Every day across Illinois, families and communities are hurt by the criminal legal system. In response, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, known as CGLA, is there to help, providing legal services, social supports, and advocacy to knock down barriers to social and racial equity. That makes CGLA one of the few statewide organizations where people can access justice and have their voices heard. 

 

We bring drive, commitment and love to our work with adults and young people impacted by the criminal legal system and living in poverty. We help them clear their records and create pathways to jobs, housing, and education. Our wrap-around social work services benefit whole families and their surrounding communities! 

 

With nearly 50 years of experience, we are the agency people come to for lessons on how to change systems. Our deep Chicago roots and work across the state mean that we have the standing, the reputation, and the relationships to lead and support policy-making coalitions to push for fairness and justice. 

 

We nurture leadership and self-advocacy skills in the 8,000-plus clients we have served, and enable communities to recover from the disproportionate impacts of the criminal legal system. Our work makes a difference in people’s lives and is for the greater good of everyone!