About Us

In 1954, on Chicago’s near west side, PNCC emerged as Eastern European immigrants banded together to confront their community’s most pressing needs. In the late sixties and early seventies, the Pilsen neighborhood underwent a major demographic change with a dramatic influx of newly arriving immigrants from Mexico. These new arrivals transformed the Pilsen community.

Focused on Growth
Built on Trust

At PNCC, with over 70+ years of organizing in Pilsen, we've built impactful solutions for health and welfare of our community members. We give voice to the neighbors who might not otherwise have the knowledge or power to achieve their collective goals.

33,000+

Leaders Trained

Our leaders have come in our doors and represented our communities with a tenacity to as changemakers.

$1.1 MM

Scholarship Dollars Awarded

Our scholarship has been running since 1973 a pivotal facet of our philanthropic work.

250

Active Volunteers

Opportunities for involvement that create a reality of inclusion.

Legacy Actions

Since 1973, when PNCC first organized a fundraising event to celebrate the construction of Benito Juarez High School, we have been partially supported by our summer event, Fiesta Del Sol. The Fiesta brought 1 million people to the neighborhood in 1995 to enjoy Latino music, food, and entertainment. In 2022, PNCC celebrated the 50 years of Fiesta del Sol.

1950s: The Beginning

1954 – Pilsen Neighbors Community Council incorporated, addressing essential community needs

1970s: Building Our Community

1972 – Launched campaign to build a high school in Pilsen using Saul Alinsky's organizing philosophy

1976 – Successfully fought Chicago 21 Plan, preventing family displacement in Pilsen

1977 – Benito Juarez Community Academy opened after five years of organizing

1980s: Fighting for Equity

Early 1980s – Secured mortgages for families and Spanish-language advertising in Latino market

Late 1980s – After two fires killed 17 residents, organized to hire Latino and Spanish-speaking firefighters. 40 joined CFD that year.

1990s: Creating Safe Spaces

Early 1990s – Made Fiesta del Sol alcohol and tobacco-free, creating a family-friendly festival

1993 – Teresa Fraga appointed to City Colleges Board of Trustees and Arturo Velazquez West Side Technical Institute construction

1994 – Replaced dangerous taverns with Buensome taverns; city revoked liquor licenses and enforced moratorium

1995 – Created Fiesta del Sol Scholarship Program. Over $1.6 million awarded to 800+ students to date.

1998 - Fiesta del Sol moved to Cermak Road, continuing community growth

2000s: Expanding Our Reach

2001- Renamed the Fiesta del Sol Scholarship to Guadalupe A. Reyes Scholarship Fund

2003 – Created the Pilsen Education Task Force with public and private schools, CBO's, & elected officials.

Mid 2000s – PNCC's work expands to Metro Chicago, and was one of the co-founders of Gamaliel Metro Chicago.

2010s: Deepening Our Impact

2014 – Celebrated 60 years with capital campaign launch

2015 – Expanded Academy of Parents in Leadership (APL) to Midway Area

2016 – First Annual Expungement Workshop at Fiesta del Sol, 500+ attendees

2018 – Transformed Jungman Elementary into STEM school. Organized 12th Annual Pilsen Education Summit on mental health

2019 – Hosted 25+ community organizations for aldermanic debates (450+ attendees). Organized Chicago's first Driver's License Reinstatement Expo with 650+ consultations

2020s: Resilience and Growth

2020 – Hosted virtual Fiesta del Sol "En Casa" during pandemic

2021 – 49th Annual Fiesta del Sol returned in-person with 1 million attendees. Launched Back to School Vaccination Campaign with Alivio Medical Center

2022 – Celebrated 50th anniversary of Fiesta del Sol with third stage added featuring traditional Mexican folkloric dancing. Blue Island Avenue named "Avenida Fiesta del Sol"