Three women leaning toward each other over paperwork and coffee cups, mid-laugh, with natural window light

Chicago, IL

847 women served in 2026

We speak your language

Españolहिन्दीPortuguêsالعربيةPolski+12
Community Center · Est. 2014

You don't have to figure this out alone.

Whether you need help with English, navigating paperwork, finding childcare, or rebuilding your career — Raíces is a place where you belong from the moment you walk in.

12+

Languages supported

Free

All services

10yr

In the community

🌿 English Classes·⚖️ Legal Navigation·🏠 Housing Support·👶 Childcare Resources·💼 Career Rebuilding·🏥 Medical Guidance·📚 Education Help·💬 Your Language·🌿 English Classes·⚖️ Legal Navigation·🏠 Housing Support·👶 Childcare Resources·💼 Career Rebuilding·🏥 Medical Guidance·📚 Education Help·💬 Your Language·
Our Community

Real women. Real stories.

This isn't a brochure. These are the people who walk through our door — and what they said when we asked them how it felt.

Marisol, a woman from Guatemala smiling warmly at the camera

Marisol

Originally from Guatemala

"I learned to open a bank account on a Tuesday. That Tuesday changed everything."

Priya, a woman from India looking thoughtfully out a window

Priya

Originally from India

"They helped me understand my lease. I stopped being afraid of my mailbox."

Close-up of hands writing in a notebook during an English class

English class, every Tuesday and Thursday

Legal

Know Your Rights Guide

A plain-language guide to your legal rights — available in 8 languages. Download and keep it.

Download Free PDF
Fatima, a woman from Morocco in a colorful headscarf, smiling confidently

Fatima

Originally from Morocco

"My daughter used to translate everything for me. Now I call the school myself."

Daniela, a woman from Colombia reviewing documents at a table

Daniela

Originally from Colombia

"I came with a degree and couldn't get a job. Raíces helped me understand why, and what to do."

Children drawing on the floor during a community childcare session, colorful crayons spread around them

Free childcare during all workshops

Agnieszka, a woman from Poland with warm eyes and a gentle smile

Agnieszka

Originally from Poland

"I was invisible here. Then I walked into Raíces and someone said my name correctly."

Education

Workshop Calendar

English, job readiness, digital literacy, and more — all free, all welcoming.

See All Workshops
Yuki, a woman from Japan looking calm and assured at a community table

Yuki

Originally from Japan

"I thought I had to do everything perfectly before I could ask for help. I was wrong."

A whiteboard covered in English verb conjugations with colorful markers

A whiteboard full of verbs — and hope

Amara, a woman from Nigeria laughing with another woman at a community table

Amara

Originally from Nigeria

"The first day I came, I sat in the corner. By the third visit, I was helping someone else."

Emergency

Crisis Hotline & Support

If you need immediate help — housing, safety, or medical — call our partner line. 24/7, multilingual.

1-800-RAICES-1
Valentina, a woman from Venezuela holding a coffee cup with both hands, looking into the distance

Valentina

Originally from Venezuela

"I came with two suitcases and a lot of fear. Raíces gave me a map."

Women gathered around a table sharing documents and laughing together

Every Thursday: Open Office Hours

Next Workshop

Come to Our Next Workshop

Saturday, March 8, 2026 — 10:00 AM

1847 W. 18th Street, Chicago, IL 60608

2 hours · Free childcare provided · All languages welcome

Job ReadinessDigital LiteracyEnglish Conversation

Get the reminder

We'll send you the address, what to bring, and a reminder the day before — in your preferred language.

No spam. Unsubscribe any time.

Resource Directory

Find help in your language.

Filter by the language you're most comfortable in, then by what you need. Every resource is free.

1. Choose your language

2. What do you need help with?

Showing 8 resources

ServiceLegal

Immigration Legal Clinic

Free consultations with certified immigration attorneys. Walk-ins welcome on Wednesdays.

EspañolPortuguêsPolski+1
Book Appointment
HotlineHousing

Emergency Housing Line

If you or your family need shelter tonight, call this number. A real person answers 24/7.

Españolالعربيةहिन्दी+1
(312) 555-0194
BenefitsMedicalHousing

WIC & SNAP Enrollment Help

We help you apply for food assistance programs — no judgment, no immigration questions asked.

EspañolPortuguêsEnglish
Get Help Enrolling
ClassEducation

English for Adults (Beginner)

Start from zero. Classes meet twice a week in the evenings. Free childcare available.

All Languages
Join Next Session
ServiceEducationLegal

Credential Recognition Support

Understand how to get your foreign degree or license recognized in Illinois.

EspañolPolskiहिन्दी+1
Learn More
ServiceMedical

Free Medical Interpreter

We connect you with a medical interpreter for doctor appointments, free of charge.

EspañolالعربيةPortuguês+2
Request Interpreter
DownloadLegal

Know Your Rights (PDF)

Plain-language guide to your rights at work, with police, and at school. Free download.

EspañolPortuguêsالعربية+3
Download Free
WorkshopEducation

Job Search & Resume Workshop

Learn how to write a US-style resume and practice interview skills in a safe space.

EspañolPortuguêsEnglish
Register Now
Come In

The kettle is on. Pull up a chair.

You don't need an appointment. You don't need to explain yourself. Just walk in — or send us a message and we'll find someone who speaks your language.

Address

1847 W. 18th Street Chicago, IL 60608

Open Hours

Mon–Fri: 9 AM – 6 PM Sat: 10 AM – 3 PM

Phone

(312) 555-0194 Hablamos español · We speak your language

Send us a message

We'll respond within 24 hours, in your language.