Westside Health Authority at a glance...

WHO WE ARE

Westside Health Authority is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit community based organization. WHA was founded in 1988 by Jacqueline Reed in the Austin community on the west side of Chicago. More than two decades later, WHA is still serving residents of the Austin community as well as metropolitan Chicago.

WHA seeks to dispel the myth that scientific data defines a community. We believe the community's strength lies in using the capacity of people who are often labeled as victims, and empowering those who need help.

WHA operates from five program sites and serves more than 22,000 individuals and families annually.

OUR MISSION

The mission is to use the capacity of local residents to improve the well-being of the community. For WHA, "health" is defined broadly to include the social and physical environment which contributes to the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of a person. It also includes relationships with family, friends, and neighbors and the ability to find stable employment.

WHO WE SERVE

Our clients are of all ages and reside primarily in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods throughout Chicago, but mainly in the Austin community of the west side of Chicago. Our clients represent a broad spectrum of races and cultures, including 92% African American,6% Hispanic,1% Caucasian,1% others

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

• Community Organizing
• Economic Development
• Youth Development Center
• Health Promotions
• Community Re-Entry and Employment
• Community Technology Center

HOW

The services of WHA are made possible through a combination of public and private funding including government, foundations, corporations, and individuals.