The CEDA Northwest Journey

Center formally accepted as a member agency of United Way of Suburban Chicago. Area’s first Budget and Financial Counseling program is held assisting 50 individuals in setting long-range goals for economic solvency.

Group of churches and civic groups help center rent three apartments and a single family home for homeless families.

Center organizes community homeless summit that eventually leads to the opening of what is now named Journey from Pads to Hope.

Center hold its first annual "Look Who's Cooking" fundraiser.

CEDA Northwest establishes a Head Start program at Maryville Academy serving 136 children per day.

Wright House, a 12-unit apartment building is purchased to offer affordable housing for working families. As of 2006, 16 households have purchased homes.

CEDA Northwest receives Governor’s Home Town Award for its "broad range of services to the community".

Agency moves into its new Administrative facility in Mt. Prospect.

CEDA Northwest opens an eight-unit transitional apartment complex serving homeless persons in Des Plaines.

CEDA Northwest’s Executive Director and Program Services Manager chosen to publish Best Practices Manual for the State of Illinois.

Satellite office established at the new Palatine Resource Center aimed at outreach to families in sixteen low-rent complexes.Agency awarded $540,000 grant from HUD for eight transitional housing apartments for homeless individuals and families. The number of apartments helping homeless individuals increases to 30 units.

Prospect Heights Head Start Center opens serving an additional 63 children. Maryville and Prospect Head Start sites accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for high standards in early childhood education. Resource Training Center opens for hard to employ and immigrants. The Center provides education and employment assistance. Agency funded for Active Fathers Program designed to reconnect motivated fathers with their children.

Motorola Corporation and Palatine Presbyterian Church celebrate ten years of sponsoring families in crisis. Together, the organizations have sponsored 21 families for a twelve month period. 450 children were adopted by volunteers for the holiday. CEDA Food Pantry receives $85,000 in food donations to serve needy families in the northwest suburbs.

Agency partners with Arlington Heights Ministerial Association in offering housing to at-risk families. CEDA Northwest Self-Help Center, Inc. receives the “Open Door” Award from United Way of Suburban Chicago for “graciously opening its doors for United Way fundraising tours”. Agency begins Financial Literacy program aimed at raising the financial awareness of low-income families.

Agency begins the first non-senior based volunteer tax assistance program in the northwest suburbs. 116 low-income households collect over $200,000 in tax returns. Agency opens transitional housing for homeless veterans.

Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights expands assistance to Agency by donating 5,000 pounds of food each month.

The Food Connection Program awarded "Illinois Best Practices Award" from University of Illinois for signiifying the spirit of community action.

Center hosts first "Day at the Races" Fundraiser at Arlington Park Race Track.

New Ray Walker Head Start Center is dedicated in Schaumburg serving 102 children per day.

5,000 at-risk households served with Utility Assistance.

Tax Assistance Program grows serving 300 low income households receive a total of $380,000 in returns.

Center opens Resale Shop in Des Plaines to generate revenue for at-risk families.

Tax Assistance Program grows, serving 340 housholds.