Immigrant Services, Skokie, Illinois

This initiative has been identified as a good immigrant integration practice by the NLC. Click here to find all about the other programs!

Skokie is a Chicago suburb with 68,423 people. Thirty-nine percent of this population is foreign born. The Village of Skokie’s Human Services Department provides several outreach services for the diverse immigrant community.

Immigrant Academies

In late 2008, Skokie hosted an International Leadership Academy for immigrant residents who wanted to learn about taking on greater community leadership roles through volunteerism, service on a board or commission or as an elected official. With funding from the Chicago Community Trust, this two-part event included sessions on leadership throughout American history; understanding state and federal government systems; serving as a volunteer, appointed official or elected official; and the etiquette, protocol and art of negotiation.

The Skokie Police Department likewise hosts an International Youth Police Academy each summer and an International Citizen Academy throughout the year on community policing, the crime unit, canine unit and crime prevention.

Skokie Festival of Cultures

Since 1991, Skokie has organized the annual Skokie Festival of Cultures. This two-day, outdoor festival is held each May and celebrates Skokie’s diversity with ethnic entertainment, booths and displays, a wide range of food, unique arts and crafts, and international children’s games. Supported by the Illinois Art Council and other smaller organizations, this award-winning event has attracted more than 380,000 visitors over the years.

Additional outreach activities include:

• Directory of Immigrant Services with information on area services and programs for the international community
• Support for the Niles Township ELL(English Language Learning) Parent Center

For more information about Skokie’s Immigrant Services, contact Ann Tennes, director of marketing and communications, at (847) 933-8234 or ann.tennes@skokie.org.