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  • Location
  • Garfield Park is a combination of two Chicago communities on Chicago’s West Side: East Garfield Park and West Garfield Park, both named for the physical park space in the community.
  • Demographics
  • According to 2020 census data, the total population of East and West Garfield Park is just over 37,400 residents. Garfield Park is a predominantly Black community with nearly 90% of residents in East Garfield Park and more than 93% of residents in West Garfield Park identifying as Black. More than 50% of households in Garfield Park earn less than $25,000 annually.
  • Looking Back
  • Originally called Central Park, Garfield Park was largely settled by Irish and German railroad workers. The park was renamed in honor of President James A. Garfield, and the community grew in the early 1900s due in large part to the opening of the Garfield Park Conservatory, the Lake Street El station, and commercial development. However, the construction of the Eisenhower Expressway in the late 1950s displaced many residents. Following Dr. King’s assassination and the subsequent anger and frustration with civic leaders and unjust systems, many businesses and residents left the neighborhood. However, through the leadership of community residents and stakeholders, there is hope for a brighter future built on cultural wellness.
  • History of the Neighborhood Network
  • The Garfield Park Neighborhood Network is one of three new networks launched in 2022, the first expansion of the Initiative in six years. Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative serves as the “community quarterback” for the Garfield Park Neighborhood Network.

Garfield Park Community Vision

The Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative envisions a vibrant culture where legacy and future residents experience the highest quality of life.

Neighborhood Network in Action

The Garfield Park Neighborhood Network was included in the expansion of the Neighborhood Network Initiative in 2022 due to its existing coalition and articulated vision for strengthening the Garfield Park community.

Coalition Highlights

The Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative (GPRWC) is a group of residents, faith-based and health care institutions, nonprofits, and other stakeholders that work and live in Garfield Park.

Select “next” to read more about GPRWC’s coalition highlights.

Coalition Highlights

– GPRWC practices Black Culture Wellness to improve self-efficacy, model healthy behavior, and prove the healing aspects of movement, music, and other forms of cultural expression.

– Following the abrupt exit of Aldi from the Garfield Park neighborhood, GPRWC quickly mobilized to provide emergency food distributions for Garfield Park residents.

Hear from your neighbors and supporters

TJ Crawford

Executive Director of Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative

“United Way’s partnership with the Garfield Park community helps strengthen our coalition of residents, faith-based and health care institutions, nonprofits and other stakeholders. Being a part of the Neighborhood Network Initiative furthers our mission to develop leaders and create opportunities and programs that build a thriving Garfield Park community.”
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