Departments of Westside Health Authority

Community. Working. Achieving. Learning. Playing. Together.

The most important component of our work is relationship-building among neighbors. Relationships build the capacity of neighbors to be more effective as civic leaders, parents, students, or providers of other services. 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 discarded as victims, and empowering those clients who need help. Our major challenge is finding ways to utilize the gifts and capacity of the discarded, discounted person. This requires building trust among neighbors. We need to find ways to encourage each other as we try on the new role of gift-giver rather than client.

By identifying neighborhood assets and developing trusting relationships, WHA is able to mobilize residents to carry out a community vision in the areas of youth development, health promotions, community development, prisoner re-entry, employment, technology, violence prevention, and economic development. The foundation of our organization is community people. Ninety percent of our staff members come from the community and several neighborhood volunteers can be found working in some capacity each week.

Click below to discover more about the WHA Programs and availability.

Community Development Department

Every Block a Village

Initiated in 1995, Every Block A Village is the cornerstone around which WHA develops its work. Based on the concept “it takes a village to raise a child,” this initiative focuses on capacity-building among neighbors on a block-by-block basis, and promoting positive values for youth.
Click here to learn more or visit www.ebvonline.org.

Prisoner Re-entry Services

In 2004, nearly 4,000 ex-offenders released from Illinois correctional facilities returned to the Austin community. Upon returning, they faced many challenges: re-connecting with families, housing, employment, and, equally important, rebuilding their self-esteem and confidence. Click here to learn more

Austin Safety Net Works

In response to the rising violence in the Austin community, WHA has organized an Austin Safety Net Works to stop youth violence. The coalition aims to build youth leadership planning and promoting non-violence among their peers. Click here to learn more.

Austin Community Education Network (ACEN)

In January 2006, members of the Westside Health Authority joined forces with the Austin Community Education Network (ACEN) to fight to bring an additional high school to Austin. Over 7,500 high school students live in Austin – none of them have a large enough school they are entitled to attend, and hundreds must cross unfamiliar gang territory to attend a school outside of their community.

For a community that could be the fifth largest city in Illinois, this is unacceptable. The community has a vision for a new high school at the old Brach’s Candy factory location; the only site available in the community that could hold a full campus with athletic facilities. There would also be space for an adjacent community center, cultural arts center, YMCA, and even a high-tech innovation center that would create hundreds of jobs.

For more information on this initiative, please contact Virgil Crawford at (773) 287-6086 or visit www.a-c-e-n.org.

Employment & Training Department

Business & Human Resource Center

WHA’s approach to employment services often goes far beyond simple job placement. As a neighborhood-based employment center, building community relationships and employer trust is a key component to the success of the program. Click here to learn more

Community Technology Center

WHA’s Technology Center provides classes in Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Office Suites, Microsoft Word, Web Design, and Network Training and Certification. The Center has 16 workstations and serves community residents, business owners and youth.
Click here to learn more

Youth Development Department

Youth Development

One of the most vital needs in today's society is positive social and recreational resources for our youth. WHA’s Youth programs include tutoring, field trips, martial arts, dance, drama, academic enrichment, and often, a shoulder to lean on. Click here to learn more

Economic Development Department

Property Development & Management

In Austin, signs of economic renewal are everywhere. A significant development was the construction of the Austin Wellness Center, a $7.9 million healthcare facility developed by WHA, which was built by a majority of African American contractors from Austin.
Click here to learn more

Health Promotions Department

Health Promotions

Throughout its history, WHA has sought to improve the social, environmental and physical health of the Austin community and its residents. WHA’s Health Promotions Department consists of four initiatives that use innovative techniques. Click here to learn more