| In 1969, as the de-institutionalization movement in mental health gained steam, residents of the Lake View community joined together to form the Lake View Mental Health Council. The group incorporated in 1972 and became part of Centro Latino, a coalition of grass-roots organizations located at 3225 N. Sheffield. In 1975, the Department of Mental Health provided funding for Latino Counseling Services and Lake View Alcoholism Program, the first direct service programs of what is now known as the Counseling Center of Lake View. |
The courtyard - an oasis within the city at our home at 3225 N. Sheffield
| Since 1975, the agency has grown from a staff of 2.5 with a budget of $62,000 to a staff of 60 with a budget of $3.2 million. While Lake View is the center of our activities, many programs serve a broader area on the North side of Chicago. The Board of Directors continues to be composed largely of individuals who either live or work in Lake View, but the level of expertise represented on the board has increased significantly over the years.
In early 1999, the agency was accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, with commendation. In September, 2000, we purchased the property where we have been located since 1972.
The Center is committed to a flexible service-delivery approach with maximum accessibility tailored to individual service needs. This approach incorporates low fees based upon a discount schedule, individual advocacy, outreach, and maintenance of cooperative relationships with other institutions and resources in the community. Our vision includes advocacy for policy reform as well as community education regarding the social service needs of our clients. |
