In many ways, the Woodlawn Mental Health Clinic was the epicenter of the community-led resistance to the closure of half of the city's public mental health care centers by Rahm Emanuel in 2012. Organizers led an occupation both inside and outside of the Woodlawn clinic in an attempt to save the centers slated to close. These leaders formed an encampment, slept in an abandoned lot across the street, and held daily rallies demanding support for public mental health services in the city. An intergenerational occupation inside of the clinic lasted a few hours before police came and arrested those demonstrating.

Rahm Emanuel did close half of the city’s mental health care clinics at that time, sparking a robust movement that continues to organize for the expansion of public mental health care in Chicago. 

We are committed to maintaining a space that remains part of the ongoing movement demanding that the City increase resources for free public mental health care in our neighborhoods. We see the continued funding of the Reparations Ordinance as being an integral part of the continuing fight to ensure holistic care for all in our communities. We are proud and humbled to be opening in this building within the lineage of that struggle, and with the support of many of those who continue to lead Chicago's Mental Health Movement.

With the history of this community-led movement at our backs and with a clear understanding of the work that lies ahead, we look forward to making the renovations needed to offer a space that is safe, accessible, and comforting to survivors.

Thank you for helping us make this a reality.