For more than a decade, the Greater Englewood Community Development Corporation (GECDC) has worked alongside entrepreneurs, small businesses, residents, and community partners to strengthen economic opportunity in Greater Englewood.

Today, we are going Back to Basics — strengthening our foundation, sustaining the work that matters most, and rebuilding for what comes next.

Throughout 2026, GECDC has continued to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses, connect our community to resources and investment, and steward important economic development initiatives throughout Greater Englewood. We have remained committed to the community even while navigating an important period of organizational transition.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 through this campaign.



These funds will provide flexible support to help us maintain essential operations, continue serving local businesses and entrepreneurs, strengthen our organizational foundation, and responsibly prepare for GECDC's next chapter.

Every gift matters. Whether you contribute $25, $100, $500, or more, you are helping sustain an organization that has remained rooted in Greater Englewood and committed to creating opportunity within our community.

Help us strengthen the foundation. Sustain the work. And build what comes next.

Thank you for investing in Greater Englewood.

GECDC Member Spot Light

Advocates for Community Wellness: Dale Cain

From Personal Health Journey to Community Wellness

What began as one woman’s personal journey toward better health has grown into a grassroots organization helping others do the same.

We recently spoke with Dale Cain, Founder and Executive Director of Advocates for Community Wellness (A4CW), about the inspiration behind the organization, its mission, programs, and the importance of empowering people to take an active role in their health.

A Mission Born From Experience

What inspired you to start A4CW:A4CW grew organically from my own personal health journey. I began making some changes in my lifestyle and started seeing positive results, including improvements in my sleep. People around me noticed the changes and began asking what I was doing.

I simply shared what I was learning. Those conversations led to small gatherings, then workshops and presentations at libraries, schools, park district programs and health fairs. What started as sharing my own experience eventually grew into Advocates for Community Wellness.

What is the core mission of your organization and how has it evolved over time: Our core mission is health promotion and disease prevention through education about healthy lifestyles. That includes nutrition, healthy eating, healthy cooking and fitness.

Our mission has remained consistent, but our approach has evolved. Initially, we focused primarily on providing information because we believe knowledge can empower people to make better choices. Over time, I realized that knowing what to do isn't always enough. We also have to address the emotional, mental, spiritual and social factors that influence our health.

That's why we take a holistic approach to wellness—mind, body and spirit—and recognize that our relationship with food and the people and environments around us can have a tremendous impact on our choices.

What programs or services are you most proud of right now? I'm particularly proud of Along the Journey, our cancer awareness, education and support program. We provide Lunch & Learns and other educational opportunities focused on cancer awareness and advocacy. We believe all cancer matters, even when we highlight a particular type during a specific month.

Nutrition education is also a major part of our work. Our Absolutely Delicious: Eat Well for Better Health program helps people understand the connection between nutrition and their health and how healthier eating can support chronic-disease management.

We also have our Well Woman Wellness Promotion program, along with our growing focus on mental and emotional wellness. We offer health fairs, Lunch & Learns, healthy cooking activities and Farm-to-Table programs that are educational, practical and fun.

Can you share a success story that reflects the impact of your work? One story that really stands out is an older gentleman who came to one of our nutrition programs because he wanted to find a better way to manage his health.

He became so interested in what he was learning that he decided to enroll in a formal nutrition education program himself. Despite concerns about his age and ability to complete the program, he continued—and he is still on the Dean's List.

What makes me especially proud is that he doesn't want to keep that knowledge to himself. He wants to use what he has learned to help his family and others.

That's the kind of impact we hope to have: one person gains knowledge, takes action and then uses that knowledge to help someone else.

What advice would you give someone who wants to improve their health but doesn't know where to start? Start by seeking knowledgeable guidance. Find people who are qualified in the area of health you are trying to improve, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

I also believe strongly in fact-checking health information. There is so much information available today, and not all of it is accurate. If you receive very different opinions, get another opinion and do your research.

Most importantly, don't look for a magic bullet or a quick fix. Sustainable health improvement takes consistency, informed choices and work. You have to find an approach that makes sense for you and that you can maintain.

How can community members support or get involved with A4CW. A4CW is a grassroots nonprofit with a small staff, so we rely heavily on volunteers and community support.

People can get involved by volunteering their time, sharing their talents, participating in our programs or making a donation. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it's your time, your skills or a financial gift.

We welcome community members to join us at our health fairs, Lunch & Learns, nutrition and healthy cooking programs and other wellness activities.

To learn more, volunteer or support Advocates for Community Wellness visit A4CW.

Community

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BUSINESS