Lawndale Christian Legal Center opens Dr. Dennis Deer Community Justice Center in Chicago as alternative to incarceration
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago unveiled a new community center Tuesday that could give men a chance to rebuild their lives.

The massive building has housing, a gym, a library and legal help available.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

It’s considered an alternative to incarceration, and is the brainchild of a late Cook County commissioner.

The $22.5 million investment on the West Side will not only serve as the Lawndale Christian Legal Center’s new office headquarters, where people can meet with attorneys and receive social services, but also a 20-unit apartment building for those involved in the criminal justice system.

The Dr. Dennis Deer Community Justice Center opened Tuesday.

A project 10 years in the making, 20 studio apartments located near 15th Street and Keeler Avenue will house young men under 26, who are sentenced to probation.

“We are hoping that Cook County judges and judges across the state of Illinois will see the value of a community-based alternative to incarceration for young people who are still in formative years,” LCLC President and CEO Cliff Nellis said.

The space also includes a kitchen and dining hall and therapy and peace rooms for restorative justice healing circles for mental health treatment.

Young men will live at the center for an average of two years and learn skills training in various career paths.

“The Deer Center is a place where young people will literally be able to lay their head on a bed and rest and think longer-term, think of a bigger vision for their life, and we’ll support them in unpacking some of the trauma they’ve experience and abuse and neglect they’ve experienced,” Nellis said.

A former client from a pilot program back in 2015 said this is what violence prevention looks like: connecting people with employment, housing, mental health, substance use and anger management services to create safer communities.

“Being physically and emotionally abused by my stepfather, me and my brothers often spent a lot of time outside just to get away from what was happening at home,” Fredrick Dennis said. “Programs like the Deer Center just don’t only change lives, it saves them. It gives people like me a second chance.”

One person has already moved into the new building. Two others are set to move in later this week.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump sets off for the Mideast to mark a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel-Hamas

Trump Travels to the Middle East to Celebrate Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Agreement

WASHINGTON — On Sunday, President Donald Trump will journey to Israel and…
Connecticut skydiver dead after mid-air collision with another daredevil: report

Tragic Mid-Air Collision Claims Life of Connecticut Skydiver, Reports Say

A skydiver died after colliding with another skydiver during a jump over…
Former Doctors Without Borders leader calls group 'accomplices of Hamas' over Gaza war response

Ex-Leader of Doctors Without Borders Accuses Group of Being ‘Hamas Accomplices’ in Their Response to Gaza Conflict

Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), is commonly…
Russia-Ukraine war news: Russia strikes Kyiv, targeting power grid, causing power outage for 800K

Russia-Ukraine Conflict Update: Kyiv Power Grid Hit by Russian Strikes, Leaving 800,000 Without Electricity

KYIV, Ukraine — Power was reinstated for over 800,000 Kyiv residents on…
South Carolina's longest-serving death row inmate dies after spending 42 years in prison

South Carolina’s Longest-Serving Death Row Inmate Passes Away After 42 Years Behind Bars

An 81-year-old inmate who was the “longest serving resident of South Carolina’s…
Hamas co-founder snaps after being questioned on Oct. 7 aftermath: ‘Go to hell’

Hamas Co-Founder Loses Composure After Questioning About October 7 Events: ‘Go to Hell’

A prominent leader from Hamas lost his composure and abruptly ended a…
David Del Rio fired from 'Matlock' amid sexual assault allegations: Reports

Reports: David Del Rio dismissed from ‘Matlock’ following sexual assault allegations

Del Rio was allegedly escorted off the ‘Matlock’ set during filming in…
Trump's indictment of New York attorney general Letitia James stirs concerns for Black women leaders

Concerns Arise for Black Women Leaders as Trump Indicts New York Attorney General Letitia James

WASHINGTON (AP) — The coalition of New York NAACP chapters had just…
Putnam 9-year-old arrested, accused of threatening student with knife at school

Putnam County: 9-Year-Old Arrested for Allegedly Threatening Classmate with Knife

The 9-year-old boy is the second elementary schooler in less than two…
'Real Housewives of Potomac' star and her husband arrested on fraud charges

‘”Real Housewives of Potomac” Star and Spouse Face Fraud Arrests’

According to investigators, at least $20,000 worth of the reportedly stolen items…
At least 4 killed, 20 hurt in bar shooting in St. Helena Island, South Carolina, sheriff says

Four Dead, 20 Injured in St. Helena Island Bar Shooting, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office Reports

BEAUFORT, S.C. — At least four people were killed and 20 injured…
Whistleblower alleges blue city jails hired over 100 illegal guards over several years

Whistleblower Claims Over 100 Undocumented Guards Hired by City Jails Over Time

State and local officials are investigating a Seattle-area corrections department after a…