Howard & Evanston Community Center: Empowering Lives & Building Futures

04 May, 2025

Can a community truly flourish without accessible resources and unwavering support for its members? The Howard & Evanston Community Center, a beacon in the heart of Chicago, provides a resounding answer: a vibrant, thriving community is built on the foundations of empowerment, opportunity, and unwavering commitment to its residents.

The Howard & Evanston Community Center (HECC), a social service agency serving the greater Rogers Park area and Evanston, stands as a testament to the power of community. Since its inception in 1967, HECC has evolved from a humble food pantry into a multifaceted organization providing a wide array of services. These include affordable and free education, employment assistance, health programs, early learning initiatives, youth development programs, and reentry support. Its mission, simply stated, is to build community success. The center's philosophy is embodied in its motto: "We provide the tools and resources to empower individuals, enabling their independence and offering a better chance for a brighter tomorrow."

Key Features	Details
Name	Howard & Evanston Community Center (HECC)
Location	Greater Rogers Park area and Evanston, Chicago, IL
Founded	1967 (as a food pantry)
Mission	To build community success
Services Offered	Affordable and free education Employment assistance Health programs Early learning programs Youth development programs Reentry support
Target Demographics	Racially and ethnically diverse group of students and families, Rogers Park youth, adult learners, and individuals and families seeking support.
Core Values	Empowerment, independence, opportunity, community building, and comprehensive support.
Key Programs	Adult Education (reading, writing, math, English language acquisition) Youth Mentorship Employment Resource Center Early Learning Programs
Partnerships	MFS (joining July 1, 2023), City of Chicago (pilot programs)
Leadership	Jason Kaiser (Executive Director since November 2021)
Community Involvement	Volunteers are an essential part of the heart and soul of the Howard and Evanston Community Center.
Main Center Address	7648 N. Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60626
Contact Information	773.262.6622
Sheila Reynolds Berner Family Center Address	7510 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60626
External Link for Reference	Howard & Evanston Community Center LinkedIn

The story of HECC began in 1967, a time when neighbors recognized the pressing need for assistance within their community. Parishioners from St. Ignatius built a food pantry to provide aid to their neighbors and that small act of compassion has grown to be HECC. This initial effort, providing food and clothing, laid the foundation for what would become a comprehensive social service agency. Years of tireless work by many helping hands, transformed this seed of goodwill into the thriving community center of today. The unwavering dedication to serving the community is at the heart of HECCs enduring legacy.

HECC's main center is located at 7648 N. Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60626, and also operates the Sheila Reynolds Berner Family Center at 7510 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60626. The main center is a hub of activity, housing the health and human services, adult education programs, and an employment resource center. In addition to these core services, HECC provides many services spanning early learning, youth development, reentry and employment.

A key component of HECC's mission is its commitment to affordable and free programs. Recognizing the financial barriers that can prevent individuals from accessing essential services, the center provides a wide range of resources at no cost. This includes education, employment assistance, and health programs, making them accessible to the greater Rogers Park area and Evanston communities.

The organization's impact is multi-generational. Serving rogers park children and youth, through education and mentorship, is the backbone of howard and evanston community center's work. The center also recognizes the importance of supporting families. Howard and Evanston Community Center meets adult learners families needs in the classroom, but can also provide home assessments and support.

The organization actively seeks to cultivate a positive and supportive environment for young people. HECC provides opportunity youth with the tools and support they need to develop their interests, encouraging them to build stable futures. Young people are given the chance to define their own aspirations, and HECC is there to help them realize their potential, providing support every step of the way.

HECC's adult education program assists adult learners in improving their skills in a wide variety of subjects. This is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about empowering individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals. The program offers assistance in reading, writing, mathematics, and English language acquisition, among other key areas. Through these classes, HECC equips adults with the tools they need to excel in their studies, careers, and lives.

The HECC also recognizes the importance of partnerships in furthering its mission. On July 1, 2023, HECC officially joined MFS (Metropolitan Family Services), an alliance that promises to amplify its reach and impact, ensuring greater services to the community. Furthermore, HECC partners with the City of Chicago on pilot programs, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing community needs and participating in innovative solutions.

Leading the charge is the executive director, Jason Kaiser, who has been at the helm since November 2021. Before assuming this role, he served as the director of adult support services for five years, giving him a deep understanding of the community's requirements. His leadership is informed by a solid foundation in the center's history and its ongoing goals, enabling him to direct and empower HECC's dedicated team of social service professionals.

The Howard & Evanston Community Center's team consists of social service professionals, including youth, education, employment, and health experts. This diverse and highly skilled team provides the resources and assistance needed to build a better tomorrow for the community. They have experience and expertise in many areas, from early childhood learning to workforce training, to support adults and families and, in partnership with volunteers, are the heart and soul of the organization. Their efforts align with the centers core mission of providing the tools, resources, and services to enable the independence of all ages.

HECC is more than just a service provider; it is a community hub where residents can access crucial support and build connections. The organization also has an active community board, integral to the success of each center, providing guidance, support, and ensuring that the programs and services provided continue to meet the needs of the community it serves.

HECC is also a place where volunteers are essential. Volunteers are a vital part of the heart and soul of the Howard and Evanston Community Center. These dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of others. Their commitment embodies the spirit of community and selflessness that HECC stands for.

The organizations commitment to education is also demonstrated through its work in training childcare professionals. The center serves a racially and ethnically diverse group of students and families and trains childcare professionals to be culturally informed to support the childs home culture and language, ensuring that children are safe and supported, promoting their holistic growth.

The success of HECC is something that is worth celebrating. The community center hosts a regular program showcase to celebrate the services they offer. Join us for the HECC program showcase, celebrating the programs and services provided by the Howard & Evanston Community Center! This event allows the community to come together and learn more about the services available and to recognize the contributions of the staff, volunteers, and participants.

The community is welcome to take part, and to find support. For those interested in learning more or getting involved, the HECC is easily accessible. The center provides an array of resources including, adults & families children & youth emergency needs, and food. The staff is available to help people find assistance for all needs. The center has a simple mission: to build community success, which has been the driving force behind its work in the Rogers Park area.

In conclusion, the Howard & Evanston Community Center is a vital asset to the greater Rogers Park and Evanston communities. By providing affordable and free education, employment, health programs, and other essential services, HECC empowers individuals and families, helping them build a brighter future. With its dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, and commitment to building community success, HECC continues to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of those it serves.

Howard & Evanston Metropolitan Family Services

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