The Work Behind the Mission
Our Journey
Guiding our community with care, resources, and real solutions
The South Side Help Center Team works together with individuals and community organizations to address issues that inhibit the productivity of the community and hinder the greater-good of its residents. Successfully resolving these issues takes the heartfelt dedication and hard work of people who know the community and possess the skills and passion to serve its people.
SSHC is structured so that it can effectively execute an array of community social services, while also broadening its influence and scope of services through capacity building and collaborations. In essence, we provide HELP to individuals and organizations.
The early vision that shaped nearly four decades of impact
Founded in June 1987, South Side Help Center (SSHC) was established with a clear and enduring purpose: to empower individuals of all ages to embrace a lifestyle rooted in prevention, wellness, and informed decision‑making. For nearly four decades, SSHC has worked to address the mental, physical, and social challenges that impact our community by offering positive, healthy alternatives and accessible support. Through education, advocacy, and comprehensive services, we strive to equip residents with the tools they need to lead productive, fulfilling lives and to build stronger, healthier neighborhoods across Chicago’s South Side.
SSHC purpose and legacy is in serving the people of the community. We actualize our mission of "Providing people with positive and healthy alternatives" through many programs and services. Some of them include:
Community Outreach Programs
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- HIV Prevention Programs including HIV testing
- Young Men Community Action Program
- Coalition Development & Research program (Y.M.C.A)
- Restoring Formerly Incarcerated
- Support Programs for those in Homeless Shelters
Youth Programs
- Male/Female Mentoring
- Youth Self Enhancement Program (YSEP)
- After School Program
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- School-based Violence Prevention Programs
- Valerie Smith Reid Scholarship Fund
Capacity Building
Statewide Capacity Building Initiative
Building and Nurturing Communities of Color (BANCC)
African-American CBO Coalition Building
LGBTQ Resource Building
Direct Services
- Mental Health
- Counseling
- Case Management