OUR MISSION
El Valor is a nonprofit organization that serves more than 4,000 children, adults with disabilities, and their families each year. Our mission is to support our community to strive for excellence and engage fully in life. Through our programs, we create opportunities to build community, fostering self-advocacy and a deep sense of belonging within a supportive learning environment.
OUR VISION
El Valor strives to be a leading organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families to reach their full potential.
Our History
In 1973, one woman saw a need.
Guadalupe Reyes’ son was born with a condition that led to mental and physical disabilities – one of the challenges was finding suitable care. There was silence where there should have been support in the community.
So she created a place in her own home where he, and other children like him, could thrive. She quickly moved to the basement of a church in her community and, over time, more families joined El Valor‘s mission.
What started out as one woman’s vision for her child grew into El Valor as we know it today. A center for education, support, resources, and empowerment for children and adults.
Since El Valor’s inception, it has been a home and a source of belonging, a place for community members to be uplifted. The feeling of welcome pervades El Valor – it’s in every room, every event, every conversation – our people know that they’ve found something unique.
While we have come a long way in cultivating our programs, we never forget our beginnings.
Today
El Valor has four Children & Family Centers, a Technology Center, a Developmental Training Center and six Community Residential Homes for adults with disabilities. (Adult Programs are CARF Accredited). With a budget of over $29 million, programs work with families throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. El Valor has over 320 staff members and hundreds of volunteers to help provide services to children, people with disabilities and their families.
Our Vision for the Future
- The best in the nation in early childhood and parental engagement.
- A model for the participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of the community.
- A trustworthy support system for families’ access to education information, and a premier organization developing leadership.
We welcome partners to embrace our mission and to take an active role in shaping the future. An investment in El Valor is an investment in the future of our community.
Our Locations
- Guadalupe A. Reyes Children & Family Center
- Carlos H. Cantu Children & Family Center
- Rey B. Gonzalez Children & Family Center
- Cicero Children & Family Center
- El Valor & ComEd Technology Center
- Main Office
Chicago, Illinois 60608
Main Office: (312) 997-2021
Fax: (312) 432-9849
2434 S. Kildare Avenue
Chicago, IL 60623
Main Office: (773) 242-2700
Fax: (773) 542-1528
3050 E. 92nd Street
Chicago, IL 60617
Main Office: (773) 721-9311
Fax: (773) 721-5865
5310 W. 24th Place
Cicero, Illinois 60804
Main Office: (773) 242-2710
Fax: (773) 542-1528
1924 West 21st Street
Chicago, IL 60608
Main Office: (312) 997-2030
Fax: (312) 997-2035
1850 W. 21st Street
Chicago, IL 60608
P: (312) 666-4511
F: (312) 666-6677