“What a gem!! I wandered in here unexpectedly yesterday and was so delighted. They’ve got an incredible selection of books and I loved browsing the store. So many $5 books! My problem is that my backpack was full already so I’ll be back today prepared to purchase ?”
“CCRX is a hidden gem- hard to believe considering its size! All kinds of things for educators, artists, creatives, parents, etc. Well organized with a helpful staff. You have to visit to understand!!”
“It was very clean. The kitties looked healthy. The kitties areas were clean. They are very friendly. They are very patient. I highly recommend this place to anybody that wants a kitty or is definitely new to having a kitty.”
“My son returned from a field trip from the Hatchery and has not stopped raving about his experience! Thank you Quintin and staff for making such a positive impression on my son!”
“Super cool spot. Upon arriving, I had no clue where the entrance was. It was only when people came out of the building that I realized that was the entrance. Once inside, I was left in awe of the magnitude of the place. A huge old warehouse transformed into a book “store”? Absolutely amazing. REMEMBER, you put the price in the books, not the other way around. When I was here, the cashier tried to give me a price when it shouldn't be like that. Don't feel intimidated and pay whatever you think is fair.There’s also a Spanish section right by the entrance.”
“I just left The Waste Shed and it was one of the best experiences I've had in a long time. I'm autistic and have become more and more homebound as the years have passed but I asked to come here for mother's day. The store is a crafty person's theme park. It's filled to the brim with anything and everything you could dream of. My budget was miniscule but I was able to afford a rare treat of craft supplies. The staff is kind and patient. I'm going to make a bigger effort to come out because it's a treasure , thank you The Waste Shed!”
“Great experience!! One of the better cat cafes I’ve visited. $20 ticket per person for one hour, waiver signature required. Staff is very knowledgeable and caring, was told about 15 cats get adopted each week. You get a complimentary beverage of choice (you must take it when you enter, not when you leave).
Many of the cats during my visit were very young kittens. Super cute — some were playful, some wanted to sleep, and some were very cuddly (they want to sit in your lap).
There are arcade games, but I didn’t see anyone play them. Honestly, if a cat chooses your lap to sit in, it’s hard to move after that! Overall, fun experience and supports a good cause!!”
Open 24 hours
6300 N Ridge Ave, Chicago
Community Services Non Profits
“Amazing what they do here. Volunteered with my friend since his sister has been here for 10 years. Love what this place is about.Bonus: my company does the Fire Protection for them”
“It's a place to help people who want to become sober. They have pot meetings as well as alcohol meetings and Alon meetings. They have mostly alcohol meetings very good place can sit on porch and fellowship all day from 8:00am to 9:00 pm.”
“Laura is absolutely the best. Thank you so much! She was able to help me the same day I called and told me exactly what to bring. Word of advice, do not submit online applications for the LIHEAP program. It is best to go to a center for assistance especially if you have your disconnection notices. There is no need for an appointment, you walk in and they ask if your services are going to get disconnected and depending on your answer they determine how to best help you. God bless you and your loved ones Laura.”
“First rate business in screen printing uniforms for whatever your need. Very courteous, friendly service with fair pricing. Tom and the staff always accommodating to its patrons!”
“(Translated by Google) My experience was wonderful, they should give more information about this help for the community from health, immigration cases, family help and, above all, their 100% professional and kind-hearted staff, they answer your questions, I recommend them(Original)Mi experiencia fue maravillosa deberían dar más información sobre esta alluda para la comunidad desde la salud casos de inmigración alluda familiar y sobre todo su personal 100% profesional y de buen corazón responden tus dudas se los recomiendo”
“I went to open shop last night to get my new bike I purchased off marketplace new tires. Everyone was helpful and I learned to install them myself. So very thankful. What a great place for the community”
“Cliff Dwellers is an amazing asset to the City of Chicago. It is of no surprise that they'll have been established for over 100 years. Their recent meet and greet was an incredible opportunity for groups seeking funding to meet with different foundations looking to bridge the gap. It is a great club because of its amazing members. And the view is just priceless.”
“For residents of 60618 & 60641. Set up like a grocery store, with plenty of fresh fruits, veggies, meats, eggs cheese, breads, canned goods. Even pet food! Staff is friendly, helpful & respectful, many staff speak Spanish or Polish.”
“I was born with learning disability and there really nice people to volunteer with . It’s aways a happy day working with them it helps me on my working skills .”
“Very grateful to this foundation that helps parents in the most difficult moments we go through in our lives. They give you a place to be while your child is in treatment, they are friendly, they feed you and you meet wonderful people. Thanks for helping us”
“It's an amazing organization. They offer a variety of programs for parents to participate in that enrich both parent and child. The staff is smart, creative, friendly and supportive. The work that they're doing for the neighborhood and families is God sent.”
“Thank you so much for everything.I really appreciate everything you did for my Coco She lived a month of joy and happiness and that was worth all the tea in China.”
“The folks at WB belong to that certain group of people you know ‘that’ group.The ones always helping others with a smile on their face n good tunes in the ears. Not to forget lookin good doin it too! Thank you! On behalf of Our Chicago : Thanks WB!”
“This organization is exceptional in its work within our community. I am very happy that they are here and serving not only our community’s needs but also serving in a more global way.”
“Not only are the staff AWESOME, but this whole organization is so wholesome! Made my first donation yesterday and will definitely be back later this week to donate many more things. I was told social workers come everyday to "shop" (pick out what's needed). All I needed to do was complete a SHORT google from, took less than 5 minutes.”
“Such a cool place and such a cool concept! I've gone to events a few times and the staff has been nothing but sweet and accommodating. We need more places like this in Chicago! The atmosphere and art on the walls is also gorgeous.”
“I have recently returned to piano after a lengthy absence and am so glad that I found ACM. I'm taking lessons at the Wilson location and my teacher is very patient and helpful. The school is very nice, the staff are welcoming and responsive and there are even adult recitals. They also produce concerts and Chicago's only classical music street festival. Very cool non-profit organization!”
“As an Insurance Agent in Illinois, I'm proudly registered with the Illinois FAIR Plan Association as this allows me to find Homeowners Insurance for Illinois families that have had a bad string of luck in recent times with having to file home insurance claims only to be non-renewed by their carrier and also unable to find insurance elsewhere due to being ineligible due to their recent claims history. The FAIR Plan offers a variety of Coverage Plans and Various Deductibles to meet the affordability of their policy holders. I will always support an association that provides home insurance to those who can't find it. In many cases these families still have Mortgages and are required to carry Homeowners Insurance. Furthermore, weather related claims and many homeowner claims aren't within the homeowners control. Thanks for helping Illinois families Illinois FAIR Plan Association.”
“Yes! They are now open! ( Pics below)Temporary service hours.Return books in bookdrop only.New guidelines below.Computer help is currently suspended.Limit tables & chairs and no toys.Self Check-Out now available. Yay!”
“Fast unloading, the security guy is nice, the guy who was unloading me also nice they help you to back up because its tight,not for beginner drivers definetly, you will have hard time parking here. Unloaded in 45min. Thank you”
“Tessarae is such a warm, inviting place full of the kindest people. We had my daughter's birthday party there and it was a great experience. The environment was very inviting and comfortable, our group of teens had a really fun time doing a painting lesson together. We're looking forward to returning for painting lessons and art anytime in the future!”
“Placing a loved one in memory care is one of the most heart-wrenching decisions a family can face. When we made the decision for our mother, we were filled with uncertainty, guilt, and fear. She had become increasingly agitated, weak, and confused in the months leading up to her move, and we were heartbroken watching her slip away in front of us. We didn’t know what to expect — we only knew she needed more help than we could give.
From the very first moment we walked through the doors of Hartwell Place, those fears began to soften. The staff welcomed us not just as new residents, but as family. Their warmth, kindness, and patience were exactly what we needed at a time when our hearts were so heavy. They listened. They reassured. And most importantly, they treated our mom with dignity, tenderness, and deep compassion — the way we would if we could still do it all ourselves.
The transformation in our mother has been nothing short of extraordinary. She is calmer now, more grounded, and surrounded by people who truly see her — not just as a patient, but as a person. Every day, the staff at Hartwell provides not just care, but loving care. They take the time to engage with her, learn her preferences, speak gently, and meet her where she is emotionally and mentally.
The facility itself is immaculate, peaceful, and beautifully maintained. It is clear that the team here takes pride in every detail — from cleanliness and safety to communication and programming. The atmosphere is calm, welcoming, and above all, filled with heart. We never have to wonder if she's okay — because we know she’s in a place that treats every resident as someone’s beloved parent, not just another room number.
Hartwell Place has given our mother back her sense of peace — and given us, as a family, the gift of knowing she is safe, respected, and loved. We will never be able to thank them enough for the difference they’ve made in her life and in ours.
With deep gratitude,
Julie”
“I rely on the Chicago Tool Library more than any other resource in the city! Many of us want to get into DIY, but it is expensive getting all of the tools. Not to mention if you are living in an apartment, like me, there is no place to put everything. Chicago Tool Library has allowed me to practice new skills without draining my money and worrying about space. They are always kind and helpful, while putting community first. I tell everyone to check them out!”