Celebrating Two Years of The Altgeld-Riverdale Early Learning Coalition

Two years ago BPI’s public housing and public education teams joined forces in a determined effort to strengthen the Altgeld-Riverdale community and improve the lives of its 1,200 children under the age of eight and their families. This led to the formation of The Altgeld-Riverdale Early Learning Coalition (also known as ELC or The Coalition), which today has grown to include a diverse group of 29 organizations—schools, child care centers, service providers, residents, and churches dedicated to assuring that all children in Altgeld-Riverdale are succeeding by third grade—cognitively, social-emotionally, and physically.

As we reflect on and celebrate the incredibly important work that has been accomplished by The Coalition over the past two years, we’d like to share the thoughts of two key Coalition members, Ms. Theresa Hollins, community leader, and Mr. Nick Saunders, head of the local library. We’re inspired by what they—and the entire Coalition—have achieved and look forward to many more years of fruitful collaboration.


“I am so happy and proud to know that our doula and home visiting program is up and running. I’m also proud of how the different Coalition agencies have worked together. I see the results from it every day in my community—like the safety patrol that makes sure our children get to and from school safely; the library and its programs for the schools; and the collaboration between the pre-schools and grammar schools. I have seen much progress in the past year.

Most of all, I am proud of all our members of the ELC.”
-Ms. Theresa Hollins, Community Leader

“My job at the Altgeld Library is to disseminate information or, at best, provide credible sources for those seeking answers to their questions. This is exactly what the Altgeld-Riverdale Early Learning Coalition does and more.

The Coalition has taken on the challenges of children’s welfare. The Coalition has addressed health, education, and safety in order to enrich not just our children, but the family as a whole. The Coalition has called upon community organizations to gather in a collaborative effort to maximize resources and to let residents know that they are not alone.

Personally, I am encouraged by the results and outcomes thus far and am looking forward to seeing what the future has to offer. And last but not least, I am proud to be part of a solution.”
-Nick Saunders, Branch Manager, Chicago Public Library – Altgeld Branch

Members of the community are invited to join us on Saturday, May 31 at the 2nd Anniversary celebration. Click here to download the event flyer. We hope to see you there!

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