Care for Friends

The services that would become Care for Friends began in 1968, when the Church of Our Saviour in Lincoln Park provided shelter to young people fleeing the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests. The church's outreach continued for several decades. In 2012, the program was formally established as an independent 501(c)(3) organization named "The 530 Fullerton Foundation." The organization rebranded as "Care for Friends" in 2016. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization started a grocery-delivery service for students and their families. The organization later expanded its meal services to a location in the Edgewater neighborhood and subsequently took over management at a third location for the South Loop Community Table, a meal program operating at Second Presbyterian Church. == Community Center ==

In March 2024, Care for Friends broke ground on a new community center on the campus of the Church of Our Saviour in Lincoln Park, where its services originated. The $9.2 million facility opened in 2025, serves as the organization's permanent headquarters, and houses meal services, healthcare programs, and educational resources. support for which was secured by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz. 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen also provided support through the project's zoning approval process. == Operations ==

Care for Friends' programs include food services, healthcare, and other support services. It also runs a grocery delivery program. and a "Culinary Battle Royale" event hosted by the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. They also host a "Power Hope Awards Gala" that has recognized Chicagoans who have made an impact in the community, including Alexi Giannoulias, Matt Forte, Mikki Kendall, Imran Khan, and Ian Gerard. == See also ==