title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CONGRATULATING THE ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF OF CONCORDIA PLACE AND CONCORDIA CHILD CARE CENTER
WHEREAS, in 1981 a young pastor named Nicholas J. Zook took a position at Concordia Lutheran Church in Chicago’s North Center community. Only days into the job, three single mothers, approached Pastor Zook looking for afterschool care for their young children; despite the fact that the mothers were not members of the church and had very little means, Pastor Zook agreed which led to an after-school program for 12 "latch-key kids"; it was at this moment that Concordia Place was born; and
WHEREAS, in 1989, the Concordia Child Care Center was expanded to include full-day preschool for children ages three to five; in 2001, Concordia Lutheran Church purchased a vacant church and school at 3300 N. Whipple St. and began fundraising and working with elected officials and community leaders to expand to serve more children and families in the Avondale community; in 2002, the Concordia Avondale Campus was created; in 2003, the Concordia Child Care Center was included in this new non-profit organization; in 2006, the Concordia Child Care Center opened, which expanded programs to infants and toddlers as well as teens, seniors, and adult learning programs; in 2009, the organization's name was changed to Concordia Place to reflect the multiple communities that they serve; in 2016, Concordia Day, a sister program, was launched with a social mission of strengthening Concordia Place and its mission; and
WHEREAS, Concordia Place is a vibrant non-profit organization that provides proactive solutions to key social needs; focusing on growth and opportunity to instill self-sufficiency and independence and serving low-income and working poor families through economically inclusive programs; and
WHEREAS, Concordia Place currently serves 800 young children, teens, adults, and seniors every year through numerous services, including Early Learning and pre-school care and education programs, School-Age 365 after-school and summer camp programs, teen leadership initiatives, resume preparation and career exploration services, free English as a Second Language classes, senior wellness programs, senior lift and transportation volunteer programs, service learning projects, ecology, nutrition, and culinary programs, and holistic services, among others; and
WHEREAS, the administration and staff of Concordia Place serve as models of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of Cook County.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the President and members of the Board of Commissioners of Cook County that this Board offers its deepest thanks and heartfelt congratulations to the staff of Concordia Place on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Concordia Child Care Center and the 10th anniversary of the Concordia Avondale Campus; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of the same be tendered to Brenda Swartz, Concordia Place’s President and CEO and Pastor Nicholas Zook, Concordia Place’s Board Chair in commemoration of this momentous occasion.
end