What is Chicago Lights?

Chicago Lights is the community outreach arm of Fourth Church. Its programs partner with youth and adults to build brighter futures.

It is this congregation’s historic commitment to serve the city and our neighbors that is given expression in Chicago Lights.

History

Beginning in 1964, Fourth Presbyterian Church members created a free tutoring program for children from the nearby Cabrini-Green public housing development.

By 1991, Fourth Church was offering several educational enrichment services to children and youth. The decision was made to unite them under a newly created 501(c)(3), Partners in Education, which has since been renamed Chicago Lights.

Summer Day which was established in 1981, the Social Service Center created by Pastor Elam Davies in 1983, and the Urban Farm built in 2002 are also under the auspices of Chicago Lights.

The Programs of Chicago Lights

The Social Service Center
Summer Day
The Tutoring Program
The Urban Farm

Making a Difference

Chicago Lights provides creative youth development and social services that help people build the skills they need to transcend systemic barriers and lead fulfilling lives. We partner with Chicago’s youth and adults in mentoring, supportive services, academic enrichment, and career development.

Embodying the commitment of Fourth Church to reflect God’s inclusive love, honor the dignity and potential of all, and compassionately serve our neighbors, Chicago Lights annually partners with 2,000 individuals of all races, ages, ethnic backgrounds, and religious traditions.

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