Inspired by Christ to live out God’s love and grace,

Concordia Ministries represents the whole of the missions and ministries of Concordia and the relationships, history, and interactions that bind them. Because our missions—when knit together—position us for greater impact, we value how our mission connections are expressed.

Concordia Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). In 1981, when three single mothers in the community asked for help with child care, the church acted on its belief that the role of the church goes beyond its walls and started  an after-school program. Continuing to respond to community need, it later added preschool. Years later, a long wait list prompted Concordia to work with local officials, civic leaders and residents to open a second center in Avondale in 2006.

Established as a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in 2002, Concordia Place is governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of civic and business leaders committed to serving Chicago children and families.

Concordia Place has continually adapted to meet growing and changing community needs. In 2016 and 2018, in response to an increased demand for care for Chicago’s youngest learners, Concordia launched two new centers focused on early learning. Concordia Day the cornerstone early childhood service of Concordia Place, serving children birth through 5 years old with full-day, year-round learning.

With a focus on growth and opportunity, Concordia Place instills self-sufficiency and independence through a wide range of educational, enrichment, and wellness programs for new and expecting families, young children, teens, and adults.

• New and expecting families get personalized, one-on-one support from an early childhood expert through our Home Visiting program.
• Through purposeful play, learning and development for young children,  Early Learning and Preschool prepare children (6 weeks – 5 years old) for a life of learning.
• School-Age 365 enriches the lives of children 6–12 years old year-round through after-school and full-day summer camp programs.
• Teen Leadership consists of three integrated programs that help local teens (ages 13–18) build life skills that drive academic, career, and personal achievement to strengthen possibilities for their future.
• English as a Second Language classes help remove linguistic barriers for adults.

Concordia Lutheran Church welcomes people wherever they are on their faith journey. People are comfortable at Concordia Church whether they are just beginning to explore Christianity, grew up in a different denomination church, or have been Lutheran their whole lives. Adults enjoy education and fellowship through adult forums, small group studies, and outreach ministry teams. Concordia offers activities for children of all ages, such as family faith nights, youth group projects and events, weekly Sunday school and confirmation classes.

Paid teen interns ages 16-18 operate all aspects of this body care product business, Ruckus Entrepreneurs. Teens define the target market, plan the product line, determine price points, create the budget, and market, sell and handcraft all the all-natural products: soaps, relaxing shea balms, and soothing lip balms.

Aspiring to effect social change, the teens launched the BOGO (Buy One Give One) campaign: for every product sold, the teens donate a similar product to help others in need.

Want a unique gift that makes a difference? Ruckus products are great for hostess gifts, teacher appreciations, a referral thank you… the list is endless! Order online at ruckusteens.org. Email ruckus@concordiaplace.org for large custom orders (corporate event take-aways, wedding favors, etc.) or to bring Ruckus products to your fair trade market.

Each ministry offers ways to get involved that align with its mission, purpose, and programs. Whether you are a corporate group seeking a one-time project, an individual wanting a meaningful connection or a way to apply your professional skills to make more of a difference, one of the Concordia ministries can provide a rewarding and meaningful opportunity that is right for you.

Intrigued? Katie Bernabei, our Annual Fund Director, can point you in the right direction based on your interests! kbernabei@concordiaplace.org or 773-463-1600 x421.