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Adele & Robert Stern Red Shield Center: A History Image

Adele & Robert Stern Red Shield Center: A History

The story of the Adele and Robert Stern Red Shield Center

Eight years ago, in an attempt to better tailor services to the needs of the community, The Salvation Army surveyed leaders and residents of Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood to determine how best the organization could serve the community. As might be expected, the requests included alternative recreation for youth, child care, after-school programs, teen programs, employment assistance and social services.

The Salvation Army responded by designing a major expansion of the existing Englewood Corps Community Center, complete with a 60,000-square-feet of recreational space, state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor walking track and a multipurpose auditorium and worship center.  In 2005, The Salvation Army broke ground on the Adele and Robert Stern Red Shield Center.

With The Salvation Army’s own investments of $13 million, enhanced by a generous $3 million gift from Adele and Robert Stern and the donation of land from the City of Chicago, the Center represents a major investment in the Englewood neighborhood.

On October 7, 2006, the Adele and Robert Stern Red Shield Center held a grand opening and dedication ceremony. Mayor Daley, one of many honored guests, gave a special address saying: “Too often in our society we concentrate on the negative aspects of our world,” said Daley. “Today, we stand here to accentuate the positive. There are a lot of good things happening in Englewood.”

Serving hundreds of families each the day, the Adele and Robert Stern Red Shield Center provides play and education space for infants and pre-schoolers, organized sports and cultural activities, recreation for seniors and a  fully equipped gym and exercise room for use by all.

The Adele and Robert Stern Red Shield Center is proud of both its design and function. The many tall windows and glass walls provide natural light to the interior spaces while inviting the community to come inside to explore all the Center has to offer.

The Salvation Army has been serving our neighbors in Chicago for more than 125 years.  October 2012 will mark the six-year anniversary of the new and significantly expanded facility.  We are honored to serve the entire Englewood community, and we invite you to explore all of the programs and opportunities available here at Adele and Robert Stern Red Shield Center.