Rosie’s Story: A Journey Towards a Better Future
Rosie never imagined that a simple visit to Northwestern Settlement’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program would set her family on a path toward a brighter future. As a mother, she, like so many others, wanted the best for her children—quality education, a safe environment, and the chance to dream big. What she found at Northwestern Settlement, however, went beyond her expectations.
When Rosie enrolled her oldest child in ECE, she discovered not just a school, but a supportive community that embraced her entire family. The Settlement provided more than just academic learning—it offered a network of resources and care that reached far beyond the classroom.
During challenging times, Northwestern Settlement’s food pantry ensured Rosie could put nutritious meals on the table, providing stability for her family. After her children graduated from ECE, they continued their educational journey at Rowe Elementary, where they thrived in a nurturing environment that introduced them to STEM programs and social-emotional learning. These programs helped build their confidence and curiosity, empowering them to excel academically while developing essential life skills.
The most transformative experience, however, came when one of Rosie’s children participated in the Family CARES program, Camp Mariposa, at House In The Wood. This unique camp serves children impacted by substance abuse and offers them a chance to experience therapy, nature, and adventure. For Rosie’s children, it was a first: climbing trees, learning about wildlife, and gaining life-changing skills to help prevent risky behaviors. When they returned home, they were filled with stories of adventure, laughter, and new friendships—experiences that would stay with them for a lifetime.
For Rosie, Northwestern Settlement wasn’t just a school, a food pantry, or a camp—it was a place that nurtured, educated, and inspired her whole family. It gave her children more than just the basics. It provided them with the tools to dream bigger, aim higher, and believe that a better future was within reach.
This is where your support makes a difference.
When you Donate a Plate, you’re helping families like Rosie’s not just survive, but thrive. You’re offering more than a meal—you’re giving hope, opportunity, and the chance for a brighter future.
Our Mission
We disrupt generational poverty by supporting, preparing, and empowering young people at distinct stages of life to break down barriers on their path to success in adulthood.
Our History
Click below to watch a video about the history of Northwestern Settlement.
Here is what
we do.
NURTURE
To break the cycle of generational poverty, it's essential that we first address the basic needs of those who turn to us for support. By providing everyday essentials, we're helping to remove one of the many obstacles they face.
EDUCATE
Providing access to high-quality education and youth development is a key way we work to break the cycle of poverty. Our school and youth programs offer strong academic instruction and extracurricular activities, while also enriching the student experience through the full range of services and support available at the Settlement.
INSPIRE
We draw inspiration from all of our programs and hope they inspire those we serve. Our services help young people envision a world beyond their own by offering new and exciting experiences and learning opportunities.
Our Work in Action
Our programs have been changing lives for more than 130 years. Click below to learn more about the ways in which we are living out our mission through the services that matter most to our families.
72
Number of children enrolled in our Early Childhood Education program which provides childcare, education, and meals for working families.
21,200+
Hours of service we provided to those in need through our different programs.
500
Number of shows and events we have hosted for children and organizations since 2018.
34
Average number of activities we have for schools in the Illinois and Wisconsin area. These activities benefit thousands of children in need.
35
Number of children we have helped in the last year deal with family substance abuse and loss of a loved one.