Cicero Berwyn
Contact Info
Network Coordinator: Linda Rios 708-484-7400 Extension 030 lindar@youthcrossroads.org
Family Engagement Specialist: Michelle Ramirez 708-484-7400 Extension 031 micheller@youthcrossroads.org
Address:
Youth Crossroads
5533 West 25th Street
Cicero, IL 60804
Building Brighter Futures in Cicero and Berwyn
For more than two decades, the Cicero-Berwyn All Our Kids (AOK) Network has worked alongside families, schools, healthcare providers, early childhood programs, and community organizations to ensure that every child enters kindergarten safe, healthy, supported, and ready to learn. What began in Cicero in 1999 as a community-driven response to the needs of young children and families has evolved into a cross-community collaboration focused on advancing early childhood success and family well-being across both Cicero and Berwyn.
Our communities are rich in culture, resilience, and diversity. Cicero and Berwyn are home to thousands of hardworking families, many of whom face significant barriers related to poverty, access to services, language barriers, immigration-related challenges, and educational inequities. Despite these challenges, families continue to demonstrate strength, commitment, and deep care for their children’s futures.
Using a community data assessment process that included family voice, and collaborative planning, the Cicero-Berwyn AOK Network identified a critical concern: not all young children are on a positive developmental trajectory before entering school. Particularly, many children are not meeting key social-emotional and developmental milestones that are essential for long-term success. Developmental screening rates also revealed alarming gaps, specifically for children birth to five who were not connected to early childhood programs or intervention services. At the same time, many families in both communities continue to experience high levels of poverty and disparities in educational opportunities – factors that directly impact early childhood outcomes.
The Cicero-Berwyn AOK Network works with cross sector partners to ensure that early childhood success begins with strong families, informed communities, and equitable access to resources and opportunities. Through strategic partnerships and community-centered solutions, the Network works to reduce barriers and increase access to early learning programs, developmental screenings, family supports, and culturally attuned services.
One of the Network’s greatest strengths is its commitment to family leadership and authentic community engagement. Parents and community members play an active role in shaping strategies, outreach efforts, and solutions that reflect the realities and strengths of local families. Through workshops, community events, parent engagement opportunities, developmental screenings, and resource connections, the Network continues to build trust and strengthen awareness around the importance of early childhood development.
In 2025, the AOK Network of Cicero-Berwyn further strengthened partnerships and expanded collaboration efforts in response to emerging community needs related to the shifting political climate and immigration challenges impacting local families. Together with community partners, the Network coordinated workshops, legal clinics, family support initiatives, and resource distribution efforts designed to address both immediate and long-term family needs with compassion, dignity, and care.
The Network also expanded its impact through a meaningful partnership with Cradles to Crayons. In 2025, AOK was selected as a recipient of the “Walking on Sunshine” initiative, receiving 1,500 brand-new pairs of shoes for children and families in need. Through this initiative, more than 1,000 families received new shoes to help children feel confident, comfortable, and prepared for school and daily life.
In addition to direct support efforts, the Network experienced substantial growth in service coordination and collaboration. From July 2025 through end of May 2026, the AOK Cicero-Berwyn IRIS system received 364 partner referrals and successfully connected 279 families to critical services and supports throughout the Cicero-Berwyn community. This represented a 11% increase in partner referrals compared to the previous year, reflecting stronger collaboration and a growing network of care dedicated to supporting families holistically.
The collaboration also prioritizes trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches that honor the lived experiences of immigrant families and historically underserved communities. By creating safe spaces for connection, learning, and support, the Network helps families feel empowered, informed, and connected to services that promote healthy child development and family stability.
Today, the Cicero-Berwyn AOK Network continues to expand its impact through collective action, data-informed decision-making, and strong cross-sector partnerships. Together, we are working toward a future where every child—regardless of zip code, language, income, or background—has the opportunity to thrive.
By investing in children early, supporting families holistically, and strengthening community systems, we are building healthier, more equitable communities for generations to come.
