Since 1972, El Hogar del Niño, which means the “home of the child”, has been serving Chicago’s predominately Latino neighborhoods of Pilsen and Little Village. El Hogar del Niño was founded by Rev. Joe Burgos, Juan V. Morales, Philip Ayala Sr., Grace Gonzales and Father Murphy. As neighborhoods, economies, politics, and communities have transformed over the decades, El Hogar has remained constant in its commitment to serve those most in need.

Although El Hogar now serves over 300 children yearly, the center has humble roots.  As the economic environment began to change in the early 1970s and more households were becoming dual income, a group of local Pilsen mothers found themselves with new childcare challenges.  For many, the ideal situation was to leave their children with family, especially grandmothers. They wanted their children to feel safe, comfortable and loved-just like being at grandma’s.  It was essential that the children be the focus, and that learning be at the forefront.

However, the reality was very different. Banding together, these devoted parents established the first bilingual and affordable daycare in the area. From the basement of a local church, they were able to provide a safe and educational environment for their children.

El Hogar Del Niño is now part of Brightpoint. El Hogar Del Niño will continue to offer the high-quality early childhood care and education parents have depended on for 50 years at the same location in Pilsen. As part of Brightpoint, El Hogar Del Niño families will have access to more services over time. Together, we can better serve more Latine families in Chicagoland and across the state.

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