JUF-funded agencies offer a dynamic menu of services that support people at every stage of life. This state-of-the-art network offers everything from respite care for families of children with disabilities to community-based services that allow seniors to live independently in their own homes. In addition, JUF supports local Jewish educational institutions, helping to provide a vibrant Jewish education to the next generation.
Jewish tradition calls upon every individual to contribute to the welfare of the less fortunate. For more than 100 years, members of Chicagos Jewish community have chosen JUF/Federation as the central address for fulfilling this commandment. Chicagos Jewish community demonstrates unparalleled commitment to caring for the most vulnerable people in our midst, with the highest per capita giving of any of the largest cities in the U.S.
The Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club of Chicago provides space for local youth to engage in social and sporting activities, encouraging kids of all ages to interact, grow and expand their horizons to help them become well-rounded and responsible adults. Sports programs include soccer, basketball, softball and baseball, floor hockey and cheerleading. Other programs include tutoring, social events, scholarships and more for boys and girls ages 6-18. The club is open to all children and teens regardless of background or ability. This is an independent organization that generates its own money through fundraisers and the community at large.
YMCA is a leading nonprofit dedicated to community youth, health and social responsibility. The Lake View YMCA features an expansive fitness center with modern cardio and weight equipment, a personal training center, racquetball and squash courts and a full size pool. Adult-only locker rooms feature saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms. It offers more than 250 different programs and classes, including licensed after-school and preschool care, summer day camps, free Friday family night activities, teen nights, and various activities, contests and events. The Y is also a popular and convenient location for birthday parties with many different theme options. Membership privileges extend to all metropolitan Chicago YMCA facilities.
Center On Halsted is committed to advancing the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) movement. The office is open daily and resides in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview Neighborhood. The organization involves itself with the community at large through activities, services and programs.
DANK (an acronym for Deutsch Amerikanischer National Kongress) Haus offers a variety of cultural programs and German language classes as a means of promoting and preserving German heritage. The center features a library, art gallery, museum and social and educational programing. Events are held throughout the year and include music, seasonal festivities, art walks and films. In addition to German language classes, the center also offers cooking classes. A full calendar of events is available on its website.
DANK Haus is also available to rent for weddings and other special events. The four large party rooms and ten classrooms include tables, chairs, freight access, a special events staff, a professional kitchen and free parking for up to 90 cars.
Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, at Clark Street and Lincoln Park West, the center is the Chicago Park District's cultural gem.
The Lincoln Park Cultural Center boasts a wide variety of cultural and recreational programming throughout the year.
The park district encourages guests to visit its lapidary and stained glass shop, ceramics studio, and full-service wood shop. For little ones, there's an early childhood center filled with fun and exciting programs. Enjoy special events in the auditorium or even take dance lessons.
Editor's Note: This information was provided by the Chicago Park District.
The Northeast Levy Senior Center is one of several public senior centers supported by the City of Chicago. This regional center is a meeting place for over 300 different senior citizen groups and clubs. The center provides classes, trips, parties and recreational activities. It also serves a hot lunch every day. Other services include linking senior citizens to benefits and services using the community-based Information and Assistance Unit.
Concordia Place is a non-profit organization in Chicago's North Center, formed in partnership with Concordia Lutheran Church. Its services include early child care, after-school enrichment programs, summer camps and other recreational activities for children, teenagers and adults. Programs include an early learning program and preschool program. Teenagers can participate in a number of after-school programs, including Emerging Leaders, Sprouting Initiative and Recycling and Composting.
DePaul University Student Center provides students with a variety of services, acting as a home away from home. Whether you want a snack or a hot meal, the center offers several dining options from McGowan Cafe, the Lincoln Park Cafeteria and Brownstone's Cafe. It also has several meeting spaces, available for special events and activities. The center also offers in-house catering services for events held on campus. Additional student services are housed in the center including ID card services, student ministries and student government.
The Bodhi Spiritual Center is a non-religious community center that offers spiritual practices and transformational classes. These classes can include such topics as Exploring Meditation, Deepening Course, Abundant Life, Roots, This Thing Called You, Discover The Power Within You and Soul to Soul Parenting. In addition the Spiritual Center offers a variety of ministries, including a Prayer ministry, Youth & Family ministry, Animal ministry and Green ministry. Visitors can request more information by contacting The Bodhi Spiritual Center over the phone, or by filling out the contact form on the website.
Lincoln Park Zoo is a free community center that's open year-round. The park's board and staff are dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a family-focused wildlife experience in the heart of Chicago's beautiful Lincoln Park neighborhood and advancing the highest quality of animal care, education, science and conservation.
The zoo is a privately managed institution that depends primarily on the support of its visitors, members and donors to remain open every day. More than two-thirds of the zoo’s operating budget is provided by revenue from its food service, retail shops, parking, and fundraising activities, according to its website. The remaining funds are provided by the Chicago Park District.
Visitors to the zoo can see primates, Safari creatures, reptiles, birds, marine life, and much more. The primate house is a big attraction, as is an underground area where you can watch the seals and polar bears dive in.