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habilitative systems inc

Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI) is a nationally-recognized human services agency that uses a continuum of care approach to provide much-needed programs to underserved populations and people living with an array of health and human service needs. Headquartered on the west-side of Chicago, HSI has offered supportive programs to Chicago’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable residents for 40 years and provides services to over 7,000 people annually in the North Lawndale, West Garfield, Austin and Englewood communities in Chicago.

 

HSI is the only organization on the west-side of Chicago that specializes in providing assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities and has created a unique social enterprise that produces packaging supplies while teaching important life skills and delivering supportive services to program participants. The organization also serves individuals with mental illness and substance abuse challenges, youth and families at risk, veterans, seniors, ex-offenders, the homeless and those who are unemployed. 

Habilitative Systems, Inc. • 415 South Kilpatrick Ave. • Chicago Illinois 60644-4923 • Main 773-261-2252 • Fax 773-854-8300 • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CEO Welcome Message

Donald J. Dew President/C.E.O.

C.E.O. Welcome Message (video)

 C.E.O. Welcome Letter (PDF)

If You or someone you know need:

  • Alcohol/Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Mental Health Services
  • Disability Services
  • Violence Prevention and Trauma
  • Coping Strategies
  • Mentoring and Education Support
  • Senior Housing
  • Stress Management and Relaxation

HSI Music Video

HSI Video

HSI VIDEO

HSI Vision & Mission

Vision
HSI through a continuum of care approach is building healthy communities for underserved populations with disabilities and people living with an array of human services needs. 

Mission
HSI uses a comprehensive multi-tiered approach that engages prevention, intervention, treatment, research, and care management to build healthy communities.

 

Habilitative Systems, Inc. selected as Census 2020 Regional Intermediary

COCC logo

 Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced the 30 local community and government organizations across the state that will receive a combined $20 million to maximize Illinois’ success in the 2020 Census.

Ensuring Inclusion of Chicago’s Historically Undercounted Populations in 2020 Census

 Habilitative Systems Inc. was selected as a Census 2020 Regional Intermediary (RI) and awarded a $2.3 million grant. Regional Intermediaries use their expertise and experience in executing and managing subawards, to encourage a complete count.

Historically, the U.S. Census has undercounted certain population groups, and some geographic areas are identified as having low self-response rates from the last decennial census. The populations and areas that are least likely to respond are commonly referred to as Hard-to-Count (HTC) communities. Funding will focus on the critical objective of increasing the self-response rate of HTC communities to the census and ensuring a complete count of all Illinois' residents.

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday Banner

Greetings Friends and Supporters,

As you know, the coronavirus pandemic has created extreme trauma for our families, and we extend our heartfelt wishes for your wellness and safety as we navigate through this challenging period.

At Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI), we provide programs to the underserved populations and people living with an array of health and human service needs. We have been working in the community for over 40 years and have continued to provide essential services to hundreds of people with disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorders, seniors and youth experiencing trauma.  During this pandemic, our staff has continued to work and provide competent, compassionate care while at the same time trying to maintain their own protection.

One of our biggest challenges, like many nonprofits, has been the increased cost of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for persons served, staff and community members.

On this Giving Tuesday, Habilitative Systems Inc. is seeking to raise $50,000 to support the increased demand for mental health services due to the coronavirus pandemic and all of the community struggles this year.

Please consider making a gift on #GivingTuesdayNow to support HSI’s “Battling the Holiday Blues” event! Your gift to HSI will make the difference and help us make a way.

Thank you for your consideration and stay safe!



  • 1978

    HSI is formed and incorporated by the Claire Christian United Methodist Church Ministry and becomes the first African American agency to operate a licensed group home (Drake House) for adolescent boys, and to operate a sheltered workshop for people with Developmental Disabilities. From 1978 - 1992, HSI grew in public funding from $350k - $12M

  • 1980

    HSI opened a special education school and a developmental training center, providing employment and housing opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and reducing the need for institutionalization.

  • 1996

    First human service agency in Illinois to serve as fiscal agent to the South African Health Care Coalition. Shipped two ambulances to South Africa. Assembled 8000 telephone for the 1996 Democratic Nation Convention. - Became one of the largest child welfare agencies in Illinois servicing over 500 children in foster care and adoption and employing over 200 foster parents and staff

  • 1997

    HSI expanded pillow manufacturing contracts to United and Eastern Airlines, also Amtrak passenger lines wile providing opportunities for training and employment for clients with developmental disabilities. - Opened and operated Ameritech and Peoples Gas Bill Payment Center.

  • 2002

    Completed five scattered site living facilities specially designed for persons with disabilities; This 5m project was funded with HUD 811 and City of Chicago funding.

  • 2003

    HSI Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Tour of the HSI Elois McCoy Village Apartments. - This $4.5M project was funded with HUD 202 and City of Chicago funding to construct the Elois McCoy 60 unit senior facility.

  • 2005

    HSI launches program to serve children of incarcerated parents and continues program through 2012. - In March 2005, HSI established a janitorial services franchise with ServiceMaster. AbleServ, Inc. a for profit subsidiary of HSI, operated through 2012, and secured cleaning contracts a Rush University Medical Center, Jesse Brown VA Hospital, ABC Bank and Coco-Cola.

  • 2009

    Collaborated with the Center for Research on Women and Gender (CRWG) at the University of Illinois at Chicago to submit the organization's first research grant with CRWG

  • 2010

    HSI is awarded an Illinois Senior Internet Adoption Coalition Broadband Technical Opportunity Program grant to provide low income Seniors and people with disabilities new computer skills, improved communication and better access to valuable information and combatting isolation.

  • 2011

    HSI celebrated the Grand Opening of the Enola A. Dew Apartments, a 60-unit apartment complex designed to provide affordable, state of the art senior housing. The complex is located at 4623 West Gladys. The addition of this facility adds to the quality of life for the elderly in this community. - Funding for this project provided by HUD and the City of Chicago.

  • 2012

    HSI expands it's services to the Englewood community to combat mental illness and violence through it's Urban Behavioral Health Services Institute (UBHSI)

  • 2013

    HSI secures funding to implement an electronic health records system.

  • 2014

    HSI collaborated with nine agencies to form an LLC as part of its implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

  • 2015-2016

    HSI's ability to serve the Westside's most vulnerable was severely impacted by the 2015-2016 state fiscal crisis, this also had a chilling effect on some of our most committed supporters such as foundations, major donors, and public funders.

  • 2017

    HSI receives $200,000 Restorative Grant for Adolescents. - HSI receives 4.7 Million three-year grant for Adults in Crisis/Mental Health and Opioid Addictions.

  • 2018

    The Westside Community Triage & Wellness Center is a strategic partnership between Habilitative Systems, Inc., Bobby E. Wright Comprehensive Mental Health Center, and Cook County Health and Hospital Systems to mitigate violence and trauma on Chicago’s Westside.

  • 2019

    Habilitative Sytems' Restorative Justice program receives recognition by Cook County Board President Preckwinkle for the major impact had on Chicago's Youth

  • 2020

    ; IDHS awards HSI $3.2 Million dollars to lead Counting on Chicago Coalition Census 2020 Initiative working with 30 agency sub recipients.

Giving Tuesday Banner

Habilitative Systems Inc. is seeking to raise $50,000 to support the increased demand for mental health services due to the coronavirus pandemic and all of the community struggles this year.

Please donate any gift amount via HSI’s “Battling the Holiday Blues” event!

HSI Jazz With Pizzazz Site EB