President & CEO of the Carole Robertson Center for Learning Bela Moté and United Way of Metro Chicago Chief Strategy & Development Officer Kimberlee Guenther celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Center's flagship site.
Community leaders, partners, supporters, staff, and families gather at newly renovated the Carole Robertson Center for Learning in Little Village.
“The city is yours” — and so is the newly renovated Carole Robertson Center for Learning flagship site.
Within a pop-art mural of a dense cityscape by artist Nate Otto, the slogan set the stage. In bold black lettering, the inclusive message served as the backdrop for speakers celebrating the official ribbon cutting of the renovated space in Little Village on March 4, 2026.
President and CEO of the Carole Robertson Center for Learning Bela Moté took to the podium and welcomed community leaders, partners, supporters, staff, and families in the bright gymnasium.
“‘The city is yours’ is a sentiment we seek to instill in everyone that we serve, especially our children. We want them to know that this building is theirs,” Moté said. “The project serves as a testament to having a vision and finding the right people and community members to invest in it.”
United Way of Metro Chicago is honored to be one of those dedicated partners. The Carole Robertson Center has been providing early care and education programs for children and youth for 50 years. United Way believes that early learning is critical, setting the stage for future success. Not only are we a long-time supporter of the Carole Robertson Center through our unrestricted impact grants, but United Way also supported the renovation of the flagship site through One Lawndale and the Little Village Neighborhood Network.
“The transformation of the Carole Robertson Center for Learning reflects the power of community-led vision and partnership,” said Kimberlee Guenther, Ph.D., Chief Strategy and Development Officer for United Way of Metro Chicago. “United Way is proud to support this effort through One Lawndale, helping bring to life a space that will serve and inspire families for generations.”
The remodeled site was completed in 14 months, ahead of schedule, and under budget. A library, 20+ classrooms, music and gross motor rooms, an industrial-grade kitchen, and the gym support dynamic programming for infants through high school students. Close to 400 children are enrolled in early childhood and youth development programs during the year.
“I’m absolutely overwhelmed by the decades-long trust and belief that the little engine of Carole Robertson Center for Learning could, and did,” Moté said. “This site represents our aspirations, our hopes, and our dreams for the next 50 years, continuing to grow, innovate, and provide the best possible learning environment for our children, our families, and our youth.”
The flagship site is the first of three Carole Robertson Center buildings to be renovated, with the other two locations in North Lawndale and Albany Park. At the heart of all these projects is community vision and residents reclaiming their space — “the city is yours.”
“Thank you for believing and investing in our children, in our youth, and in our community,” Moté said. “Today is a day filled with hope, joy, love, and optimism.”
Check out CBS Chicago’s coverage of the ribbon cutting here.
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