The Higher Heights Initiative empowers residents and organizations to collaborate on solutions to specific challenges in their communities
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The Higher Heights Initiative empowers residents and organizations to collaborate on solutions to specific challenges in their communities
The Ford Heights/Chicago Heights Neighborhood Network represents a significant initiative spearheaded by the United Way, dedicated to providing place-based support tailored specifically for the residents of Ford Heights and Chicago Heights. This comprehensive network actively collaborates with community members, local organizations, and key stakeholders to cultivate safer, healthier futures for all residents. By integrating essential components such as violence prevention, economic mobility, holistic wellness, and sustainable workforce development, the Network is committed to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the community. This initiative is unique in that it is driven by the very community it serves, ensuring that the needs and voices of residents are at the forefront of all efforts, which is crucial for achieving meaningful and lasting community development.
At the helm of the Ford Heights/Chicago Heights Neighborhood Network is its lead agency, the Cornerstone Community Development Corporation. This agency works closely alongside a diverse Steering Committee that includes influential leaders from a variety of organizations actively serving the local area. To ensure inclusivity and responsiveness, the input of community members is of utmost importance. Residents have the opportunity to participate and share their insights through the Network's Resident Advisory Board and Youth Advisory Board. By empowering residents in this way, the Network not only enhances its initiatives but also strengthens the bonds within the community, fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for creating a brighter future.
Ford Heights, Illinois, a small village in Cook County south of Chicago, has a rich history of agriculture, industrial growth, and community resilience. Settled by farmers in the late 1840s, it was a stop on the Underground Railroad. In the early 20th century, European immigrants, mainly Polish, Lithuanian, and Italian, transformed the area into an agricultural hub. After World War I, African Americans joined these farms.
The "Park Addition" subdivision in the 1920s attracted more residents, and the village became East Chicago Heights. Its incorporation in 1949 and the establishment of the Ford Motor Company stamping plant in 1956 significantly increased job opportunities and the African American population. The 1960s saw further growth, including the Sunnyfield subdivision, but also brought challenges with limited resources due to an influx of lower-income residents.
In 1987, the village renamed itself Ford Heights, aiming to annex the Ford plant, which ultimately did not happen. Despite facing economic struggles and being one of Illinois' most impoverished areas, the community continues to strive for revitalization.
Chicago Heights, Illinois, started as Thorn Grove in the 1830s and was renamed Bloom in the 1840s with the influx of German immigrants.
Significant growth began in the 1890s when developers, led by Charles Wacker, rebranded it as Chicago Heights, attracting industries like Inland Steel.
The city incorporated as a village in 1892 and as a city in 1900, becoming a melting pot for various ethnic groups. The Lincoln Highway's routing through the city in 1916 marked it as "The Crossroads of the Nation."
Post-World War II, Chicago Heights saw residential expansion and job creation from a Ford stamping plant, but later faced challenges with shifting retail and manufacturing declines.
While the population peaked in 1970 and has since decreased, recent revitalization efforts focus on preserving the city's diverse culture and history. Today, Chicago Heights is a robust industrial city with a strong community spirit.
In 2024, our dedicated network undertook a comprehensive survey, reaching out to both organizations and residents in the communities of Ford Heights and Chicago Heights.
The valuable insights we gathered from these thoughtful questions and responses play a crucial role in shaping and guiding our initiatives moving forward. We are committed to championing the improvements and solutions that truly matter to the residents, local businesses, civic leaders, and nonprofit organizations that we serve.
We invite you to JOIN US! We encourage you to share your voice and let us know how the network can better support the programs and services that you hold dear. By becoming a member, you will not only be able to contribute your perspective, but you will also become an integral part of our vibrant community.
Our work is strategically focused on four key areas of impact, each designed to foster growth and positive change within our neighborhoods.
Access To Healthcare
Workforce Development
Access to Healthy Foods
Emergency Preparedness
Access To Healthcare
The recent closure of St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights has created a notable and concerning gap in healthcare access for the community. While the introduction of the 24-hour clinic has provided some level of relief and has addressed certain deficiencies in available services, there remains a critical issue for emergency trauma patients. These individuals are now faced with the necessity of being transported to healthcare facilities located in Dyer, IN, or Olympia Fields, IL, which may lead to delays in receiving urgent medical care. Recognizing the challenges posed by this situation, our dedicated subcommittee will actively gather feedback from the community to better understand the needs and concerns of those affected. We will then develop meaningful programs and present recommendations to the Steering Committee aimed at improving healthcare access and support for our residents.
In the Ford Heights and Chicago Heights area, residents have access to a variety of Workforce Development programs designed to support their career growth and job readiness. Our dedicated Workforce Development subcommittee is actively working to identify all available programs tailored to meet the needs of our community members. We will not only catalog these resources but also seek innovative ways to improve outreach efforts, increase awareness, and boost participation in these vital programs. Furthermore, we aim to forge strong connections with local employers in the construction, industrial, and manufacturing sectors to create meaningful pathways to employment for our residents. By building these partnerships, we hope to enhance job opportunities and foster economic growth within the community.
Access to healthy foods has consistently presented a significant challenge for our community, particularly here in Ford Heights. This area has been devoid of a grocery store for many years, resulting in its persistent status as a food desert. While residents on the west side of Chicago Heights enjoy the convenience of several large grocery chains, the east side is notably lacking in viable food options. This disparity highlights the urgent need for change. Our dedicated subcommittee is focused on formulating and implementing innovative solutions to effectively address and overcome the critical issue of limited access to nutritious food in our community. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to choose healthy foods, and we are committed to taking action to ensure that becomes a reality for all residents.
At Cornerstone Community Development Corporation, located in Ford Heights, IL, we are deeply concerned about the well-being of our community. A staggering over 80% of our residents have expressed that they feel unprepared for emergencies, highlighting a significant area of need for support and resources. In response to this pressing issue, our organization has been officially designated as a Resiliency HUB by both Cook County and United Way. This recognition enables us to provide crucial assistance to residents during natural disasters and emergencies.
To address the challenges faced by our communities, our dedicated subcommittee will convene to engage in thoughtful discussions about the essential steps needed to ensure the safety and preparedness of residents. One of our primary focuses will be to develop strategies specifically aimed at safeguarding individuals and families during extended power outages, which can significantly impact daily life and overall community resilience. Together, we aim to enhance our collective preparedness and create a safer, more resilient environment for all.
Our Network is supported by two essential groups that meet on a regular basis: the Steering Committee and the four dedicated Impact Area subcommittees. These groups work collaboratively to plan, implement, and oversee the various activities that make up the Network's initiatives. At the heart of our mission lies the principle of collective impact, which serves as the foundation for everything we do. This means that the ideas, plans, resources, efforts, and the resulting impact of our work are shared across the entire Network—ensuring that participation is not limited to just leaders or a select group of insiders. We are deeply committed to uplifting both communities with a strong emphasis on equity and joy, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
In this collaborative effort, the Cornerstone Community Development Corporation plays a crucial role as the "quarterback" organization. They provide invaluable administrative support to ensure that the initiative runs smoothly and effectively. It's important to note that the programs offered by the Neighborhood Network are strictly non-political in nature. We steer clear of any political activities, focusing instead on our mission to create positive change within our communities without partisan influences. Our dedication to equitable development and joyful engagement remains at the forefront of our work, as we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Ditto Foods
Respond Now
Jones Memorial Center
ComEd
Cook County Health
Nicor
Christian Valley Baptist Church
Christ Temple #2
The South Suburban Council on Alcoholism & Substance Use
Proactive Community Services
OldTymers
Village of Ford Heights
School District 169
"Illinois Extension
National Able"
Cornerstone CDC
Kirby Rehabilitation
Bethel Family Resources
The HUB
Community Member -Ricardo Bradford
"Community Member - Kamil Walton
Community Member - Nyree Ford"
Community Member Wyatt Rush
The Steering Committee is a dedicated group comprised of individuals representing a diverse cross section of our community. This committee includes professionals from a variety of sectors, such as nonprofit organizations, the healthcare industry, and both large and small businesses. Additionally, it features representatives from publicly funded agencies and faith communities located in Ford Heights and Chicago Heights. The members of this committee engage in collaborative efforts to support residents, working together toward the common goal of enhancing the overall quality of life within the community. Through their combined expertise and shared commitment, they aim to foster positive change and empower the residents to take an active role in the transformation of their neighborhoods.
Each partner organization is represented by a single individual who serves on the Steering Committee. This setup ensures that all partner organizations have a voice in the decision-making process, as each organization is allotted one vote for any matters that arise and require a vote during committee meetings. This structure fosters equal participation and promotes collaborative decision-making among all partner entities.
Steering Committee members, along with other committed individuals, actively engage in their work by participating in various subcommittees that concentrate on each of the four distinct areas of impact. These subcommittees play a crucial role in advancing initiatives, promoting collaboration, and ensuring that the objectives within each area are achieved with effectiveness and diligence.
