Community Partner Spotlight: Inner City Challenge Chicago

Mission

Inner City Challenge Chicago (ICC-Chicago) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit devoted to strengthening Chicago’s West Side through unity, resources, and empowerment. We provide youth, families, and seniors with education, health, re-entry, violence prevention, and community-building programs that foster resilience, pride, and opportunity in underserved neighborhoods.

President & Founder

Felicia Solebo, a lifelong West Garfield Park resident and currently resides in the Austin area. She has dedicated over 18 years to advancing community service and equity. She has led initiatives including block clean-ups, school supply drives, senior support, youth engagement, re-entry support, and violence prevention programs. Felicia has also self-sponsored many community events, investing her own resources to ensure residents’ needs are met.

Felicia has been recognized for her leadership with several accolades:

• Community Leader Honoree – Butterflies in Effect (June 2025)
• Featured in Chicago Tribune – Welfare to Work Success (January 2004)
• Community Service Recognition – Austin Weekly News (August 2019) for uniting West Garfield Park residents and Marconi School alumni (400+ attendees)
• Community Service Award – The Care Center (now known as The Base Chicago, September 2020)

Services Offered

ICC-Chicago provides direct community services, including school supplies and food giveaways, clothing distribution, senior assistance, youth engagement programs, ex-offender re-entry support, violence prevention initiatives, wellness activities, and access to technology. We also connect residents with childcare, mental health services, and other critical resources through partnerships.

Current Projects

ICC-Chicago has recently completed several successful community initiatives, including the Harmony on the Lot live music celebration in September and the annual Back-to-School Giveaway, which provided free supplies, food, and resources for families. Inner City Challenge Chicago (ICC-Chicago) is proud to announce preparations for its 1st Annual Community Cleanup, scheduled for Spring 2026. This initiative continues the organization’s commitment to community pride and collaboration.

Recently, ICC–Chicago successfully hosted its “Nightmare on Massasoit” Halloween Event, welcoming nearly 200 attendees to a free community celebration that fostered safety, neighborhood unity, and family engagement through festive activities and local participation.

In addition, ICC-Chicago is expanding senior outreach, re-entry support, violence prevention initiatives, and mental health services to address the overwhelming needs in urban communities.

Organizational Impact to the Community

Each year, ICC-Chicago serves hundreds of families by providing essential resources, hosting community events, and promoting neighborhood pride. From distributing book bags to fostering re-entry support, ICC-Chicago helps children feel prepared, seniors supported, and families connected—building safer, healthier, and more united communities.

Funding Sources

ICC-Chicago is supported by grassroots donations, sponsorships, local fundraisers, and in-kind contributions, including food, supplies, and services. Additionally, our Founder, Felicia Solebo, has personally self-sponsored and funded numerous programs to guarantee continued support for residents.

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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