Gads Hill Center is raising the final $250,424 needed to
complete the second-floor buildout at GHC Brighton Park.

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Gads Hill Center’s Brighton Park Site is our flagship learning center on Chicago’s Southwest Side. The building is already home to children’s services programming and has been the fortunate host of dozens of community events, family workshops, and neighborhood initiatives for several years.

Now, Gads Hill Center is working to complete the second floor as intended when the conversion of the building began as an idea back in 2021. Our vision is a flexible, whole-family learning space that expands what we can offer to children, parents, adult learners, and community members within and surrounding the Brighton Park area of Chicago's Southwest side.

Completing a Purpose-Built Learning Center

Thanks to the award-winning architects at JGMA, the second-floor buildout will transform unfinished space into a 2,480 sq. ft. youth and community learning area designed for year-round use.

The completed space will include:

• Flexible classrooms for youth programs and community workshops

• Accessible computer lab for digital literacy & workforce training

• Space for adult education and family learning

• Administrative offices & support areas

• New restrooms

• New & improved hallways and access points

• ADA-compliant accessibility upgrades

With movable classroom partitions and multi-use furnishings, the space will be able to shift throughout the day and year, supporting afterschool programs, summer learning, adult education, partner services, and large community meetings.

Congressman Chuy Garcia speaks to the press from Gads Hill Center Brighton Park's second floor in 2025.

Expanding Youth and Family Services in Brighton Park

Local data and community needs assessments show continued gaps in youth programming, academic support, mental health services, workforce development, and family-centered resources in Brighton Park.

This project helps address those needs by bringing more services together in one trusted, accessible community location.

The completed second floor will support:

School-age children & youth (ages 5–12) through afterschool and summer learning focused on academic support, creativity, identity exploration, leadership, and student-led exhibitions.

Parents & adult learners through workforce development, digital literacy training, homeownership navigation, and family learning opportunities.

Families & community members through workshops, housing advocacy, “Know Your Rights” sessions, cultural exchange events, resource coordination, and neighborhood gatherings.

Help Close the Final Funding Gap

The total project cost is estimated at $1,750,424, with $1.50M already secured at the time of writing this article through funding partners, capital contributions, and other support.

Gads Hill Center is now seeking the final $250,424 needed to complete the project and fully activate the second floor for youth, families, and the broader Brighton Park community.

A Long-Term Investment in Brighton Park

Completing the second floor at GHC Brighton Park is more than a construction project. It is an investment in consistent, year-round programming; stronger academic and social-emotional support for children; expanded resources for families; and a permanent space for community learning, leadership, and connection.

With the final funding secured, Gads Hill Center can complete this important next phase and expand what’s possible for children and families in Brighton Park.

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