Computer Class

The computer classes are offered free of charge to the public Monday through Wednesday.  The 7-week course is offered during the spring and during the fall. The computer class is an introduction to computers where students are taught basic computer skills and operations. The students are taught how to create emails, correspondence for emails, search the web and apply for employment (class will resume at a later date due to Covid).

Back to School Rally

The Back to School Rally is a day where the community is invited out for a day of fun before school resumes. The day is full of activities which includes face painting, games, arts & crafts, and food. Each child receives a backpack full of school supplies. The backpacks are divided by school age groups ranging from preschool to college.

Thanksgiving Feast

The Thanksgiving Feast is a community dinner which takes place on Thanksgiving Day.  We serve many members of the community without families and loved ones with whom to celebrate the holiday. Annually we feed and serve over 200 individuals.

Christmas in a basket

The Christmas in a basket program has been in existence for nearly 50 years. During the Christmas holiday we donate Christmas food baskets to families in need.  Each year we increase the number of baskets given by one. This year we will be a blessing to 68 families. The food in the Christmas basket includes: 1 Turkey, 5lbs of meal, 5lbs of sugar, 5lbs of flour, 2lbs of spaghetti, 2 boxes of rice, 2lb bag of pinto beans, 3 cans of string beans, 3 cans of corn, 2 cans tomato paste, 3 boxes macaroni and cheese, 1lb of margarine, 1 pack of lunch meat, hot dogs, and a loaf of bread.

Food Pantry

The food pantry is open every Friday from 1pm-3pm to families residing within two specified zip codes (60612 and/or 60624) on the west side of Chicago. Each family member age 18 and over of a household within the two zip codes are allowed to come in once a month and shop within our pantry.  We have partnered with the Chicago Food Depository in receiving our goods and home products.  The months that have five Fridays, each member is allowed to shop twice in that month. 

Food for the Soul

Food for the Soul is a feeding program operated every other Friday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The program aims to invite the public and less fortunate, which often includes substance abusers and the homeless, for hot meals, soup and sandwiches. (program will resume at a later date due to Covid).

Angel Tree Program

Our goal every year is to assist 35 to 50 families with Christmas gifts for children of incarcerated parents.  The children’s ages range from infant to 17 years of age.  A celebration is held at the CDC where gifts are distributed and we also provide food, fun and games for the families.