What is Chicago Lights?

Chicago Lights is the community outreach arm of Fourth Church. Its programs partner with youth and adults to build brighter futures.

It is this congregation’s historic commitment to serve the city and our urban neighbors that is given expression in Chicago Lights.

History

Chicago Lights was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2004 as a way to bring together under one umbrella various Fourth Church urban outreach programs and at the same time to offer those programs better access to corporate and foundation support and partnerships.

Among the programs brought together in 2004 under the Chicago Lights name and organization were the Social Service Center, which was created by Pastor Elam Davies in 1984, and Tutoring, which was started in 1964 by church members and subsequently gave rise to a 501(c)(3) organization known from 1991 to 2004 as Partners in Education (PIE).

The Programs of Chicago Lights

The Social Service Center
Summer Day
The Tutoring Program
The Urban Farm

Making a Difference

Chicago Lights provides creative youth development and social services that help people build the skills they need to transcend systemic barriers and lead fulfilling lives. We partner with Chicago’s youth and adults in mentoring, supportive services, academic enrichment, career development, and arts education.

Embodying the commitment of Fourth Church to reflect God’s inclusive love, honor the dignity and potential of all, and compassionately serve our neighbors, Chicago Lights annually partners with 4,000 individuals of all races, ages, ethnic backgrounds, and religious traditions.

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