The Firehouse Community Arts Center has served as a safe haven for young people in the Chicago area for over a decade and has been coordinating various events and art programs dedicated to preventing and interrupting youth and young adults caught in violence. The Firehouse Community Art Center was birthed from youth and young adults in North Lawndale who attended an all youth and young adult Saturday night Hip-Hop worship service in 2003, started by Pastor Phil Jackson. Youth and young adults came from all over the community and city to engage in the arts. This prompted Pastor Phil and several partners to incorporate The Firehouse Community Art Center as a 501(c)(3) in 2006, and in 2007 they purchased the 100 year old Chicago Firehouse in North Lawndale. The Firehouse now offers year-round, multi-disciplinary cultural arts programming, mentorship, leadership and workforce development centered around the prevention and interruption of violence.
The Firehouse Community Art Center is run by a passionate staff of committed leaders. They are the heartbeat of everything we do.
Founder & CEO
Executive Assistant
Arts and Cultural Director
Executive Chef/instuctor
Director of Food Distribution
Food Distribution
Sr. Program Director
Lead Director of VIP
Alumni Coordinator/ House Uncle
Navigator Coordinator
Navigator (Professional Mentor)
Navigator (Professional Mentor)
Outreach Supervisor
Outreach Director
Outreach Advocate Community Coordinator
Outreach Site Supervisor
Navigator
Street Ambassador
Young Life staff
Program Director with the Pritzker Foundation
Owner, The King Maker Concierge
Board Secretary
Senior Director Community Development, St. Anthony Hospital
Co-Chair
Partner, True Platform
Founder and CEO
The Firehouse
Quality Assurance Manager, CPS
Board Treasurer
Retired/CPS
Deputy Director of Systems Rebalancing MSW, IDHS-Mental Health
Tim "Big Chop" Gates was a great dad and grandfather. He was one of the most beloved staff members of the Firehouse and was one of the longest employees of the Firehouse.Tim took care of the Firehouse like it was his own house and he loved all the youth who entered our doors.