CEDA Northwest Self-Help Center

The Cook County Board of Commissioners, as the Cook County Office of Economic Opportunity, created CEDA in 1965. The County Board acted upon the request of citizens who had voluntarily come together to discuss opportunities for local community action to address the causes and conditions of poverty in suburban Cook County. This local organization was shaped and given impetus by passage of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.

This voluntary association of citizens became an officially recognized body advising the County Board of Commissioners on the planning and development programs to be funded under the Economic Opportunity Act. In June 1966, this body, with the concurrence of the County Board of Commissioners, incorporated itself as the Cook County Office of Economic Opportunity, Inc. With this action, the advisory board became a governing board.

In January 1975, the agency changed its name to the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. to more clearly identify its nature and purpose. It is officially recognized and designated under federal stature and state law as a Community Action Agency. In addition, CEDA is a not-for-profit corporation recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 © (3) exempt organization and by the State of Illinois as organized exclusively for charitable purposes.