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Youth Zone’s Mini Basketball Program

Youth Zone has developed an innovative approach to youth basketball. Youth Zone’s Mini Basketball Program targets youth from Kindergarten – 5th grade (self-named the West Haven Dream Team) within the West Haven community, in efforts to prepare them for the latter years of more competitive engagements. Training conditions are lead […]


Youth Zone’s Common Threads Culinary Program

Youth Zone after school program is, once again, broadening the horizons on young minds. Partnering with the Common Threads culinary program, Youth Zone is now introducing youth to cooking and preparing meals in new way. Lead by Chef Gina, of Common Threads, two youth cohorts (3rd- 5th and 6th -8th […]


Let’s Roll Out!

Near West Side CDC was awarded two roll-away basketball hoops through a gracious donation from Dick’s Sporting Goods.  Youth Zone participants can’t wait for warmer weather in Chicago so they can enjoy the donation.   Thanks Dick’s Sporting Goods!


Family Night Event

On Thursday, November 20th, 2014, Near West Side CDC partnered with Brown Elementary School and James Jordan Foundation to host a Family Night at Brown School. Many Brown students and over 30 families came out for the early holiday festivities. With a strong focus on parent engagement, the event offered […]


West Haven Elementary Students Honored

On November 19th, 2014, Near West Side CDC honored two Brown Elementary scholars with awards for good grades this school semester. Toddarrien Villa (Left) and Robert Boston (right) are both residents of the Horner / West Haven Community. Robert (1st Grade) earned 4 A’s and 4 B’s this semester,) just […]


Sister 2 Sister Mentoring

In 2014, Near West Side CDC provided youth with a mentoring program with cosmetology as the base. While the young ladies learned about and discussed issues such as bullying, hygiene, self-awareness, goal planning, and what it means to be a woman. They were also tutored in apprenticeship fashion on the […]


Our Documentary

This documentary explores the history of our organization and the West Haven community which it has served for over 20 years within the Near West Side of Chicago. We ask community residents, leaders and public officials how Near West Side CDC has positively impacted people’s lives. Thanks to all of […]

West Haven Skyline

Women’s History Month

On March 26th, Near West partnered with Illinois Action For Children to celebrate Women’s History Month at Mable Manning Library. In this multi-generational event, women of all ages came out to celebrate each other. Through dance, music, fashion, etc., the ladies described what it was like growing up in the […]


Plans Begin for West Haven Park

View original article here from the Chicago Architecture Blog. Originally posted February 6, 2014. From article: Westhaven Park will be a reality in the Spring of 2015 at the corner of West Washington and North Wolcott Avenue, just north of the United Center. Right now, the 1.75-acre park is a […]


$23 Million Overhaul of Damen Blue Line Stop

Article posted on April 2, 2014 on Curbed Chicago, original article here From article: A $23 million plan to renovate and revamp the decaying Blue Line station at the Illinois Medical District (IMD) goes to City Hall today where it is likely to be approved. The proposal for the station’s […]