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​​After searching high and low, we've identified two spaces that together meet all our goals of easy accessibility, increased space, and long-term financial stability.

​Our headquarters will be located in Chicago's West Ridge neighborhood at 2800 W. Peterson, with additional services offered from a nearby building we were fortunate to be gifted at 5705 N. Lincoln. ​

Our new home will provide room for English and computer training, workforce development, mental health care, extensive youth programs, mentoring, citizenship services, and more.

We'll also add new services including dental care and assistance for asylum seekers and, above all, respond to new and changing needs of refugees. 

An incredible youth center

Every day for many years, we've converted a church parish hall into our youth center (and then back again at day's end). In our new home, we'll have space designed exclusively by and for young refugees. With a quiet, lofted reading area, modular desks with wobble chairs, a climbing wall, a calm corner, and an area "cool" enough for teens, this space will be a home away from home for our youngest clients. 

expanded clinical assessments

Individuals seeking asylum in the U.S. possess an international right to have their claim of persecution evaluated. Asylum seekers who undergo forensic exams as part of this evaluation are more than twice as likely to be granted asylum. Our newly outfitted clinical observation room will equip us to do psychological assessments for asylum seekers, as well as treatment and observations for children and youth.

pro bono dental care

Most refugees have gone without dental care for their entire lives and their insurance here in the U.S. provides extremely limited options. Our future dental clinic will meet a previously unmet need in the community by partnering with pro bono dentists and dental schools to provide this new and important service. 

December 2019

• Take ownership of donated building (5705 N. Lincoln)

January 2020

• Close on larger building (2800 W. Peterson) with pro bono assistance from Reed Smith

February 2020

• Complete floorplans and drawings with pro bono services from bKL Architecture
• Pull construction permits & hire contractor

March 2020

• Begin 6-month renovations

September 2020 

• Lease ends at our Uptown offices
• Complete construction & move in