A Neighborhood Legacy of Advocacy and Unity

The Galewood Montclare Community Organization (GMCO) is a long-standing neighborhood-based nonprofit and community advocacy organization serving the Galewood and Montclare areas on Chicago’s Northwest Side since 1983. Our purpose has been centered on strengthening the neighborhood, representing residents' concerns, and promoting community stability.

Our mission has historically been similar to many Chicago community organizations:

• Advocating for neighborhood safety and quality-of-life issues.
• Working with residents, local businesses, schools, churches, and government agencies.
• Encouraging community engagement and civic participation.
• Addressing neighborhood change and fostering positive community relations.
• Supporting social-service and community-development efforts. 

The neighborhoods it serves are closely linked geographically. Galewood is part of Chicago's Austin community area, while Montclare is its own community area immediately adjacent to it. These neighborhoods have long shared community institutions, schools, churches, and civic organizations, which explains why the organization serves both areas together.

Today, GMCO focuses on goals such as neighborhood beautification, community events, public safety, and creating a collective voice for residents. Those objectives are broadly consistent with the historic role GMCO has played in the community.

In short, the Galewood Montclare Community Organization's mission has been to act as a neighborhood advocacy and community-improvement organization, helping residents work together to preserve and strengthen the Galewood–Montclare community while addressing local social, civic, and quality-of-life concerns.