CCIL, established in 1909 on the Near West side of Chicago, is a non-sectarian, non-profit organization serving poor and homeless men, women, and families from the entire metropolitan area.  Originally functioning as a "rescue mission", CCIL primarily served those whose skills and self-esteem had been battered by the ravaging forces that soon would come to be known as the Great Depression.  The "industrial" portion of our name reflects the founding belief that work was a key solution to the restoration of those we served to productive independence.

Over time our programs have continued to develop, responding to the emerging needs of those we serve amidst ever-changing economic, political, social and psychological forces.  Today we serve men, women and families with children.  Their lives typically chronicle urban violence, chronic substance abuse, entrenched poverty, long-term unemployment, limited literacy, low skills, an absence of work values, and many poor personal choices.

Our original mission remains alive today - to provide the resources, opportunities and support necessary so these poor and homeless Chicagoans can return to the workforce and lead independent lives.  Against a backdrop of counseling and case management in a residential setting, a comprehensive array of programs provide training in technical, academic, interpersonal and employment skills.  Today, the "industrial" portion of our name continues to reflect that founding belief in work, as well as a commitment to training, as a primary means to acquiring that employment.