Bright Star Community Outreach has made significant contributions to the renewal of Chicago’s most vulnerable communities as a 501C3 nonprofit organization. Driven by hope for change in this city and the families that call it home, Bright Star’s presence has been marked by effective programming, social development, and advocacy; particularly in the 3rd and 4th wards of Chicago’s south side.

Bright Star / TURN | Northwestern Medicine Community Partnership Program - YouTube

In partnership with McHenry County College, the Friends of McHenry County College Foundation raises funds on behalf of the college to benefit both students and programs.

With support from Northwestern Medicine, the foundation launched Education to Empowerment (E2E), an exciting women's scholarship program that gives financial support and ongoing mentorship for female students completing their final year at McHenry County College and continuing onto a four-year college or university. Funds from Northwestern Medicine and others will enable the foundation to continue to operate the program with promotion, scholarship events, mentoring events and member recruitment.

Supports first-generation college students toward their highest post-secondary aspirations through long-term, 1:1 mentorship, a college-readiness curriculum, and career-connected learning opportunities.

• Five Chicago Public Schools high school partners on the South and West Sides
• 1,000+ high school students served annually

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Fostering health, wellness, and healing in the inner city by organizing for social change, operating a holistic health center, and providing transitional housing, job training, and criminal justice support.

• 11,000 patient visits each year
• 400 Green Re-Entry Program alumni; 50 graduates annually
• 30 individuals supported with housing annually

An award-winning mentoring and leadership program, empowering Black girls in some of Chicago’s most underserved communities to become confident leaders through character development, career readiness, and civic engagement.

• 2,000 women and girls served annually
• 95% of girls stated that leadership skills increased

Based in Crystal Lake, Illinois, Veterans Path to Hope works to uncover and provide the physical, emotional and other life needs that veterans face. From counseling to employment assistance to transitional living, the organization offers programs and services to help empower veterans.

Support from Northwestern Medicine has been dedicated to the on-site food pantry, which helps provide food to hundreds of individuals from veteran families with limited resources each month.