A product of the Medill News Service, ImmHT provides a cross-national perspective on immigration, enhancing exposure to world affairs for Americans, providing public space to air compelling stories about diaspora populations, and serving as a repository of facts and figures in an arena of often misleading information.
ALBANY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
3334 W. Lawrence, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60625
Phone: 773-583-1387
Fax: 773-583-1487
Email: jenny@apncorganizing.org
* Albany Park has the largest percentage of foreign born residents of any community area in Chicago and has the fourth largest foreign born population at 30,110.
* Albany Park continues to be a port of entry for immigrants from across the world and is located in the third most diverse zip code in the entire United States.
* Over forty languages are spoken in the area's public schools.
* Albany Park's total population is 57,866 people. The general demographic breakdown for the area is 46% Hispanic, 18% Asian, 27% White, 4% African American, and 4% Multiracial.
2450 W. Peterson
Chicago, IL 60659
Fax: (773) 262-0828
Non-profit, community based organization in 1986 to respond to the urgent needs of Assyrian immigrants and war refugees from the Middle East countries (Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey) resettled in Illinois.
The organization provides services to new immigrants and refugees such as: administrative and paperwork assistance, ESL classes, assistance to the elderly, daycare program.
CAMBODIAN ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS
2831 W. Lawrence Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
Phone: (773) 878-7090
Fax: (773) 878-5299
Founded in 1976 by a group of Cambodian refugee volunteers responding to the need of Cambodians resettling in Chicago, having fled the tyranny, brutality and torture of the Khmer Rouge genocide in which two million people perished. CAI services some 5,000 Cambodians in Illinois (3,000 in Chicago), all of whom are Cambodian refugees or the children of refugees who escaped the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge's "Killing Fields." Cambodian Association of Illinois is the only non-profit in the Chicago metropolitan area which provides bi-lingual programming to address the interrelated social and economic needs of the Cambodian-American population.
CCI also provides different service to its community: immigration and naturalization program, assistance to the elderly, employment assistance, family outreach, youth programs.
651 W. Lake Street
Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: (312) 427-7078
Fax: (312) 427-3130
Evaluates and provides assistance to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents in the immigration process involving family reunification applications, extensions of stay, replacement of permanent residence cards, work permits, naturalization certificates, inquiries for status of cases at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as well as at the American consulates abroad. Files permanent residence applications on behalf of religious workers (priests, religious women, seminarians, brothers of religious communities, etc.) petitions for extensions of a visit, work permits and applications for U.S. citizenship. Completes all INS forms and refers clients to other service providers when necessary. This service is accredited by the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals and is registered at the Chicago Department of Consumer Services.
Outreach and Interpretation Project
1400 S. Austin
Cicero, IL 60804
(708) 329-4025
Assists primarily the newly migrated Hispanic population in the Western suburbs by addressing issues such as health care, food stamps and other survival needs, through information sessions and distribution of materials in outreach meetings held in churches, schools, and organizations throughout Chicago and the Western suburbs. Provides individual/group assistance to identify and assess eligibility to benefits provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
CENTRO DE INFORMACION
28 N. Grove Ave., 2nd Floor
Elgin, IL
847-695-9050
Shari Matthews Huizar, LCSW
Executive Director
Not-for-profit multipurpose Hispanic social service agency that was founded in 1972. The agency assists more than 20,000 predominantly low-income Hispanics each year by providing individual and family counseling, bilingual advocacy and assistance, immigration and naturalization services, parenting skills training, education and youth programs. The agency serves Hispanics residing in the greater Fox Valley area: Kane, McHenry, DuPage and Cook counties. However, many clients who seek our services travel from as far as Lake and Will Counties and nearby states. Centro de Informacion, the only Hispanic social service agency in Kane County, has very strong community roots. We currently assist many local social service agencies with bilingual services. Centro has been a known community resource for more than 31 years. We have been effective in filling unmet needs of the Hispanic community, as well as connecting Hispanics with community agencies.
CHICAGO IRISH IMMIGRANT SUPPORT
640 North LaSalle Street #390
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: 312-337-8445
1-888-353-CIIS
1-888-353-2447
Fax: 312-337-8446
CIS provides assistance for immigration both to the US and Ireland.
CHINESE AMERICAN SERVICE LEAGUE
2141 South Tan Court
Chicago IL
USA 60616
Tel: 312-791-0418
Fax: 312-791-0509
Housed in the Kam L. Liu Building, with over 250 multilingual and multicultural professional and support staff, CASL's $7.8 million budget supports programming that mainly serves newly-arrived immigrants who often do not have formal education, possess few transferable job skills, and know little of the world around them. Since many of these individuals do not speak English and sometimes have no family or friends in the area, CASL becomes their instant family, friend, and teacher. Each year the agency's programs--in child education and development, employment services, counseling and social service, health, elderly services, and more--reach more than 18,000 clients annually who live primarily in the Chinatown, Armour Square, and Bridgeport areas of Chicago. Additional clients from across Chicago, neighboring suburban communities, and adjacent Midwestern states also use CASL's services.
CHINESE MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION
1016 W. Argyle St.
Chicago,IL 60640
Tel: 773-784-2900
Fax: 773-784-2984
info@chinesemutualaid.org
In the late 1970s a group of ethnic Chinese refugees from Vietnam founded CMAA to assist other newly arrived Southeast Asian refugees in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Through a number of grassroots efforts, the volunteer community leaders guided their peers in overcoming the many challenges of relocation. Community members who had adapted to American life counseled individuals struggling with culture shock, helped families find housing, referred job seekers to employment opportunities, and translated for those who had not yet acquired new language skills. These community-minded individuals joined together to start a social service agency. In 1981, CMAA formalized its activities with government funding and was established as a non-profit organization. Since then, CMAA has evolved into a multi-faceted social service agency supported by the state and local government, foundations and corporations, and private individuals. CMAA's current multilingual staff continues to address the most immediate survival needs of immigrant and refugee Chinese. However, the agency has broadened the vision of its initial founders by expanding the scope of its services and the diversity of the people it assists. Each year, CMAA serves over 13,000 people in the Chicago metropolitan area.
COUNCIL OF ISLAMIC ORGANIZATIONS OF THE GREATER CHICAGO
231 S. State Street, Suite 300
Chicago, Illinois 60604
Phone: (312) 506.0070
Fax: (312) 506.0077
Farhan Younus, Chair of Media Committee fyounus@ciogc.org
Hesham Hassaballa, Chair - Media Watch Project
During the latter half of the twentieth century, Muslim immigrants from all over the world increasingly began to settle in the Chicago-area. In addition, many indigenous Muslims-mainly African-Americans, also called Chicago home. Unfortunately, despite the growing size of the community, it remained separated along mostly ethnic, racial, and geographic differences. The emerging Muslim community also lacked the sophisticated, professional resources necessary to effectively advocate on its behalf. In 1989, Muslim leaders from across the Chicago area met to discuss the possibility of uniting this enormous yet dispersed community under a common umbrella. An ad hoc committee was formed to investigate this ambitious project-a project that was without precedent in any other American city.The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago ("the Council") was officially formed in 1992, with twenty member mosques and organizations.
DIOCESE OF JOLIET - CATHOLIC CHARITIES Refugee Resettlement Program
Contact Annie Laven
Phone: (630) 495-8008
Serving Will, Grundy, DuPage, Kendall , Kankakee, Ford and Iroquois Counties
Working under an agreement with the United States Catholic Conference helping families and individuals relocated and begin the process of assimilation into the local culture. Case management and administrative services are provided by Catholic Charities.
Hispanic Ministry
Office of Hispanic Ministry
St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center
402 S. Independence Blvd.
Romeoville, IL 60446-2264
815-834-4037
Contact Marcia L. Brown-Medina
Phone: (815) 933-7791
Serving Kankakee, Ford and Iroquois Counties
An outreach of the Hispanic Ministry Office -- Diocese of Joliet, working in cooperation with Catholic Charities. A full-time bilingual social worker is available to serve and advocate with the Hispanic/ Latino community.
DOMINICAN LITERACY CENTER
260 Vermont Avenue
Aurora, IL 60505-3100
Contact: Sister Rebecca Ann Gemma, O.P.
Phone: (630) 898-4636
email: domlitctr@sbcglobal.net.
The Dominican Literacy Center, an ESL (English as a Second Language) program for women in Aurora, Illinois, is a community-based literacy program sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois. The program, which was developed in 1993, is for women who cannot speak, read, and/or write English. All tutoring is done on a one-to-one basis by volunteer tutors.
The Center, located on the eastern edge of Aurora's poorest neighborhood, seeks to help break the cycle of illiteracy by providing intensive, one-to-one tutoring to women who are deficient in basic English skills.
ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE
1701 W. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (312) 563.5800
Fax: (312) 563.5810
Contact: Alex Montgomery, Director of Development and Communications
Erie Neighborhood House is a community service agency founded in 1870 that promotes a just and inclusive society by strengthening low-income, primarily Latino families through skill-building, access to critical resources, advocacy and collaborative action.
ILLINOIS COALITION FOR IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE RIGHTS
55 E. Jackson Blvd, Suite 2075
Chicago, IL 60604
312-332-7360
fax: 312-332-7044
ICIRR is dedicated to promote the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society.In partnership with our member organizations, the Coalition educates and organizes immigrant and refugee communities to assert their rights; promotes citizenship and civic participation; monitors, analyzes, and advocates on immigrant-related issues; and, informs the general public about the contributions of immigrants and refugees.
INDO AMERICAN CENTER HOME
6328 N. California Ave
Chicago, IL 60659
Phone: (773) 973-4444
Fax (773) 973-0157
Contact: Jay Luthra, Executive Director x101 JLuthra@indoamerican.org
Tel: (773) 973-4444
fax: 773-973-0157
Established in 1990 in response to the wide spectrum of needs in the South Asian immigrant community, one of the fastest growing immigrant communities in the Chicago area. Many of its members are affluent professionals and business owners. However, a large number lack vocational and language skills and struggle to make ends meet. While the Center's educational, cultural, social, and charitable programs serve this diverse group, its doors are open to anyone who needs help, regardless of ethnicity or language, religious or political affiliation. The center assists nearly 10,000 people annually. In addition to people from South Asia, many other ethnic groups including European, Middle Eastern and others use its services.
INSTITUTO DEL PROGRESSO LATINO
nstituto del Progreso Latino
2570 S. Blue Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: (773) 890-0055
Fax: (773) 890-1537
Contact: Sonia Gaete, Citizenship Department
Phone: (773) 890-0055
The Institute's mission is to contribute to the fullest development of Latino immigrants and their families through education, training and employment that fosters full participation in the changing United States society while preserving cultural identity and dignity.
Instituto del Progreso Latino (Instituto) was incorporated in 1977 to meet the needs of Latino immigrants to learn English, find employment, accustom their children to the U.S. educational systems, and adjust to life in Chicago in a myriad of ways. Since its inception, Instituto has been a story of hope, perseverance, and community triumph. Today, Instituto is a recognized leading city and state educational center serving more than 14,000 participants annually to advance their basic academic skills, obtain a high school diploma, pass the GED exam, become U.S. citizens, increase their job skills, and provide assistance with employment opportunities. Our goal is to instill that sense of hope, motivate perseverance, and provide the tools for success.
KOREAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SERVICES
4300 N. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (773) 583-5501
Fax: (773) 583-7009
Contact: Chunghwa Lee, Media/Arts Coordinator
Email: chlee@kacschgo.org
On March 24, 1972, a group of concerned citizens met to discuss solutions to the acute problems that the first generation of Koreans were facing upon arrival in Chicago. This initial meeting transpired the establishment of a community social service organization on July 1, 1972. KACS since then has successfully responded to the needs of the Korean American community and contributed to enrich their lives. A half-time single staff agency has grown into a near fifty full-time staff agency, and the operating annual budget exceeds well over one million dollars. KACS currently serves more than 7,000 clients per annum.
KOREAN AMERICAN RESOURCE & CULTURAL CENTER
2701A W. Peterson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
Tel.773.506.9158
Fax.773.506.9159 krcc@chicagokrcc.org
Contact: Becky Belcore, Executive Director becky@chicagokrcc.org
In 1994, a group of low-income, immigrant Korean American youth began to meet regularly to discuss issues facing their growing community. Recognizing the need for a space that where community members could develop needed programs, the Korean American Resource & Cultural Center (KRCC) opened its doors on March 1995. KRCC's mission is to empower the Korean American community through education, social service, organizing/advocacy and culture. KRCC serves the Korean American community of greater Chicago, now estimated at 100,000.
LOGAN SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
2840 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (773) 384-4370
Fax: (773) 384-0624
Contact: Nancy Aardema naardema@lsna.net
Founded in 1962, LSNA is a nonprofit, multi-issue, grassroots community organization serving the multi-ethnic communities of Logan Square and the Lathrop/Hamlin area. Its mission is to unite institutions and residents to build and protect an excellent place to live, work, play, raise children, run a business and worship. Collectively, LSNA represents thousands of residents. These neighbors also belong to LSNA member institutions that include churches, schools, block clubs, multi-unit buildings, and social service agencies.
MOSQUE FOUNDATION
7360 W. 93rd Street
Bridgeview, IL 60455
Phone: (708) 430-5666
Fax: (708) 430-5235
In 1954 a handful of Palestinian émigrés on Chicago's famous Southside formed the Mosque Foundation of Chicago with the dream of one day building a structure to house the religious and cultural activities of their growing young families. Today, that dream has become one of the busiest mosques in America, serving a community of more than 50,000 Muslims. Built in 1981 on a few acres of swampy land in the middle of mostly abandoned prairie in Bridgeview, with a prayer hall capacity of 300 worshippers. No one could foresee that the mosque's establishment would inspire a Muslim neighborhood of hundreds of beautiful new homes around the mosque, two full-time Islamic schools at its edges, a Community Center down the road, and dozens of thriving businesses.
MUSLIM WOMEN RESOURCE CENTER
6349 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
Phone: (773) 764-1686
Fax: (773) 764-6753
Muslim Women Resource Center's mission is to assist immigrant and refugee Muslim women overcome cultural and language barriers, and prepare them with appropriate occupational skills to become self sufficient and ready to enter the job market.
POLISH AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
3834 North Cicero Avenue
Chicago - Illinois, 60641
Telephone: 773-282-8206
Fax: 773-282-1324
Contact: Joanna Bohdziewicz-Borowiec, Executive Director
Since 1922, the Polish American Association has been committed to serving the diverse needs of Chicagoland's Polish community and others in need. Polish American Association is the nation's only human services organization providing a comprehensive range of bilingual and bicultural programs and services to the Polish community in the areas of social services, education, employment, immigrant services, outreach and advocacy.
3301 N. Mulford Rd
Rockford, IL 61114
Phone: (815) 921-7821
Refugee & Immigrant Services provides adjustment and employment services to Refugees from the northern ten counties in Illinois. Our job developers and staff work with employers who have found that hiring refugees and immigrants through our program has assisted them in attaining great production rates and locating wonderful employees. The Rock Valley College Refugee Program is located in the Illinois Employment and Training Center, 3134 11th St., Rockford. If you have any employment needs, please call us at (815) 921-2273 or (815) 921-2278 to see how Refugee & Immigrant Services can best meet your needs.
SOUTH EAST ASIA CENTER
5120 North Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone : (773) 989-6927
Fax: (773) 989-4871
The South-East Asia Center (SEAC) is a community-based, educational and social service organization building bridges of understanding and cooperation between peoples of Old and New World cultures. SEAC serves some of the most culturally diverse immigrant neighborhoods in the United States, with over one hundred different languages spoken by residents within its borders. SEAC's uptown-Edgewater home base is also one of the poorest neighborhoods in Chicago, with some forty-three percent of Uptown children and twenty-six percent of Edgewater children living under the poverty line. Many of the immigrants and refugees served at SEAC come from rural societies where education and literacy are scarce commodities..
SIERRA LEONE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO
10 W. 35th Street
Suite 9D3-1
Chicago, Illinois 60616
Phone: (312) 808-9560
email: info@SLCAC.org
The SLCAC strengthens the vitality of our community by organizing various programs and
services such as immigration and citizenship education, career counseling, resume writing and
job search, resource connection and legal referrals, as well as programs geared toward the
youth and the elderly.
Programs:
TRUMAN COLLEGE
ESL class instructors
Kathy Judd 773/907-4435 kjudd@ccc.edu
Barbara Frommer 773/907-4686 bfrommer@ccc.edu
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