and other...
Networks, Collaboratives, Alliances,
Databases, Resources, Directories, Portals
Social Service Organizations, Mental Health, Clubs, Programs, et cetera...
- Activities for Facilitators, Leaders, and Instructors
- Al-anon and Alateen
- Criminal Justice System
- Culture, Immigrant
- Disability
- Education / Learning
- Employment
- ESL – English as a Second Language
- Health Care, HIV/ AIDS
- Pro Bono Legal Aid, Lawyers, Attornies & Law Counsel
- Meditations
- Senior Services and other support for the Elderly
- Shelter, Housing, Homeless
- Substance Abuse and Addiction
- Tax Return Preparation (Free)
- Thrift Shops
- Urban Farms in Chicagoland
- Veterans
Smart Chicago
SmartChicagoCollaborative.org
Network of Research, Resources, Data, and Leaders
A civic organization devoted to improving lives in Chicago through technology
We work on increasing access to the Internet, improving skills for using the Internet, and developing meaningful products from data that measurably contribute to the quality of life of residents in our region and beyond. We have a host of current projects and partnerships, and we are actively seeking to connect ideas and resources in all areas of philanthropy in Chicago.
LISC Chicago
LISC-Chicago.org
Network of Community Leaders, Resources, and Data
Connecting neighborhoods to the resources they need to become stronger and healthier
LISC Chicago employs a staff of experienced professionals, all well versed in the business of community development. LISC Chicago’s New Communities Network is rooted in 35 years of work with community-based partners in Chicago neighborhoods. It serves community leaders and nonprofit organizations in about half of the city’s 77 community areas.
m Relief
Social Services Referral Guide
Transforming Access to Social Services
mRelief is a Chicago-based all-woman software development team. Our niche is streamlining social services delivery through eligibility determination for public benefits done through adaptive questionnaires available online and through text messaging. After a user completes a form, our website generates personalized results for users on which safety net programs they qualify for and actionable steps -- whether they qualify or not. In this way, our platform efficiently facilitates discovery of programs fostering economic relief for people in poverty. Our tool, integrated into City of Chicago administered centers, has reduced eligibility determination time by 75 percent.
Thrive Chicago
ThriveChi.org
Network of Chicago Youth Development Specialists
To prepare Chicago’s youth for a vibrant future by aligning efforts and outcomes from cradle to career
Thrive Chicago has brought together 600 individuals representing nearly 200 child and youth serving organizations to accomplish the shared objective of supporting Chicago youth from “cradle-to-career.” As a collective impact initiative, Thrive engages a diverse group of leaders from the nonprofit, business, government, education and philanthropy sectors working toward one common agenda: to prepare all Chicago youth for a vibrant future.
Peace Hub Chicago
PeaceHubChicago.org
Violence Prevention Initiative and Network
Aims to streamline youth access to critical social services and extra-curricular opportunities
The Chicago Peace Hub, established in 2010, is a violence prevention initiative whose goals are to increase engagement of Chicago’s youth ages 12-24 in programs and services, enhance communication and partnership among local service providers, and to leverage underutilized services. Through systems integration of county, city and local resources, the Peace Hub will create a coordinated network infrastructure which allows service providers to access, share and weave resources together to address each youth’s individual needs and circumstances.
Chicago Area Project
ChicagoAreaProject.org
An Affiliate is a community organization formally accepted by CAP to become part of its organizational structure. Acceptance is based on commitment to adhere to the CAP program model. Affiliates are an integral part of Cap's contractual arrangement with funders. Resources from CAP are detailed in bilateral agreement documents between CAP and each affiliate.
Strengthening Neighborhoods, Helping Young People
CAP's Mission: The Chicago Area Project (CAP) is a, not-for-profit organization with a distinguished history and demonstrable track record of over 75 years of work in delinquency prevention and service in disadvantaged urban neighborhoods. The original mission of CAP has not changed since its inception:To work toward the prevention and eradication of juvenile delinquency through the development and support of affiliated local community self-help efforts in communities where the need is greatest. CAP's Philosophy: Chicago Area Project's philosophy is to improve the quality of neighborhood life with a special focus on solving problems faced by young people and their families. The agency believes that residents must be empowered through the development of community organizations so that they can act together to improve neighborhood conditions, hold institutions serving the community accountable, reduce anti-social behavior by young people, protect them from inappropriate institutionalization, and provide them with positive models for personal development. CAP's Goal: The goals of Chicago Area Project are to develop special projects and establish locally controlled organizations that implement the directives put forth in Cap's mission and philosophy. Projects and affiliates are mandated to positively impact areas in the Chicago vicinity with high rates of juvenile delinquency or other symptoms of social disorganization.
City of Chicago Data Portal
Data.CityofChicago.org
Mega Database
Over 1000+ Databases
City of Chicago's Data Portal. Find information in categories such as: Crime, Employee Names, Salaries, Positions, Food Inspections, Building Violations, 311 Service Requests, FOI (Freedom of Information) Requests, Community Boundaries, Police Stations, Libraries, Towed Vehicles, Red Light Camera Violations, Abandoned Vehicle Map, sX Offender Registry, and 1000+ other Databases.
CityofChicago.org Service Directory
Informational Directory of City Services
Chicago Park District
ChicagoParkDistrict.com
Parks, Recreation, Sports Fields Database
Children First, Best Deal in Town, Build to Last, Extra Effort
The mission of the Chicago Park District is to: Enhance the quality of life in Chicago by becoming the leading provider of recreation and leisure opportunities, Provide safe, inviting and beautifully maintained parks and facilities, Create a customer-focused and responsive park system that prioritizes the needs of children and families
Plenar.io
Plenar.io
Mega Database
The next stage in open data, One database, One map
Plenario is a centralized hub for open datasets from around the world, ready to search and download. All data in Plenario exists on a single map and a single timeline, making it incredibly easy to access multiple datasets at once—especially those originally housed at different data portals.
Cook County Data
CookCountyIL.gov
Mega Database Resource Hub
The open data portal for cook county government
Similar to City of Chicago's Data Portal, includes: Salaries, New motor vehicle registrations, firearm registrations, alcohol beverage dealer registrations, diesel distribution registered.
Help Heal Chicago
HelpHealChicago.org
Mega Database of Resources throughout ChicagoLand
Listings of locations to Donate to, Volunteer at or Volunteer from Home
We believe there are thousands of people who want to help break this cycle. However, finding a way to do so can feel overwhelming. Whether you want to donate or volunteer, this site will get you started by introducing you to organizations working directly in neighborhoods afflicted by violence.
The Hub
FindHelpSouthCook.org
Mega Database of Resources for South Cook County and Southern Chicago Land
The Hub, Information, Referrals, Case Management
An individual may access the Hub through referral from an agency or organization or by contacting the Hub directly. The Hub, through its network, will refer the client to the appropriate place for help with their specific need. To streamline and expedite the process of connecting people with the services they need, Ford Heights Community Service Organization, South Suburban PADS, Respond Now, and Together We Cope continue to gather information to help service our communities. This network of agencies and individuals has been created in the Southland to help with these extenuating circumstances, and the Hub will facilitate the referrals to these individuals and/or agencies.
Parent Power Chicago
ParentPowerChicago.org
Mega Database Resource Hub
Parents Taking the Lead, Helping Children Succeed
The PPC Parent Network focuses on providing you and other parents within your own neighborhood with ongoing support, advice, and motivation so your children do well at school, enjoy after-school activities, and have as healthy an upbringing as possible. Database includes: College Access & Financial Aid, Educational & Cultural Options, Sports & Recreation, Support Services, The Arts, Tutoring and Academic Support, Youth Employment & Internship, Youth Mentoring.
Purple Binder
PurpleBinder.com
Mega Database for Health and Social Services
Connect People with the Care they need in the Community
Community services aren’t easily found through a Google search. When they have a web presence, it’s often focused more on donors than on people seeking services. Those websites are often missing crucial information such as exactly who is eligible for a service and the steps required to access it. Purple Binder connects people with the resources they need to stay healthy in the communities where they work, live, learn, and play.
Service Provider Identification & Exploration Resource (SPIDER)
spider.dcfs.illinois.gov
Mega Database Resource Hub
Illinois Department of Child & Family Services Statewide Provider Database (SPD) Limited Access
The Service Provider Identification & Exploration Resource (SPIDER) application and its predecessor, the Statewide Provider Database (SPD), is a collaborative effort sponsored by the IL Department of Children & Family Services, with data maintenance and user support provided by the Northwestern University/Hospital Feinberg School of Medicine, technology resources provided by the IL Department of Innovation and Technology, and information provided by countless child and family welfare service providers across the state of Illinois. Since 2002, this resource continues to be a key resource for the Department, human service provider staff, other state agencies, city and county human services personnel, non-profit service organizations, and a variety of behavioral health and insurance organizations. Collaboration between these organizations, the SPIDER Team, and technical/IT support has been a key factor in keeping this resource operational, accurate, and useful to our users.
United Way 2-11 Resource Database (MO and SO IL)
mo2-1-1.BowmanSystems.com
Mega Database of Resources (Restricted in Cook County)
More than 6,000 organizations across the state of Missouri and throughout the Southwest region of Illinois are listed in the 2-1-1 database
A valuable resource for thousands of people in need. Your inclusion in the database helps people in your community get connected to a valuable resource – you! If you're not included in the database, check out our Get Listed section. If you're already listed, keep us up to date and access resources you need. What is United Way 2-1-1? Finding help used to be a frustrating ordeal – flipping through phone books and calling multiple numbers; wrong turns; dead ends; wasted time. Now, one phone number, 2-1-1, can reduce those headaches and get you connected to the resources you need. Dial 2-1-1 (or 1-800-427-4626) 24 hours a day, seven days a week to get connected to a trained resource specialist. TTY (1-866-385-6525) and multilingual services are also available. Calls to United Way 2-1-1 are always free and confidential.
United Way 2-11 Resource Database (IL)
ReferWeb.net
Mega Database Resources (Restricted in Cook County)
Providing Access to Help. Get Connected. Get Help.
What is 2-1-1? Every hour of every day, someone in Illinois needs help locating and connecting with essential community services. On February 11, 2009, United Way 2-1-1 made its debut in Central Illinois to help residents find fast, free and confidential help for health and human service resources. United Way 2-1-1 is for times of crisis as well as for everyday needs. 2-1-1 call specialists are available 24/7 to help individuals locate health and human services in their area – from mortgage, rent and utility assistance to food, clothing, emergency shelter, counseling and much more. PATH's online database is available to anyone looking for basic needs, crisis and mental health services, financial assistance, health care, support groups, etc.
WIRE: Workforce Information and Resource Exchange
Wire.CJC.net
Mega Database of Resources
Chicago Jobs Council moves people out of poverty through employment using on-the-ground expertise, advocacy, and capacity-building.
The Chicago Jobs Council presents its online portal to timely data and information for workforce development and closely-related fields. The WIRE is designed to support frontline providers, advocates, policy makers, and other stakeholders in Chicago and Illinois. This is a directory of employment training and other workforce service providers in Illinois. Search for job training and education programs using the filters, zip code search, or by clicking directly on the map.
localwiki Chicago
LocalWiki.org
localwiki Chicago
Not wikipedia
LocalWiki is a grassroots effort to collect, share and open the world’s local knowledge. We want anyone, anywhere to be able to learn about where they live — their local government, the history of their neighborhoods, streets, social movements, noteworthy local figures, social services, schools — every facet of life in their community. And we believe that this vast collection of local knowledge should be created by the people who know it best — individual community members working together.
Auburn Gresham Portal
AuburnGreshamPortal.org
Large Database of Resources in the Auburn Gresham Area
News from a Chicago Smart Community
Welcome to Auburn Gresham's Smart Communities web portal. This community-owned portal is designed to foster and promote the VOICE'S of our neighborhoods, including Auburn-Gresham, West Englewood and West Chatham. If you live, work or shop in the area, take a look at what's going on in your community. Share YOUR STORY, send news items, or directory listings (for your block club, business or organization) and important dates for your public calendar.
Events12.com
Events12.com
Best events for 12 months
Chicago events calendar for every month of the year. Find the most popular and well marketed events, festivals, fun things to do, weekend street fairs, kids activities, and other paid and free entertainment in Chicago and surrounding area.
Greater Chicago Food Depository
ChicagoFoodBank.org
Food Bank, Pantry, Soup Kitchen, Crisis
Providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community
The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago's food bank, is a nonprofit food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community.
SNAP Retailer Locator
https://www.fns.usda.gov/
Locations that accept SNAP / EBT / Food Stamps
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities. SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net. The Food and Nutrition Service works with State agencies, nutrition educators, and neighborhood and faith-based organizations to ensure that those eligible for nutrition assistance can make informed decisions about applying for the program and can access benefits. FNS also works with State partners and the retail community to improve program administration and ensure program integrity.
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
NRCDV.org
To strengthen and transform efforts to end domestic violence
Providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community
The NRCDV strives to be a trusted national leader and sustainable organization, renowned for innovation, multi-disciplinary approaches and a commitment to ensuring that policy, practice and research is grounded in and guided by the voices and experiences of domestic violence survivors and advocates.
National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health
NationalCenterDVtraumaMH.org
Chicago and Illinois Mental Health Agencies and Organizations
The Center is one of four national Special Issue Resource Centers funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health provides training, support, and consultation to advocates, mental health and substance abuse providers, legal professionals, and policymakers as they work to improve agency and systems-level responses to survivors and their children. Our work is survivor defined and rooted in principles of social justice.
Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health
ICAH.org
LGBTQ Support: supporting the Sexual Health, Rights, and Identities of Youth
To keep youth safe, affirmed, and healthy
The Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health is a network of empowered youth and allied adults who transform public consciousness and build capacity of family, school and healthcare systems to support the sexual health, identities, and rights of youth. We educate, advocate, and organize for reproductive justice for youth in Illinois.
Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health also has a Mega Database of Youth Friendly Health and other Free Support Services in Chicago here: Youth Map
Queery Chicago
Queery.org
LGBTQ Services Directory of Chicago
LGBTQ Services Directory, displays searchable data for various social services that respect and serve the LGBTQ community
Queery is an online database for LGBT resources. Resources include: career and employment, case management, education, end of life, food, homeless services, housing, support groups, therapy groups, mental health, legal services, immigration, juvenile justice, substance use treatment and groups, social groups, primary care, wellness, professional networks, HIV+ services, and more. Queery does not directly provide the services, but is a reference site specifically for LGBT and HIV+ populations. Queery is maintained by Adler University.
Center on Halsted
CenterOnHalsted.org
LGBTQ Resources Directory from Center on Halsted
LGBTQ Services Directory, displays resources for various social services that respect and serve the LGBTQ community
In addition to offering programs and services on-site, Center on Halsted serves as a gateway to the broad array of community resources available in Chicagoland and beyond. If you are interested in having your organization listed or have a revision to an existing llisting, please contact us at mail@centeronhalsted.org.
Free Geek Chicago
FreeGeekChicago.org
Computer, Internet, Software Services
Providing Computers and Software Design for Chicago's nonprofit sector
FreeGeek Chicago is a not-for-profit community organization that recycles used computers and parts to provide functional computers, education, internet access and job skills training to those who want them. FreeGeek Chicago is a democratically run organization that uses consensus for decision-making. Our policy decisions are made by a group of volunteers and staff called the council, and those policies are executed by our staff collective. Public meetings are posted on the calendar and discussed on the FreeGeek Talk mailing list.
Connect Chicago
WeConnectChicago.org
Public Internet and Computer
No matter where you are
City of Chicago's Public Internet and Computer Network. Find Internet access in various public locations throughout Chicago.