Benton House

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Benton House residents and Bridgeport community members delivered photo petitions to Mayor Emanuel to demand an end to pollution from the nearby Fisk and Crawford coal plants.

For 9 weeks this summer, Youthworks volunteer groups from around the country will each be committing a week of service to Benton House and its mission. They will be writing daily reports about their service. Check out the News section to see their updates!

This March, Benton House hosted 8 volunteers from Roosevelt University for the week! They spent each day this week immersed in the life of Benton House. Their projects included redoing the kitchen, painting, helping out with the after school program and food pantry...

Thanks to the great staff and chefs at the Hideout and to all who came out on February 2 for the Soup and Bread event! Through all of your support, we were able to raise $775 to support the Benton House Food Pantry!

Benton House is looking to grow our community through working together on a community garden! The garden will provide fresh produce and hands on gardening for all participants. If interested, please click on the read more link to find out how to get involved!

The latest After School Matters Sound Alternative class is now under way! Classes started February 7, and we have a great group of students. Be sure to read more about this great program at the link below!

For the 4th year in a row, Benton House gave away Christmas trees to those in need in the community. On December 4th this year, we gave away 100 trees! Happy Holidays to all!

History

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Benton House was founded in 1907 as part of the early 20th century settlement house movement. The nursery provided the children with three meals a day and weekly health check-ups by a local doctor. Nutrition clinics and English classes were offered to parents in the evening.

In 1942, the facilities were renamed Benton House in tribute to the founder’s daughter, Katherine “Ma Benton” Sturges Benton who took over its direction. Over the years, Benton House became a place where the neighborhood gathered for concerts, events and political rallies.

Benton House has always remained rooted in its original mission, as many of its programs, services, and buildings stand as a tribute to previous generations. With unyielding determination, the organization will continue to grow to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Programs Slider

In partnership with The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Benton House's Food Pantry has given food to over 700 families and the need continues to grow. Started in December 2009, the demand is now 5 times more! On average, 1000 pounds of food are distributed every week.

Sound Alternative is an audio engineering and event production job-training program designed specifically for youth ages 14 to 20. The goal of the program is to instill in at-risk youth the desire to continue on a path of self-improvement through education and vocational training.

Benton House's After School program accepts 3rd-8th graders free of charge. We offer sports, recreation, arts, tutoring, nutrition, and computer training in a safe and social environment.

Youth Technology Corps (YTC) aims to transform the lives of teens in challenged communities by connecting them to 21st century technology so they can discover new interests, learn relevant life/job skills and develop the confidence to secure a better future for themselves and their communities.

Support Us Slider

In order to succeed with Benton House’s mission, we rely on the help of volunteers. Click on "read more" to find out about our various opportunities and to see what our volunteers have been working on.

We need your help more than ever in this difficult economy. Please consider the important role Benton House plays in the lives of many. Your support will ensure that we are as relevant today as we were more than 100 years ago.

Self Defense Class
Sunday, January 29

Presentation at Marias!
Sunday, January 29

Volunteer Day at the Greater Chicago Food Depository
Tuesday, January 31

Food Pantry Distribution
Friday, February 03

See full calendar

Benton House Food Pantry - Every Friday from 12-2pm

Volunteer With Benton House - Click Here for More Info

We rely on your support. Donate now and help continue the tradition of Benton House.

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