Centers For New Horizons Inc

Centers for New Horizons, Inc. (Centers) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children, youth, and families in Chicago's South Side, particularly within the Bronzeville and Riverdale neighborhoods. Established in 1971 by Dr. Sokoni Karanja, Centers aims to foster self-reliance, enhance quality of life, and contribute to community revitalization.

Operating with a staff of over 200 full-time employees, many of whom reside in or near the service areas, Centers reaches more than 6,000 families daily across multiple locations. The organization employs a Two-Generation (2Gen) model, focusing on engaging multiple generations to build economic security and social capital.

Key Programs and Services

• Early Learning & Education: Centers provides comprehensive early childhood education services, including Head Start and Early Head Start programs, nurturing the development of infants and young children.
• Youth Development: The organization offers mentoring, after-school support, and summer enrichment programs aimed at empowering young individuals. Initiatives like the EmpowerU program provide career exploration, job readiness training, and hands-on work experience for youth aged 14–15.
• Adult & Family Services: Centers delivers holistic family case management through a trauma-informed approach, offering counseling, job training, and placement services. The FamilyWorks program collaborates with the Chicago Housing Authority to provide comprehensive services for public housing and Housing Choice Voucher participants.
• Workforce & Economic Development: Centers operates a full-service employment and training center, offering specialized training and job placement assistance tailored to the needs of out-of-work and underemployed job seekers. Programs like EmPowerU focus on career development and job placement for youth aged 16–24.
• Community Partnerships: Centers collaborates with local organizations to strengthen community protective factors, including comprehensive workforce development, affordable housing, effective schools, and supportive programs for preschoolers, youth, elders, and families.

Locations

Centers for New Horizons operates multiple facilities across Chicago's South Side, including:

• Headquarters: 4150 South King Drive
• Effie Ellis: 4301 S Cottage Grove Ave
• The Salvation Army Reentry Support Center: 845 W 69th St
• TURN Center (Youth Development & Workforce): 4444 S Evans Ave
• Altgeld Early Learning Center: 13107 S Ingleside Ave
• Evanston, IL, USA (additional location)

These locations collectively serve thousands of residents, providing a range of services designed to empower individuals and strengthen the community.