An Illinois Not-for-Profit Corporation Federal 501(c)(3) Status Pending

Programs

Childcare, Preschool, and School-Age Programs

Planned childcare and early learning from three weeks through age six, after-school programming for children ages six through twelve, fresh meals, enrichment, and family support connected to one trusted center.

Planned bright early-learning classroom with young children working at a round table while a teacher sits with two children on a rug.

Ages 3 weeks through 6 years

Childcare, Preschool, and Early Learning

First Family and Child Services is planning a high-quality childcare center and preschool where children can feel safe, known, and ready to learn. Dedicated classrooms will support each stage from early infancy through kindergarten readiness, with age-appropriate routines, enriching play, outdoor time, fresh meals, and regular communication with families.

  • Infant care beginning as early as three weeks
  • Dedicated infant rooms with developmentally appropriate toys and safe play areas
  • Toddler care supporting language, movement, independence, and social development
  • Preschool and prekindergarten learning
  • Kindergarten readiness and early learning through age six
  • Freshly prepared meals and nutrition support
  • Indoor and outdoor play, movement, and enrichment

Plans include space for more than fifty infants, subject to final licensing and approved room capacity.

Ages 6 through 12

A Safe and Engaging Place After School

Children ages six through twelve will have a welcoming place to complete homework, build friendships, enjoy a nutritious meal or snack, and participate in activities that strengthen confidence, creativity, and curiosity after the school day ends.

  • Homework and academic support
  • Literacy and STEM activities
  • Arts and enrichment
  • Mentoring and confidence building
  • Supervised indoor and outdoor recreation
  • Freshly prepared meals and snacks
Planned indoor multipurpose community hall with a high ceiling, basketball hoop, stage area, and round tables set up for events.

Nine core services

All nine, under one roof

Childcare, family support, social services, workforce resources, nutrition, and community programming — brought together in one trusted location.

  • Planned welcoming reception lobby with a front desk, wall signage reading First Family and Child Services Family Resource Center Welcome, and a seating area.

    Family Intake and Navigation

    A welcoming first point of contact for family intake, case management, childcare enrollment, document verification, online applications, bilingual assistance, benefits guidance, and referrals for food, housing, healthcare, and other family needs.

  • Planned early-learning classroom with tall windows, low storage shelving, an alphabet circle rug, tables with chairs, and a soft reading nook.

    Childcare and Youth Programs

    Planned licensed childcare for children from 3 weeks through age 6, with early learning, school readiness, social and emotional development, age-appropriate play, developmental support, and after-school enrichment for children ages 6 to 12.

  • Planned commercial kitchen where two staff members prepare fresh vegetables at a stainless steel table beside a range and refrigerator.

    Fresh Cooked Meals and Nutrition

    Breakfast, lunch, and snacks prepared on-site for children, along with nutrition education, healthy cooking activities, and meal support that promotes healthy growth, focus, and learning.

  • Planned parent workshop: a facilitator standing beside a blank whiteboard speaking with a circle of seated adults in a bright room.

    Parent Support and Engagement

    Parenting workshops and groups, family meetings, enrollment support, child development resources, caregiver support, wellness education, and connections to services based on each family’s needs.

  • Planned adult computer training room where an instructor helps a learner at a workstation while others work at desks by tall windows.

    Workforce and Adult Education

    Job readiness training, resume and interview help, employment referrals, workforce training partners, GED preparation referrals, English language classes, computer training, digital literacy, and small business development resources.

  • Planned case manager meeting with a family at a table in a resource room, with a wall display of available support services behind them.

    Social Service Coordination

    Coordinated referrals for mental health and family counseling, behavioral health, developmental and child wellness screenings, vision and dental care, speech and occupational therapy, physical therapy, early childhood intervention, trauma-informed support, financial literacy, budgeting and credit education, income support, tax preparation, legal aid, housing, and immigration resources.

  • Planned community resource area with a reception counter, computer stations beneath tall windows, and a lounge seating group.

    Community Resource Room

    Computer and internet access, help with online applications, bilingual enrollment assistance, family resource navigation, flexible meeting space, and scheduled services provided by community partners.

  • Planned fenced playground with colorful play structures and soft safety surfacing where children play while adults watch nearby.

    Community Programming and Recreation

    Family events, parent workshops, wellness and cooking classes, youth enrichment, indoor recreation in the multipurpose hall, outdoor activities, two age-separated playgrounds, and partner-led programs throughout the year.

  • Planned accessible lobby: a person using a wheelchair at a step-free welcome desk, with an accessible entrance, lift, and wide circulation routes.

    Accessible Facility and Services

    Accessible entrances and routes, an ADA lift, accessible restrooms, and a facility designed to help children, parents, caregivers, and community members use the center safely and comfortably.

Service area

Auburn Gresham Is Home, and Families Across the South Side Are Welcome

The center will be located at 8035 S. Honore Street in Auburn Gresham and will welcome families from Englewood, West Englewood, Chatham, Washington Heights, Greater Grand Crossing, Roseland, Beverly, Morgan Park, Ashburn, Chicago Lawn, Woodlawn, South Shore, Pullman, West Pullman, and surrounding communities.

Map of the communities served on Chicago’s South Side First Family and Child Services is located in Auburn Gresham at 8035 South Honore Street. The center will welcome families from Englewood, West Englewood, Chatham, Washington Heights, Greater Grand Crossing, Roseland, Beverly, Morgan Park, Ashburn, Chicago Lawn, Woodlawn, South Shore, Pullman, West Pullman, and surrounding communities. Lake Michigan Chicago Lawn Ashburn West Englewood Englewood Greater Grand Crossing Woodlawn South Shore Chatham Washington Heights Beverly Morgan Park Roseland Pullman West Pullman Auburn Gresham 8035 S. Honore St
Approximate locations, shown for orientation only — not to scale.

Auburn Gresham is home. Families from these neighboring communities are welcome too.

  • Auburn Gresham
  • Englewood
  • West Englewood
  • Chatham
  • Washington Heights
  • Greater Grand Crossing
  • Roseland
  • Beverly
  • Morgan Park
  • Ashburn
  • Chicago Lawn
  • Woodlawn
  • South Shore
  • Pullman
  • West Pullman
  • & surrounding communities

8035 S. Honore Street
Chicago, Illinois 60620 · Ward 17

Contact us

Get in Touch

Questions about programs, partnerships, or the project? We would be glad to hear from you.