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A Beacon of Hope in Garfield Park Collaborative Bridges

Garfield Park Collaborative

WELLNESS CENTER OPENS ITS DOORS IN WEST GARFIELD PARK

It’s a new day for Garfield Park and its surrounding communities. Imagine a place where people can walk in and get the care they deserve—whether it’s for their physical health, mental well-being, or finding resources to meet life’s basic needs. That place is now a reality at Collaborative Bridges Wellness Center, a 17,000-square-foot facility that officially opened on February 11 at 4223 W. Lake St. For years, residents of the West Side have faced significant health disparities, compounded by systemic disinvestment. But now, there’s a new space dedicated to changing that—one person, one family, one community at a time.

What Makes This Wellness Center a Game-Changer?

This isn’t your typical health facility. The Collaborative Bridges Wellness Center is a one-stop shop for comprehensive care that goes beyond just treating symptoms. It’s designed to help people heal and thrive.

Here are just a few of the services offered at the center:

  • Primary care and lab services for all your medical needs.
  • Behavioral health and substance use treatment, including outpatient care and group therapy.
  • Crisis stabilization support to help people through their toughest moments.
  • A fully stocked pharmacy for convenient access to medications.
  • Resources for housing, food insecurity, and financial assistance—because health is about more than just medicine.

 

And the best part? The center serves anyone who walks in—whether it’s a referral from a hospital or someone in the neighborhood who needs support but doesn’t know where to start.

A Vision Rooted in Collaboration and Compassion

This center is more than just a building. It’s the product of a community-driven movement to address the root causes of health inequities.

Collaborative Bridges brings together a powerful coalition of hospitals like Hartgrove Hospital, Humboldt Park Health, and Loretto Hospital, along with community organizations like Bobby E. Wright Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center and PCC Community Wellness Center. Since its founding in 2021, Collaborative Bridges has already served over 2,200 people. Now, with this new wellness center and a team of 120 dedicated employees, they are aiming higher— serving 3,500 patients annually. And they’re ready to meet the challenge.

As Kerri Brown, president and CEO of Community Counseling Centers of Chicago, puts it: “Sixty percent of the folks we see are homeless. We may not know where they are, but we’ll be a light in this community so they know where we are.” This is more than just health care—it’s hope care, and it’s exactly what the West Side needs.

Closing the Life Expectancy Gap

Let’s talk about why this matters so much.

Did you know that people living in Chicago’s West Garfield Park neighborhood have the lowest life expectancy in the entire city? On average, residents here live 16 years less than those in the Loop.

Why? Years of systemic disinvestment have left communities with fewer resources, less care, and more barriers to health and wellness. Collaborative Bridges is determined to change that. This center represents a bold step forward—addressing not just the social determinants of health, but also the political determinants that have kept communities like Garfield Park at a disadvantage for far too long.

As Donald Dew, president and CEO of Habilitative Systems Inc., says: “We went from the war on poverty to the war on crime, to the war on drugs, to mass incarceration. But now, we’re changing the narrative.”

A Message of Unity and Collaboration

What makes Collaborative Bridges so special is its belief in working together to serve the greater good. When it comes to addressing health disparities, there’s no room for competition—only collaboration. As Tesa Anewishki, CEO of Loretto Hospital, says: “When people are dying and suffering, there is no room for competition. There is only room for meaningful collaboration.”

This center stands as a testament to what’s possible when hospitals, community organizations, and policymakers come
together to fight for what’s right.

Come Visit or Spread the Word!

The Collaborative Bridges Wellness Center isopen and ready to serve you, your loved ones,or anyone you know who might benefit fromtheir services. Whether you need help with medical care, ,ental health, or simply need someone to guide you toward resources, this is the place to be.

Together, we can build a healthier, stronger, and more equitable future for Garfield Park and beyond.

A Movement Fueled by State Support and Community Vision

This incredible milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Illinois Department of Healthcare
and Family Services’ Healthcare Transformation Collaborative. After the tragic death of George Floyd in 2020,
the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus spearheaded legislation to address systemic inequities in health care and
beyond.

Thanks to this effort, the Collaborative Bridges Wellness Center received a $13 million grant, with an additional $6 million in funding through 2026. These funds ensure that the center can continue to grow, evolve, and meet the
needs of the community for years to come.

Learn more about this inspiring initiative: Read the full story here.
Let’s celebrate this powerful step toward health equity!

Welcome to the 28th Ward Office

Your Local Partner for Community Growth and Development

At the 28th Ward Office, we are committed to fostering a thriving, equitable, and safe community for all who call the ward home. From residents and businesses to community stakeholders, we work collaboratively to ensure that your voice is heard and your needs are met.

Our mission is rooted in the belief that local government should be transparent, accessible, and proactive in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within our neighborhoods. We strive to ensure that every resident feels valued, every business feels supported, and every stakeholder knows their contributions matter. Our office is here to provide guidance, resources, and solutions that enhance the quality of life for everyone in the 28th Ward.

The 28th Ward is a tapestry of cultures, businesses, and families who all contribute to the vibrancy of our community. We take pride in supporting initiatives that foster growth, whether through economic development, improving local infrastructure, or advocating for affordable housing and public safety. By actively engaging with residents, hosting community meetings, and gathering feedback, we ensure our work aligns with the priorities of those we serve.

We understand that lasting progress comes from collaboration. That’s why we partner with local organizations, schools, and businesses to implement programs that address critical needs like education, employment opportunities, and public health. Whether you’re seeking assistance with city services, have ideas to improve your block, or want to get involved in local initiatives, our team is here to listen and take action.

At the 28th Ward Office, we don’t just represent the community — we are part of it. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive ward where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. We look forward to working with you to achieve this vision and making the 28th Ward a place we’re all proud to call home.