History & Mission

The mission of Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc. is to empower, educate, and employ people to change lives and strengthen communities.

The agency was founded over a century ago in 1919 by its namesake, a visionary school teacher and social reformer who invested all her time and personal resources to serve African American World War I veterans and support southern families fleeing to Chicago during the Great Migration.

Now in its 107th year, Ada S. McKinley is one of the largest, most respected and impactful health care, education, and human service social enterprises in the Midwest with vital programming that continues to evolve as family and community needs expand. Services include early learning and foster care programs; mental health services; college and career placement; and support for seniors and people with disabilities. The agency currently serves over 10,000 people annually at over 70 locations, primarily in Chicago/Illinois with additional sites in Indiana and Wisconsin.