THE ASPIRE CENTER
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ASPIRE CENTER
Help transform the Robert Emmet School into a beacon of resources and economic development for the Austin community.
SUPPORT
THE ASPIRE CENTER
Morris Reed: CEO
Westside Health Authority"We strongly believe that The Aspire Center will provide a business innovation hub and become a catalyst for community housing and increased home ownership while enhancing career opportunities for our Austin citizens."
AUSTIN COMMUNITY VISION
Low education and unemployment are negatively impacting the Austin community for both adults and youth 16+. As a result, our neighborhood is in crisis. There is a great need for workforce training and life skills development.
We will revive the once-bustling intersection of Madison Street and Central Avenue by repurposing the former Emmet Elementary School, one of Chicago’s many public schools closed in 2014, into an anchor for commercial revitalization and a destination for top-notch workforce training.
BECOME PART OF THE SOLUTION ~ DONATE NOW
Development Plan for The Aspire Center
The result of 2 years of planning and community meetings to address the needs identified within the Quality of Life Plan for the Austin Community produced by Austin Coming Together and LISC. Westside Health Authority owns and is leading the renovation and will co-manage the facility with Austin Coming Together. This project is supported by state funds garnered by Illinois State Rep La Shawn K Ford and with donations from committed community residents ready to ASPIRE and move our community forward!
- Project Owner/Developer: Westside Health Authority
- Co-Project Manager: Austin Coming Together
- Architect: Lamar Johnson Collaborative
- Project Consultant: IFF
- State Sponsor: State Rep La Shawn K Ford
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THE ASPIRE CENTER
VISION
employed adults seeking career training and support. It will service youth and out-of-work individuals with in-demand skillsets and small business supports.
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of Austin's Youth...
We can't do it without you.
SUpport The Aspire Center
$20,000
$180,000
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO BUILD OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE
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PLEASE HELP SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY VISION
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ASPIRE CENTER NEWSLETTER
& Mrs. Reed's TOP
Community Building Tips
Messages From Some Of Our Outstanding Donors
Mrs. Lucretia Bonner
“ I’m tired of the vacant lots and seeing young people without hope. We must all help build a better future for our children.”
Mr.Reggie Akkeem
“ I live in this community and I gave because I want to see our youth ASPIRE to be something greater.”
Ms. Jaidalyn Rand
"I decided to give beacuse we are training for jobs and producing leaders instead of sitting and waiting for change."
Recognizing & Appreciating All Our Donors
Jacqueline Reed ~ Founder Morris Reed ~ CEO
Westside Health AuthorityShare their background story and vision for
THE ASPIRE CENTER
The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation will provide a coordinated set of experienced job readiness, workforce training and entrepreneurial skill development providers under one roof.
By working together through centralized services, the Aspire Center will address multiple barriers that Austin residents face in training and accessing employment.
Contribute to The Aspire Center Fund
The ASPIRE Center
in the NewsEnjoy reading and watching our recent publicity
Austin-United Way of Metro Chicago
Features the community of Austin, it's location on the far West side of Chicago and it's vision for the future.
West Side initiative hopes to revitalize closed school in Austin
A $120 million effort, led by the Westside Health Authority, would turn the vacant Robert Emmet Elementary School into a hub for job development, housing and retail opportunities.
Chicago Prize Finalist Team from Austin
Add a one or two sentence description of video interview with the Source and direct link to the video.
Westside Health Authority (WHA) is a 30 year old 501 (c)3 community based organization. WHA builds capacity in people by giving them an opportunity to develop and use their ideas and talent to improve their community. With neighborhood people, WHA has built commercial space for Cook County's Health Center, office space for medical providers, and rehabbed almost 40 vacant homes, using local contractors.
