Invest in us
We provide life-changing services to individuals in under-resourced communities.
Investing in Chicago Commons creates generational success.
Founded by Graham Taylor in 1894, Chicago Commons was one of Chicago’s original settlement houses, serving immigrants on the city’s northwest side.
Shortly after, Chicago Commons opened one of the city’s first kindergartens in 1897 to create opportunities for the neighborhood’s residents. Soon after, Commons began offering programs for individuals of all ages through clubs and classes, providing an open forum to discuss local community events.
For 130 years, Chicago Commons has upheld the values of the historic settlement house movement by consistently engaging in dialogue with community residents. We base our strategic direction on listening to the people we serve, understanding the changing dynamics of the neighborhoods around us, and seeking innovative ways to respond.
1894
Graham Taylor founds Chicago Commons settlement house at 140 N. Union Street.
1897
Commons establishes one of first kindergartens in Chicago.
1901
Commons moves to Grand and Morgan
1906
Graham Taylor founds social work training institution, now University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration
1921
Lea D. Taylor, oldest daughter of Graham Taylor becomes Executive Director
1948
Commons and Emerson House merge. Bill Brueckner becomes Executive Director
1958
Taylor House, Bucktown, opens
1965
Mile Square Center, Henry Horner Homes, opens
1966
Commons, Olivet Community Center, Mary McDowell Settlement House merge
1968
Frank S. Seever becomes Executive Director
1980
Adult Day Care, Englewood, opens
1990
New City Family Center, New City, opens
1991
Employment Training Center (ETC), West Humboldt Park, opens
1993
Reggio Emilia approach to early learning adopted
1994
Chicago Commons celebrates 100 years
1995
Guadalupano Family Center, Pilsen, opens
2000
Administrative offices move to West Humboldt Park
2001
Paulo Freire Family Center, Back of the Yards, opens
2002
Frank C. Schell III becomes Executive Director
2003
ETC becomes Adult Education
2006
Dan Valliere becomes Executive Director
2010
Chicago Commons continues it’s mission, begun in 1894
2012
Chicago Commons opens its new innovative Senior Care Center and Administrative offices move to Bronzeville.
2013
Edgar Ramirez becomes President and CEO
2014
Chicago Commons’ celebrates 120 years
2015
Former Secretary of Health and Human Services, Sylvia Matthews Burwell and Mayor Rahm Emanuel visit and tour Commons’ Paulo Freire Family Center and read to students.
2016
Chicago Commons’ new multi-generational program, the Family Hub, officially providing services at all four early education schools. The program provides education, financial, employment and health and wellness services to parents and family members enrolled in each of our early education schools.
2021
Chicago Commons becomes the second largest provider of Early Head Start / Head Start programs in Chicago
2022
Chicago Commons hosts its first annual Entrepreneurship Fair
2023
Family Hub expands with a $2.2M investment from JPMorgan Chase
2024
Chicago Commons celebrates 130 years of service across Chicagoland