, Purple Group and US Bank, who served as Grand Avenue Sponsors, among other amazing supporters. Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez provided remarks during the event and additional attendees included esteemed individuals such as Chicago Deputy Mayor Kenya Merritt, State Representative Kam Buckner, State Representative Theresa Mah, 25th Ward Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 43rd Alderman Timmy Knudsen and Illinois Department on Aging Director Mary Killough.

Learn more about how Chicago Commons continues to uplift communities and how to get involved at chicagocommons.org.

For over 130 years, Chicago Commons has empowered individuals, families, and communities to overcome poverty and systemic barriers and embrace opportunities to thrive across generations.  Through our early childhood education, family support, and senior services, we support families' crucial role in shaping a child’s development, caring for seniors and vulnerable adults, and uplifting communities. Honoring our settlement roots, we provide life-changing resources in under-resourced communities to 3,500 individuals annually. For more, visit www.chicagocommons.org. Follow @ChicagoCommons on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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