Community House Expands Reach and Engagement

Serving Chicago’s north shore and Winnetka for more than 100 years as a place for learning and gathering, the Winnetka Community House is pleased to expand its programming and launch a revitalization initiative as part of a year-long project. Returning to its 1911 moniker of, “Community House,” the re-energizing of the facility and the non-profit organization illustrates a focus on bringing the entire community together. A new look and enhanced website have been launched along with a new URL at www.mycommunityhouse.org.

“To align and strengthen our focus on unity and coming together, we initiated a strategic effort to revitalize the Community House through a collaboration between contributors, members, staff, tenants and visitors,” said Bob Thomas, President and CEO of the Community House. “I’m very proud of the improvements that have been made at the Community House and I’m excited to continue to enhance our surroundings and be a place of engagement that enriches lives for everyone. There is a vibrancy as we plan for the next 100 years!” he added.

With new energy and an invigorated look, the Community House mission remains the same: to enrich lives by providing educational, cultural, social and recreational opportunities for everyone. The revitalization project, which includes a brand refresh and facility improvements, provides an opportunity for the non-profit to expand its offerings for people of all ages who live outside of Winnetka and to also collaborate with more organizations and partners from the area. This initiative propels the Community House back to its historic roots of community service and providing a central place of gathering on the north shore.

The increase of programs at the Community House welcomes several new organizations and new collaborations. The Actors Training Center of Wilmette and Second City will both begin offering classes at the Community House. Oakton Community College will now teach English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at the facility, and the Community House Fitness Center will offer Peloton training bikes to its members. The Fitness Center is the only athletic club on the north shore to provide these bikes; a real treat when riding outside isn’t an option.

“As someone who has lived in Winnetka for more than 25 years, and has been actively involved at the Community House, I’m delighted to see this historic building infused with more energy and programs that illustrate our values like inclusiveness and friendship,” stated Leslie Farmer, a Winnetka resident and a past-president of the Board of Governors.

Founded in 1911, the Community House offers classes, programs and special events for every member of the family, as well as a full-service Fitness Center and gymnasium. Theater and dance productions are held year-round in historic Matz Hall, performed by groups such as the Children’s Theatre of Winnetka and Village Follies. The facility also plays host to weddings, family gatherings, reunions, birthday parties business meetings, and religious parties and houses other non-profit organizations, such as The Junior League of Evanston and North Shore, The North Shore Art League, The Winnetka Club, The Winnetka Youth Organization and the Winnetka Community Nursery School. For more information, visit www.mycommunityhouse.org.