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We help children, families, and communities facing great challenges to realize their potential.

SGA makes real, sustainable change for the most underserved individuals and communities throughout Illinois, including the city of Chicago, suburban Cook County, Lake County, and Will County.
Learn about The Cycle of Opportunity
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About Our Mission

SGA helps children, families and communities facing great challenges to realize their potential.

SGA creates and implements innovative, tailored solutions based on best practices to continuously improve outcomes for individuals and communities. SGA is committed to fulfilling its mission with respect, integrity and accountability.

Our success is driven by using innovative services, providing sustainable programs, employing collaborative efforts, and by having measurable outcomes. We are constantly evolving to adapt to the communities we serve and the ever-changing needs of those we serve.

man holding laughing infant and leaning over

From Adversity to Achievement: SGA’s Cycle of Opportunity®

SGA Youth & Family Services uses the Cycle of Opportunity®—a proven, innovative model that disrupts cycles of adversity and opens pathways for lasting change. By offering a continuum of support through every stage of life, we empower families to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

Our work focuses on four core areas: Parenting, Early Childhood Education, Education Supports, and Workforce Development. Through these comprehensive services, the Cycle of Opportunity® strengthens families, revitalizes neighborhoods, and fosters sustainable change—family by family, block by block, and generation to generation.

Our Story

Early 1900's
Reformers Lead the Way
Inspired by Hull House reformers, a group of Chicago women fought to change social policies and support families in need, laying the foundation for systems like Social Security and the Juvenile Court.
Early 1900's
1911
Founding of SGA
Inspired by Hull House reformers, a group of Chicago women fought to change social policies and support families in need, laying the foundation for systems like Social Security and the Juvenile Court.
1911
1942-1945
Expansion and Renaming
After merging with the Scholarship Association for Jewish Children, the organization became the Scholarship and Guidance Association (SGA), expanding its mission to address emotional and social challenges.
1942-1945
1950-2000
Partnership with CPS
SGA partnered with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), becoming a trusted collaborator for youth mental health and social services.
1950-2000
2003
SGA Youth & Family Services
SGA was renamed to SGA Youth & Family Services to reflect the vital role families play in children’s growth and success.
2003
2004
Early Childhood Focus
Launched programs for parenting teens and expanded to provide Early Head Start and Head Start services in underserved neighborhoods.
2004
2012
Workforce Development
Introduced Workforce Development programs, empowering youth with skills for long-term careers and financial stability.
2012
cycle of opportunity graphic shows programming with parenting, early childhood education, education supports, workforce development and community services
2017
The Cycle of Opportunity®
Through its Cycle of Opportunity®, SGA transforms communities with wraparound services in parenting, early childhood education, education supports Kindergarten through college, and workforce development building brighter futures for Illinois families.
2017