214@100: District 214 Women's & Children's Center reaches into community

The Catherine M. Lee Women's & Children's Center opened in July 2000 to meet the education and employment needs of low-income, female immigrants in the Northwest suburbs, many of whom are victims of domestic violence. The center gives women English as a Second Language instruction, employability skills, computer literacy, parent education, counseling, American culture orientation - helping them achieve economic independence. The center has become a haven for many women who enter the program with very low English language and basic skills. Many have small children to care for, and the program provides on-site preschool and infant care. To date, the grant- and donation-funded program has benefitted more than 500 women and their families.