Carole Robertson Center

In February 2025, CDF provided $6.5 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to the Carole Robertson Center to finance the renovation and modernization of its 38,100-square-foot facility located at 2929 West 19th Street in South Lawndale on Chicago’s West Side. This project will allow the Carole Robertson Center to improve and expand its high-quality early childhood, afterschool, and wraparound service programming. Project components include upgrades to technology and infrastructure in 19 classroom spaces, a new multi-purpose community hub, improvements to an existing kitchen to support meal preparation for program participants, and updates to a number of other spaces including the multi-age library and gymnasium.

The Project will serve more than 300 children and youth annually, 100% of whom are anticipated to be low-income, with low- and no-cost comprehensive early childhood education and out-of-school youth enrichment programs, addressing the community’s limited childcare availability and high youth disconnection rate. The project will also provide more than 900 individuals annually with holistic family support services, including case management, in-home visits, health and mental health consultations, and on-site events.

In coordination with CDF’s financing, Chase New Markets Corporation provided $4 million in NMTC allocation. NMTC equity was provided by JPMorgan Chase.