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.

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

C.E.O. Welcome Message (video)

C.E.O. Welcome Letter (PDF)

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

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HSI VIDEO

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.

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.

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, we need your support more than ever for our essential workers as we seek to purchase needed PPEs that will assist us in providing care for those who are greatly challenged by preexisting conditions and challenging life circumstances.

Please consider making a gift on #GivingTuesdayNow. 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

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

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.

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.