Chicago Child Care Society was established in 1849 as Chicago Orphan Asylum, one of the first social service agencies in the city. Today, at 168 years old, its services are reaching 600 children and youth each year - and growing - in Chicago's south side neighborhoods, along with supporting their parents. Preschools in Hyde Park and Englewood have space for 134 students, infants to 5 years old. Early Head Start families are receiving home visits and services. High school and middle school students are mentored and prepared for college or work opportunities. Parents receive support and referrals to stabilize and strengthen their family. CCCS vision is to disrupt multi-generational poverty in Chicago's under resourced communities.

As the second largest city in Illinois , Aurora has so much to offer. A far west side former shopping center is now a Mega Fun Park which offers bowling and virtual reality. Downtown offers the Paramount Theater with top line shows. There is also an Artist Community which includes housing for young aspiring artists.