March 4th is Chicago’s birthday, and as such, One Family Illinois would like to celebrate this wonderful occasion by highlighting our three unique locations in Chicago. Each of our locations serves as a safe haven for children in foster care while offering them the tools and support they need to grow into successful, productive adults, bringing more opportunities and bright futures to the foster youth of Chicago.
Chicago Village – the World’s First Urban Foster Care Village
Our Chicago Village opened in 2004 in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago where the site of an old mattress factory became a welcoming neighborhood for brothers and sisters in foster care.
The Chicago Village consists of 17 single-family homes. In 2007, the 16,000 square foot Lavezzorio Community Center opened as the hub of the Chicago Village, providing on-site case management and clinical services to children in the Village. Additionally, the Lavezzorio Community Center offers educational, recreational, and day care programs to Village residents and local community members.
Roosevelt Square Village – One Family Illinois’ Third Village
Opened in October 2014, Roosevelt Square Village is located along West Washburne Avenue in the Roosevelt Square neighborhood of Chicago. The newest Village in Illinois offers the state and city another unique community of 14 individual homes with the capacity to support up to 84 children in foster care, ages birth to 21 years old.
Each home has over 2300 square feet of living space and includes 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a family room, dining room and kitchen, office space, laundry room, and storage. All homes and surrounding grounds are landscaped and offer two outdoor play areas with designated space for vegetable gardens.
In Spring 2019, we will break ground on the Roosevelt Square Community Center. Seeking to nurture and transform lives through, the Center, located at 13th Street and Blue Island will be a hub of family reunification, therapeutic, academic, social, civic, enrichment, and recreational activities. The construction of the 17,000+ square foot facility, designed by internationally recognized architect Juan Moreno, is projected to serve over 5,000 individuals annually from University Village, Lower West Side/Pilsen, Little Village, North Lawndale, and other surrounding neighborhoods. Learn more about this milestone moment in One Family Illinois history here.
Casa Tepeyac – a Community Built Around Preventative Services and Care
Opened in 1997, Casa Tepeyac is located in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago and offers two types of services: the Group Residential Living Program, a short-term shelter that is designed to assist at-risk youth ages 11-17, and Family Strengthening Services, which work with families to build on their strengths, tackle tough problems, and stabilize aid to youth dealing with issues related to gang involvement.
Although distinct from our foster care model, these two programs enhance and expand One Family Illinois’ ability to effectively provide appropriate services for at-risk youth.
Investing in Chicago youth in Foster Care
If you’d like to give Chicago a gift by supporting local youth in foster care, consider a donation to One Family Illinois. With multiple ways to give, you can easily find the one that’s right for you and your giving needs. Interested in supporting our mission in other ways? Subscribe to our e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on future events, volunteer opportunities, and programs.