History
Erie Neighborhood House opened in 1870 in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. As the city and community changed over a century and a half, so did we; from a church serving our neighbors to a settlement house delivering wraparound services to immigrants and individuals from all backgrounds to help them thrive and build proud, powerful communities across the city. A home with no borders, this is our constant.
Timeline
Browse photos from our archives and explore the timeline below to journey through our history over the past century and a half.
1870–1899
-
Holland Presbyterian Church
Holland Presbyterian Church opens its doors at the corner of Erie and Noble Streets in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. Rev. Emanuel Van Orden is the first minister of what would become known as "the little Dutch church."
-
1886
Erie Chapel
The little Dutch church adopts a new name, Erie Chapel, as immigrant populations continuously evolve in West Town and moves into a new building a half block away at 1347 W Erie St.
-
1891
Chicago's Free Kindergarten Association
Erie Kindergarten is one of 20 new programs founded as part of Chicago’s Free Kindergarten Association.
1900–1949
-
Florence Towne arrives at Erie
Florence Towne becomes the new kindergarten teacher and head of girls’ programming. She will later become head resident and director of Erie Chapel Institute (1926) and build a remarkable legacy during her 37 years with the organization.
-
1915
Erie Chapel Institute
Erie Chapel incorporates and forms Erie Chapel Institute, providing access to increased government funding and private support for its work in the community. Rev. George J. Searles becomes the new minister and director.
-
1936
A new building is dedicated
The aging building at 1347 W Erie St is replaced with a new facility, designed by architect Benjamin Franklin Olson, that continues to serve the West Town community today. Erie Chapel Institute is renamed Erie Neighborhood House.
-
1939
Erie Dental Clinic
Erie Dental Clinic opens in cooperation with Near Northwest Community Council to meet the dental health needs of local families.
-
1943
Camp Davies
Erie House purchases Camp Davies as a retreat space outside of the city for local children and families. The acquisition expands on a tradition of introducing urban youth to experiences in nature dating back to 1915.
-
1946
The march in West Town
Rev. Douglas Cedarleaf and Florence Towne lead more than 200 people on a march to show support for a black family who had experienced vandalism and harassment upon moving into the neighborhood. The march attracts national attention, including coverage in TIME Magazine.
1950–1999
-
1951
-
1957
Erie Family Health Centers is born
Dr. Robert A. Snyder opens the Carmella Genova Jacob Clinic at Erie House in partnership with Northwestern University Medical School. The clinic becomes the forerunner for Erie Family Health Centers, which today is an independent organization that reaches 75,000 patients each year.
-
1967
Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation
Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation, a partnership between Erie House and Northwest Community Organization aimed at preserving affordable housing in the neighborhood, begins operations.
-
1977
-
1984
TEAM mentoring initiative
Tutoring to Educate for Aims and Motivation (TEAM), a flagship youth mentoring program, is founded in collaboration with The Northern Trust Company.
-
1985
-
1995
Second site in West Town
Erie House opens a second location a few blocks away at 1701 W Superior St. Sharing a renovated warehouse with Erie Family Health Centers, the agency greatly expands its childcare program to serve 400 children.
-
1997
2000–present
-
2003
-
2004
Expansion into Little Village
Erie House collaborates with Little Village Development Corporation and others to offer services in the South Lawndale/Little Village community on Chicago's Southwest Side.
-
2005
Erie Elementary Charter School
Erie Neighborhood House and members of the board of directors open Erie Elementary Charter School (EECS) in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Today EECS operates independently from Erie House.
-
2010
-
2010
Proyecto Cuídate
Proyecto Cuídate is launched to better support individuals and families and expand access to holistic wellness in the Little Village community. In 2014, it receives the Family Strengthening Award from National Council of La Raza.
-
2016
-
2016
Citizenship & Immigration Services
Responding to increased demand for services, the Citizenship & Immigration program at Erie House expands. It becomes its own department at Erie House and earns Board of Immigration Appeals recognition (now granted by the Department of Justice) to provide legal consultations at all 3 sites.
Our Leadership
since incorporation in 1915
George Searles
1915
Erie Chapel incorporated and adopted the name Erie Chapel Institute in 1915. Rev. George Searles was both pastor and director.
Florence Towne
1926
Florence Towne arrived at Erie as the kindergarten teacher and head girls resident in 1914 and went on to spend 25 years in the role of director of Erie Chapel Institute.
Ross Lyman
1951
Rev. Ross Lyman served dual roles as minister of Erie Chapel and executive director of Erie House.
Merri Ex
1977
Merri Ex first came to Erie House as a community organizer. She became executive director at age 24 and was the first Spanish-speaking director of the agency.
Rafael Ravelo
1985
Rafael "Rafa" Ravelo is the first Latino individual to become executive director.
Esther Nieves
1997
Esther Nieves succeeds Rafa Ravelo as executive director after serving as associate executive director for the agency.
Ricardo Estrada
2003
A Mexican-American immigrant, Ricardo "Ric" Estrada became executive director at Erie House after serving as associate executive director under Esther Nieves.
Celena Roldán
2010
Celena Roldán served as social worker and director of child care before being named executive director.
Kirstin Chernawsky
2016
Kirstin Chernawsky became executive director after serving as senior director of development and communications.