An Illinois Not-for-Profit and 501(c)(3) Organization

Working together with First Family and Child Services to strengthen children, families, and communities.

Architectural rendering of the renovated First Family and Child Services building: a two-story cream brick center with community murals, entry signage, landscaped gardens, and families walking toward the front doors.

Opening in Auburn Gresham

A new home for early learning and family support

Childcare from three weeks old, meals cooked on site, and help for parents — at 8035 South Honore Street.

Join the interest list See the plan
Concept rendering Scroll

Our shared mission

Two organizations, one purpose

First Family Foundation and First Family and Child Services work together to support children, strengthen families, and improve communities across Chicago’s South Side.

Together they bring childcare, family support, and community programming to one trusted location in Auburn Gresham.

The transformation

The same building, brought back

Empty since 2019. Drag the handle to see what it becomes.

Concept rendering of the renovated building with new signage reading First Family and Child Services, community murals of families, landscaped gardens, and an accessible entrance.
The former Marva Collins School today: a weathered grey concrete building with boarded windows, stained facade, bare ground, and a chain-link fence.

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The former Marva Collins School today and a concept for its planned renovation. Final design, signage, permits, and approvals are subject to change.

Community support

Backed by leaders who know this neighborhood

Elected and civic leaders across Illinois, Cook County, and the 17th Ward have written in support of this redevelopment.

Jesse White, former Illinois Secretary of State.
Jesse White Former Illinois Secretary of State

This redevelopment will restore an important neighborhood property, create jobs, and provide much-needed services to local children and families.

Alderman David H. Moore, 17th Ward, City of Chicago.
Alderman David H. Moore 17th Ward, City of Chicago

Restoring it now would help prevent further deterioration, return a prominent neighborhood property to productive use, create construction and permanent employment opportunities, and establish a lasting resource for Auburn Gresham children and families.

Bill Lowry, Cook County Commissioner for the 3rd District.
Bill Lowry Cook County Commissioner, 3rd District

This project will transform a long-vacant former school into a Family Resource and Social Services Community Center offering family support, workforce development, educational programming, fresh meals, and licensed childcare as an integrated service.

All under one roof

The services we’ll offer

Childcare, family support, social services, workforce resources, nutrition and community programming — brought together in one trusted location.

Concept image of a bright early-learning classroom with young children at a low table and a teacher sitting with them on a rug. Concept

3 weeks – 6 years

Childcare and early learning

Infant, toddler and preschool rooms, each built around the age inside it, with meals and outdoor time every day.

Childcare in detail
Concept image of a parent workshop: a facilitator beside a blank whiteboard speaking with a circle of seated adults. Concept

For parents and caregivers

Family support and services

Help with work, housing, benefits and paperwork — upstairs in the same building, while your child is downstairs.

Family services in detail

  • Family intake and navigation

    A welcoming first point of contact, with enrollment help and referrals.

  • Fresh cooked meals

    Breakfast, lunch and snacks prepared on site, with nutrition education.

  • Workforce and adult education

    Job readiness, resume help, computer training and digital literacy.

  • Social service coordination

    Referrals for counseling, health screenings, legal aid and housing.

  • Community resource room

    Computer and internet access, online applications, bilingual assistance.

  • Community programming

    Family events, wellness classes, indoor recreation and two playgrounds.

  • Accessible throughout

    Step-free entrances, an ADA lift and accessible restrooms on every floor.

See all nine services in detail

Concept image of a family support worker sitting and talking with a parent in a bright, softly furnished room. Concept

Mothers & Infants

Support from the first weeks

Infant care planned from as early as three weeks, check-ins at home while you find your footing, and help with subsidies and supplies — then a gentle start in childcare whenever you are ready.

Support for mothers and infants

Stay connected

Hear from us first

No opening date, fees or places have been set yet. Leave your details and we’ll write to you before anyone else — about enrollment, programs and how the building is coming along.

I’m interested in (select all that apply)

We use your information only to respond about this project. We never sell or share it. No opening date, tuition, or enrollment capacity has been set.

Governance and transparency Read the full statement Hide the statement

First Family Foundation is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation supports charitable, educational, family-development, and community-based initiatives.

First Family and Child Services LLC serves as an operating and program partner responsible for childcare, early-learning, after-school, and related family-support services. The organizations work together through appropriate written agreements while maintaining separate governance, financial records, bank accounts, contractual responsibilities, and legal obligations.