Westside Health Authority

The Westside Health Authority (WHA) is an American community-based non-profit organization. Located in Chicago's Austin neighborhood on the west side of Chicago, it historically served a primarily African American community. The organization serves about 26,000 residents through programs for community activism, youth mentoring and leadership, re-entry for returning citizens from prison, and economic growth.^[1][2] The organization has six locations. WHA's mission statement is "Every Block a Village."^[3]

The closure of St. Anne's Hospital in 1988 and resulting deficit of accessible and affordable health care prompted activism from Jacqueline Reed, a student at the University of Chicago's Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.^[4]

In response to the healthcare crisis, Reed organized public forums, faith-based fundraising, and strategic partnerships from her academic networks to secure a building and organize medical services. This led to the creation of the Westside Health Authority (WHA) in 1990.

Reed stated that her upbringing in Mississippi influenced her approach to community organizing.^[5] Community fundraising contributed to the $7.4 million construction of the Austin Wellness Center, which opened in 2004.^[2] Reed retired from the agency in 2011 and has continued her involvement with the organization as a volunteer.

Since the 1990s, the agency's mission has expanded beyond healthcare. Under CEO Morris Reed, son of Jacqueline Reed, the agency has expanded to six buildings that run programs regarding employment, housing, youth development, violence prevention, and reentry in support of formerly incarcerated individuals.^[4] An initiative launched in 2016, called the Good Neighbor Campaign,^[6] secured a grant worth $1 million. This campaign identifies and supports the existing talents and strengths of residents to address issues like safety, youth engagement, and health issues.^[7][8] The campaign has mobilized over 600 residents across 31 blocks, helped establish block clubs, organized youth sports leagues, and created art and cultural events that support community pride. Good Neighbor volunteers are trained to intervene in violent situations, offer support to vulnerable neighbors, and coordinate local resources for one another.^[2]

Under the leadership of CEO Morris Reed and former COO Quiwana Reed Bell, WHA employs dozens of full-time and part-time workers and serves approximately 22,000 residents annually. The agency plays a role in the community’s economic expansion and development. The agency manages commercial and residential real estate projects and channels millions of dollars in contracts to local businesses. In 2011, WHA secured significant funding, including support for neighborhood restoration initiatives.^[2]

WHA's Youth Innovation Center offers programs including mentorship, workforce development, and technology-related activities. The initiatives for youth development include career pipeline programs, apprenticeships, substance use counseling, and civic leadership projects.^[5]

The Community Re-entry Center assists the formerly incarcerated, veterans, and others who are reintegrating into society. The center provides job readiness training, vocational skills development, and transitional employment opportunities.^[2][9]

WHA has contributed to the development of the West Side through projects such as the Austin Wellness Center and Clinic^[2], and the 2025 Chicago Prize finalist, $10 million Aspire Center.^[10] These projects aim to create sustainable economic opportunities, provide educational opportunities, and improve public safety for all residents of all ages.^[11]

In January 2022, the Chicago City Council unanimously approved zoning changes allowing the Westside Health Authority to redevelop the former Emmet Elementary School at 5500–5536 W. Madison Street into a workforce training and community hub known as the Aspire Center for Workplace Innovation.^[12]

Emmet Elementary School closed in 2013 as part of a Chicago Public Schools district-wide closure of 49 schools, most located on the city’s South and West sides. WHA purchased the property in 2018; because the site had been rezoned for residential use after the school’s closure, City Council approval was required to permit business and social service uses.^[12]

The Aspire Center forms part of the broader Aspire Initiative, which also includes planned affordable housing and a health and fitness center at other sites in the Austin neighborhood. The center was planned to house workforce training programs, social services, and leased space for partner organizations, with workforce training expected to be led by the Jane Addams Resource Corporation.^[12]

Project costs for the Aspire Center redevelopment were reported at approximately $28 million, including a $10 million grant from the Illinois state capital budget. Additional funding was expected from private donors and public sources, with workforce development programming anticipated to begin prior to full project completion.^[12]

The Community Wellness program is a community-based center designed to promote health, safety, and resilience across neighborhoods through integrated services and proactive engagement.^[4] Core program components include primary care, behavioral health services, street outreach, and grassroots mobilizations.^[2][4]