History timeline
2021
Our nonprofit organization was officially established with a mission to impact our local community positively.
During this year, we identified our primary focus areas, which include animal rehabilitation, providing aid to foster homes, and assisting the homeless population in our community.
2022
We spent this year digging into the root causes behind the challenges our programs address, ensuring every initiative we built was designed for lasting, meaningful impact — not just short-term relief.
That research led to strong partnerships with organizations already deeply embedded in the Chicago community, including the City of Chicago, PAWS, SOS Children's Village, Lincoln Park Community Services, The Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, The Museum of Science and Industry, and The Adler Planetarium.
2023
SLF grew — expanding our team, sharpening our core values, and aligning with key decision-makers to accelerate our partnership network. Strategic collaborations with organizations like Walmart and Amazon strengthened our impact across the board.
Building on the previous year's momentum, we assisted more than 600 animals through our rehabilitation efforts and sponsored the education and enrichment of more than 600 children — giving them ongoing access to vital educational resources and opportunities.
2024
SLF entered a year of significant expansion, forging new partnerships that furthered our mission to support local communities and those in need:
- Pepperidge Farm & Rosen Partnership — Donated snacks and fresh bread to local homeless shelters, bringing nutritious, comforting food to families facing difficult circumstances across the Greater Chicago area.
- Comfort Inn's Contribution — Provided beds for homeless shelters, offering individuals a safe, restful space and a renewed sense of dignity.
- Essential Grooming Partners — Delivered hygiene products and services to underserved communities, supporting personal well-being and dignity for individuals facing hardship.
- NPR Logistics — Provided the distribution infrastructure needed to reach more communities across Greater Chicago, ensuring goods and services got to those who needed them most.
2025
SLF continued to grow its network of community partners, deepening our reach across youth enrichment, essential needs, and health support. These new collaborations helped us serve more families across the Greater Chicago area:
- Chicago Cubs Partnership: The Chicago Cubs sponsored game tickets for youth in our community, giving kids access to an unforgettable experience and a sense of connection to the city they call home.
- Burlington Coat Factory Collaboration: Through this partnership, we distributed donated coats and clothing to families in need, helping ensure warmth and dignity through Chicago's harsh winters.
- Illinois Dermatology Institute Partnership: This collaboration provided free skincare packets to radiation cancer patients, offering comfort and care during an incredibly difficult time.Say something interesting about your business here.
2026
SLF marked another year of meaningful growth, welcoming new partners who expanded the ways we can support our community:
- Signal of Northshore Chicago Partnership: Signal of Northshore Chicago donated Ford Explorers to low-income families, providing reliable transportation that opens doors to jobs, school, and everyday essentials.
- Barnes & Noble Collaboration: Through this partnership, we provided book donations to children in our community, encouraging literacy and a lifelong love of reading.
