Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!
Knowledge is a ticket out of poverty
The Salvation Army offers after-school programs and enrichment activities
to help families in our community.
To keep our clients, staff, and volunteers safe, and in accordance with city and state guidelines, some programs at The Salvation Army Freedom Center Campus / Harbor Light Corps Community Center are closed until further notice. Modified programs and services may still be available. No one with flu-like symptoms will be allowed into Freedom Center Campus facilities until further notice. Community meals are suspended until further notice. Sick clients may arrange to have someone pick up food pantry orders on their behalf. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us at (312) 667-2200.
Click here to learn more about local and national Coronavirus (COVID-19) relief efforts.
By the end of the 4th grade, African-American, Latino and low-income students are already two years behind grade level.
By the time they reach the 12th grade, the same kids are four years behind.
"The goal-setting class really showed me how to create a plan to succeed and reach my dream."
The Salvation Army's programs help motivate, encourage and empower youth to be the best they can be and to seek out ways to reach their goals.
The Salvation Army empowers youth in our community through:
Head Start & Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide young children and their families a chance to learn in an educational and creative environment. Programs also meet the needs of teen mothers and homeless families.
After-School Programs
The Salvation Army community centers provide after-school programming to give youth and teens a safe place to complete homework, learn new skills and relax with their friends. Free dinners for kids (up to age 17) are served Monday through Friday from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Northwestern Hospital Sponsored Cooking Classes are offered Tuesdays from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Character-Building & Mentoring Programs
Weekly scout-style and mentoring programs are designed to support youth and teens as they navigate their world and grow into adulthood. Topics addressed can include bullying, peer pressure, making a positive impact on the community, family life, and more.
- Our Character-Building Scouting Program for boys and girls ages 6-17 years old is held on Tuesdays. Dinner is served from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., with Scouting program starting at 5:00 p.m. We host Open Gym after Character-Building on Tuesdays.
- "Let's Talk 4 Teens" followed by Open Gym - Wednesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 p.m.
- Open Gym for kids 6-12 years on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 p.m.
Music, Visual and Dramatic Education
The Salvation Army is the largest music educator in the world, with offerings in brass, vocal, guitar, drums and more. It is important to provide additional creative outlets for youth, teens and adults to share their experiences, hopes, dreams and fears. Music lessons are held on Mondays at 4:30 p.m.
Recreational, Sports & Fitness Programs
Sports, recreation and fitness programs help kids learn the value of health, physical activity and teamwork.
Camp
Wonderland Camp provides week-long summer camp options for youth, teens and seniors with a different theme each week. We also host day camps during school breaks and the summer; registration information is usually available in April.
