Community Partner Spotlight: Onward Neighborhood House

Mission

Onward Neighborhood House opens doors to improve lives and uplift communities through educational, economic, and support services. We are a social services hub where residents of Belmont Cragin on Chicago’s Northwest side can access resources to help them build a better life for themselves and their families. We identify unmet needs, build enduring relationships, and develop holistic programs to help people thrive.

Executive Director

Mario F. García has 28 years of experience in nonprofit management, specializing in organizational development and training. Prior to becoming Executive Director at Onward House in 2004, Mr. García led a consulting business for board development, team building, strategic planning, and leadership.

He is a member of Chicago’s Early Childhood Education CEO Roundtable, a board member for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, and a board member of the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute. He has a B.S. in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and an M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Services Offered

• Early Childhood Education: early literacy, problem-solving, fine and gross motor activities, and communication
• School-Age Program: after-school and summer instruction for ages 5 to 12
• Special Education: individualized support plans
• Food Pantry: client-choice food options, hygiene products, clothing, and school supplies
• Illinois Welcoming Center for Immigrants and Refugees (IWC): case management, crisis interventions, social services referrals, ESL and citizenship classes
• Adult Education: computer and business skills classes
• Health Services: primary care, blood work, and medication for the uninsured through CommunityHealth’s onsite clinic

Current Projects

• Renovation of a new 21,000 square-foot building to house our Food Pantry, IWC, and Health Services, in addition to a Rooftop Urban Farm
• Expansion of our IWC to add a social worker and Adult Education Coordinator by winter of 2023 to meet rising demand
• Hiring a part-time speech-language pathologist to work with our Special Education students
• Reinstating GED classes to our Adult Education offerings by winter of 2023

Organizational Impact to the Community

We address acute and long-term issues in the under-resourced communities we serve, first by homing in on the primary needs that must be met, and then by providing the opportunities needed for our participants to fulfill their potential and thrive. We ensure that residents who lack quality nutrition, primary healthcare, adequate clothing, primary education, and professional development can receive these essentials free of charge.

Funding Sources

We receive funding from the state and federal governments, foundations, corporations, and individuals.

This spotlight is part of the Healthy City Collaborative, a program within the UIC Office of Community Engagement And Neighborhood Health Partnerships.

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