The Summit Community Network (SCN) is a coalition of local service providers, public servants and residents, whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for Summit and surrounding area children, youth, and families by working together to improve educational outcomes, parent engagement, health, and safety. The group formed in July 2020 when SGA Youth & Family Services and our community partners saw the imminent need for community collaboration in the Summit community to coordinate information and resources for families who were in crisis due to COVID-19. The group has evolved into a network of more than 50 partners and accomplishes its goals by bringing together key stakeholders to create a more robust and efficient social service infrastructure and engage institutions, community leaders, and those with lived experience in making Summit a community where all families can thrive.
In October 2023, the Summit Community Network was approached by United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, which was partnering with Cook County Bureau of Economic Development to increase county and private investment in historically under-resourced south side communities through United Way's Transforming Places Initiative. In November 2023, Summit was selected as a community of focus, and SGA’s Summit Community Network was selected as the stakeholder convener group. SGA is proud to serve as the Community Quarterback for the Summit Community Network.
Summit Community Network in the News
Cook County Announces 14 Recipients of Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking Grants
Summit Soars 2025
Summit Soars Event and Press Conference 2024
A big thank you to the Summit residents and community organizations who attended Summit Soars, our inaugural event announcing the creation of the Summit Community Network (SCN). Summit is United Way's 18th Neighborhood Network, launched in partnership with Cook County as part of the Transforming Places program. SGA Youth & Family Services is honored to have been selected to lead the SCN's vision and work. This event began with a press conference in which leaders from partner organizations shared information about the new initiative. SCN is a collaboration with United Way of Metro Chicago, Cook County Board of Commissioners, Village of Summit, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Metro Suburban, and SGA. Afterwards, families gathered for a bike rodeo, in which Gears2You provided free bike checks and repairs and Catholic Charities held a bike giveaway. Children rode their bikes, trikes, and scooters through an obstacle course, received free helmets and decorated them. Families also learned about resources provided by community organizations in Summit.
