About Us
Well Chicago's Mission & Vision
Well Chicago advances community development by empowering youth, strengthening families, and engaging communities through arts, innovation, environmental stewardship, and civic participation.
We envision a thriving Chicago where children are recognized as community builders, families are supported through meaningful opportunities for connection and wellbeing, and communities benefit from the creativity, leadership, and ideas of their youth.
Our Approach
Well Chicago builds neighborhood-level ecosystems around young people. We bring together families, local businesses, creative professionals, technology partners, community organizations and public spaces to turn investments into sustained local impact.
Well Chicago offers free and affordable programs in community spaces during evenings and weekends.
- Each session includes mindfulness practices with hands-on, imagination-based activities that develop creativity, agency, and a sense of belonging.
- While children participate in a safe, enriching environment, caregivers are given meaningful time to rest, work, or attend to responsibilities — supporting entire families.
Our Programs
1. INVENTION BOX: Encourages creativity and civic thinking as children design practical solutions for real-life challenges using everyday materials, technology, and AI.
2. WONDER LINES: Through connective art and storytelling, children share their voices and make a visible impact in their neighborhoods.
3. BRAVE STAGE: Children develop confidence and leadership with movement, collaboration, and performance.
Our Work Matters
- Only about 27% of Chicago schoolchildren are enrolled in after-school programs, leaving most without structured enrichment during critical after-school hours.
- Nearly 1 in 2 students who were chronically absent improved their school attendance after participating in after-school programs.
- In evaluations of arts- and enrichment-based after-school programs, 9 in 10 youth reported feeling engaged, challenged, and satisfied with their experience, while nearly 8 in 10 said participation made them feel more hopeful about their future.