MSRN Organization Of The Month: Carole Robertson Center for Learning

1. What is the name of your organization, and where is it located?

Carole Robertson Center for Learning. We have three flagship sites in Little Village (2929 W. 19th), North Lawndale (3701 W. Ogden) and Albany Park (5101 N. Kimball). Our service footprint is in 27 communities in Chicago.

2. Could you provide a brief overview of your organization and its mission?

The Carole Robertson Center is a leading provider of early education and youth development in Chicago. Our mission is to educate, enrich, and empower children and families. Now celebrating our 50th year, we exist to ensure that every child and family can reach their full potential in school and life. Since its inception in 1976, the Carole Robertson Center has worked to honor the life and memory of Carole Robertson who, together with her friends Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair, was killed in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

3. What services does your organization offer? 

The Center offers high-quality early childhood education (0-5 years old) and youth development programs (5-17 years old), along with wraparound family support services to 2500 children and youth. The Center reaches 15,000 children and adults annually through our direct service programs, community partnerships, workforce development efforts, and support services for independent child care providers.

4. How did you learn about the Marshall Square Resource Network, and what motivated you to get involved?

The Carole Robertson Center for Learning has proudly had a presence in the Marshall Square/South Lawndale community for nearly 40 years. We serve children, youth, and families in the community not only at our flagship site, but also through home visiting services and youth development offerings at partner schools in the neighborhood. Our President and CEO Bela Mote became involved in the leadership of MSRN--as co-chair of the Peace Committee and as a member of the Steering Committee--shortly after joining the Carole Robertson Center in 2018. Staff and families from the Center participate in multiple MSRN committees and events throughout the year. We were motivated to get involved through a deep, shared commitment to creating a vibrant Marshall Square community where all individuals and families can thrive.

5. What are your organization’s social media handles?

Facebook: @The Carole Robertson Center for Learning; LinkedIn: @Carole Robertson Center for Learning; Instagram: @the_crcl; BlueSky: @carolerobertsonctr.bsky.social; YouTube: @Carole Robertson Center for Learning Official

6.  What is the best way to contact your organization?

Brenda Berman, VP of Marketing & Communications -- 773.595.5644 or bberman@carolerobertsoncenter.org