Chicago Foundation for Women

Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) is taking a place-based, community-centered and holistic approach to women’s economic security through the Englewood Women’s Initiative (EWI). This initiative serves the Englewood community, on the south side of Chicago. Within five years, these strategies will put 60 female-headed households on a path to sustainable income, defined as more than $40,000 per year. CFW has brought together a network of agencies addressing a wide spectrum of women’s needs, from access to affordable childcare and housing to domestic violence services and credit clean up, while also providing job skills training and small business support. This model ensures that workforce development and other programs prioritize specific strategies that improve the lives of women and their families.Through the EWI, CFW is creating a net designed to keep women from falling further into poverty, no matter what obstacles arise on their path to economic security.