Chicago Commons' mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities to overcome poverty and systemic barriers, embrace opportunities, and thrive across generations. Founded in 1894 as one of Chicago’s original settlement houses, Commons has always been neighborhood-focused, operating in areas where residents are most under-resourced. To fulfill our mission Chicago Commons has adopted a multi-generational approach to community service. We provide high quality early childhood education, family-centered adult services, and senior services to more than 3,500 individuals annually.  

Chicago Commons provides direct services for low-income children and families at four early childhood education (ECE) centers and program oversight to ten Delegate early education agencies. Our Family Hub’s wraparound services engage the whole family, delivering financial, employment, and health workshops/coaching. Our programs provide families with the tools they need to strengthen skills, improve overall wellness, and increase economic mobility. Our four ECE centers (wherein Family Hub activities take place) are located on Chicago’s Lower West Side, New City, and Humboldt Park communities.  

Commons provides services to help seniors and adults with disabilities stay in their homes, maintain their independence, and experience the greatest possible quality of life. We provide Home Care services to almost 1,200 people throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area. Aids visit daily or weekly, depending on individual need, to assist with daily living activities including light housekeeping, personal care, meals, laundry, shopping, and escorting to appointments. Our Adult Day Services (ADS) center has operated in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood since 2012. ADS is a professional care setting in which clients are transported to our center to receive individualized therapeutic, social, emotional, and health care in a community-based group setting.