Onward Neighborhood House records

Historical note

Onward Neighborhood House was established in 1926 as a community center serving the near northwest neighborhoods of Chicago, by a group of volunteers from the Glencoe Union Church and the Winnetka Congregational Church. It was named after the Onward Presbyterian Church, which served as its first home. The programs offered by Onward House were modified as the needs of the residents and the neighborhood it served changed. During the Depression of the 1930s, Onward House focused on food distribution and counseling. In the 1950s, the neighborhood continued to deteriorate and was designated a conservation area by the City of Chicago. The residents, having no other social agencies to which they could turn, brought serious problems to Onward House. The agency hired a professional staff of social workers and a consulting clinical psychologist. Programs were developed around four main areas: family, group activities, community, and informal education. Group activities continued and consisted of clubs, classes, sports and arts programs. Onward Neighborhood House continues to serve the West Town area offering services for children, teens, seniors, families and the community at large.