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World Vision Chicago History
World Vision Chicago partners with over 15,000 people each year through its six local programs in Chicago. The programs operate out of a warehouse on Chicago’s west side. World Vision’s partners represent the diversity of the city; individuals and organizations from almost every Chicago neighborhood are actively involved in World Vision’s programs.World Vision’s work in Chicago began in 1992 as Vision Chicago. Initially, Vision Chicago partnered with Mid-America Leadership Foundation, a reputable pioneer of church-based community development. The partnership quickly grew to include more than 70 organizations, including churches, social service agencies, and community ministries. Working in tandem with these organizations,Vision Chicago began creating partnerships to address racial tension, economic segregation, unemployment, and housing concerns.
In 1996, World Vision opened The Storehouse at 4920 W. Flournoy. After four years, World Vision’s programs outgrew the space at this location, and the operation moved to 5001 W. Harrison, a site donated by the Chicago Public School System in appreciation for World Vision’s Kids In Need program.
The success of Vision Chicago contributed to World Vision’s new commitment to investing in major metropolitan cities. No longer in partnership with Mid-America, World Vision launched the Chicago operations as the first site in World Vision’s new metro strategy, which brings the full portfolio of World Vision’s assets to local communities in the Chicago area.
In addition to working in Chicago, World Vision programs are active in other U.S. sites, including Albany, Appalachia, Detriot, Seattle/Tacoma, Los Angeles, D.C, New York City, Washington D.C. and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
