Pembroke, IL
.We are community-led
As a Community Development Corporation (CDC), we are committed to revitalizing our community. With local and external community leaders and organizations, we aspire to innovate and implement programs, development opportunities, and ecological protections to improve the condition of our underserved and protect our most sacred environment. Our organization was forged from grassroots activism, driven by the voices and determination of residents to reclaim and direct our own land conservation and community development to make Pembroke Township a better place for all.
Why Pembroke?
Pembroke Township, IL, is home to a rare and unique ecosystem known as The Black Oak and Sands Savannah, along with hundreds of rare birds, plants, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Where once Black oak savannas flourished around the world, now, less than 1% exists among the sandy dunes of Pembroke Township. Pembroke has cataloged “Witness Trees” dating back 200-300 years. In collaboration with Federal, State, and private conservation organizations, there is a rush to protect and preserve this ecosystem's last remains from extensive agriculture, resource extraction, and over-development.
However, human inhabitants have stewarded the lands for hundreds of years, beginning with the Mounds People, the Indigenous Tribes, and as a terminal stop for migrating African-Americans along the Underground Railroad. Its history is connected to presidents, infamous villains, wars, and the seat of agricultural commerce and trade for the Midwest territories. For the past 159 years, it is home to the oldest and largest settlement of African-American farmers, cowboys, artisans in Illinois, and most recently, a growing Latinx population, diversifying Pembroke's historical and cultural community. The CDC champions community efforts of growth, development, and infrastructure modernization.
Our Goals
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Cultivate and empower multi-generational community leadership, through education, training and service in order to explore solution driven projects for community advancement.
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Create and pursue sustainable avenues [including strategies of the Pembroke Hopkins Park Sustainability Plan] for ecological and agricultural preservation, environmental education and community stewardship.
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Celebrate and preserve our history and culture of the Pembroke-Hopkins Park community for community upliftment and pride.
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Increase workforce development and a green economy in order to ensure sustainable economic growth in PHP and increase the quality of life of all residents
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Sustain and grow a Community-Led CDC –PHP Organization by securing sustainable resources that support the CDC Mission and Goals.
Our dedicated team engages local and external community leaders and organizations to aspire, innovate, and implement programs, development opportunities and ecological protections that will change the condition of our underserved and protect our most sacred environment.
We are excited to announce that we are currently hiring two paid year-long positions for college students. We hope you consider joining us.
Our team
