Isela Pulido strives to be the best mom ever. But she has struggled with postpartum depression and other life challenges as she juggles being a wife and mother of four children, 7 years old to an infant.
She turned to Gads Hill Center in 2023 for support, including Head Start for the oldest, Early Head Start for the middle two, and more recently, a home visiting program for the youngest, the only girl. She was thrilled when her boys came home counting in Spanish, which they learned in preschool.
“Gads Hill gives my boys an opportunity to engage with other children and to learn so many things that are going to prepare them for kindergarten and the rest of their lives,” Isela says. “Since they were taking care of my kids, I had the opportunity to go to school to become an aesthetician. My kids and I just received so much love from everyone at Gads Hill, and I appreciate it so much.”
Gads Hill Center provides comprehensive services, serving almost 700 children across three directly operated sites and five partner sites across Chicago, says Rayshonda McElroy, director of children’s services. Directly operated sites are located in Brighton Park, Chicago Lawn and North Lawndale.
The center focuses on communities with the greatest needs. Families are assisted with applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Medicaid. “Now, more than ever, we’re looking at how to involve the community and leverage some of our partnerships with hospitals and clinics and other organizations, because we know that our families depend on those resources, some of which are at risk,” McElroy says.
Gads Hill gives my boys an opportunity to engage with other children and to learn so many things that are going to prepare them for kindergarten and the rest of their lives.
Isela Pulido
Staff take a holistic approach by serving not just the child but the entire family. Parents receive support with housing, job training, employment and furthering their education. Free meals and diapers are provided while children are on-site. Also offered are CPR and parenting classes. Gads Hill Center partners with medical and dental clinics that operate mobile units to get children timely care. “We see ourselves as a hub, as a resource for families,” McElroy says. “Social, emotional and mental wellness is the foundation for thriving and being productive.” The earlier the investment in children and families, the better, she says, “because this will be our workforce in years to come.”
Gads Hill Center has made a meaningful difference for parents like Isela. “It’s been hard for me because I didn’t always have all the support to be able to go to work or go to school because my husband works and I’m the one with our children,” she says. “So I put myself to the side. I am so grateful that I was able to get an opportunity to do something for myself and help my family.”
Through the Robert R. McCormick Communities Fund, dedicated people across Chicagoland help make sure that every child and family has opportunities to achieve their goals. With your support, we can create new possibilities and help make countless dreams come true. Funding from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation Communities Fund assists organizations on the South and West Sides of Chicago to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, young adults, and families each and every day.
