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  • Zip code should not determine a person's destiny
  • As Chicagoans, we have a great love for our neighborhoods across the city and suburbs. There is plenty to celebrate, but the zip code you live in can have a significant impact on your access to opportunities. By working alongside local neighborhood leaders to help identify community priorities and create a resident-driven neighborhood strategy, we can stabilize our community and improve the quality of life for all our neighbors across the entire region. This place-based approach is led by the Community Quarterback, a role that helps bring to the table all of the people, resources, and ideas needed to execute community plans.
  • Transforming neighborhoods from the "inside out"
  • This “inside-out” neighborhood-led transformation is the key to maintaining the history and culture of neighborhoods while accelerating a regional recovery strategy that builds equal opportunities and access regardless of zip code.
  • The role of United Way in each Neighborhood Network
  • Community organizations and individuals across the Chicago region are working to improve their local neighborhoods. What might happen if they pool their resources and work together toward a common goal? That’s what the Neighborhood Network Initiative is all about. United Way of Metro Chicago sits at the intersection of economic opportunity and human services—we provide training, funding, resources and knowledge to bring community-driven goals of our Neighborhood Network communities to life.
  • Momentum for the future
  • We have seen the local coalitions of the Neighborhood Networks rise to meet the needs of their communities amid the pandemic and ultimately elevate the visibility of the Neighborhood Network place-based model—proving its success in quickly and effectively tackling community-identified challenges. For the first time in six years, we’re grateful to be able to deepen our commitment to community-led transformation and expand our Neighborhood Network Initiative into Englewood, Garfield Park, and Far South thanks to our incredible partnerships with local neighborhood leaders and key stakeholders, like the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, BMO Harris Bank, and MacKenzie Scott.

A Vision for Stronger Neighborhoods

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United Way of Metro Chicago is building stronger neighborhoods for a stronger Chicago region. Watch A Vision for Stronger Neighborhoods: an Austin Story to see how we’re partnering with community leaders to bring this to life.

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Auburn Gresham

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Austin

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Blue Island / Robbins

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Brighton Park

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Bronzeville

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Cicero

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Elgin

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Englewood

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Evanston

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Far South

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Ford Heights / Chicago Heights

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Garfield Park

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Harvey

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Little Village

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Park Forest / Richton Park

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South Chicago

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West Chicago

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