Helping Families and Communities Invest in Themselves
and their Futures
Established in 1990 as a non-profit organization,
the Center for Economic Progress has distinguished itself
as a Chicago, statewide and national leader through its innovative programs,
partnerships with community organizations, corporate allies, and government
agencies.
Mission Statement
The Center for Economic Progress increases
economic opportunities for low-income families, children, and individuals
by improving access to public, private, and non-profit programs and
services. Through direct services, public education, and advocacy,
the Center challenges barriers facing its constituency, thus encouraging
self-sufficiency and promoting economic prosperity.
Vision Statement
The Center for Economic Progress seeks to dramatically
increase economic opportunities for low-income families, children, and
individuals. We will:
- Strengthen our tax and asset-building services through
programs, partners, and technology so that low-income families, children,
and individuals have access to financial benefits, resources and opportunities.
- Challenge the racial, ethnic, language, physical,
systemic, and geographic barriers that hinder access to income supports
and wealth-building opportunities for low-income families, children,
and individuals.
- Engage a strong grassroots constituency through our national,
state, and local non-partisan organizing and policy work, and provide
a knowledgeable voice that advocates for social and economic justice.
- Serve as a national leader that provides technical assistance
to a broad range of service providers and advocates and develops quality
programs that serve as models for the public and private sectors.
- Foster creativity, quality, and commitment from highly
skilled and knowledgeable staff and volunteers who are dedicated to the
Center’s mission.
- Secure financial and in-kind resources to strengthen the programs and mission of the organization.
Center Receives Four-Star Rating
Charity Navigator, an industry-leading charity-ranking
and evaluation service, recently gave the Center for Economic Progress
a four-star
rating for
sound fiscal management for the second consecutive year. Only 12% of
the charities that Charity Navigator has evaluated have received the
four-star rating two years in a row, indicating exemplary fiscal management.
Center for Economic
Progress Receives Group Citation Award
The Group Citation award was presented to the Center
on Thursday, May 11. This award recognizes the Center’s role
in workforce development through the Financial Empowerment Project,
advocacy,
immigrants-focused events, financial education and other services. The
award was presented by the Illinois chapter of the International Association
of Workforce Professionals.
Center for Economic Progress Honored with North
Side Community Federal Credit Union Partnership Award
On March 28, 2006, the Center accepted North Side
Credit Union's Partnership Award, "in recognition of your outstanding
work providing services to North Side residents and companies." More...
Center Receives Governor's PATH Award March 20
The Center for Economic Progress was honored to receive the 2006 People
Are Today's
Heroes (PATH) award from the State of Illinios. More...
