About Us

Our Vision

The Center for Economic Progress envisions an America of shared prosperity, where all working families can access the financial opportunities they need to succeed.

Our Mission

The Center for Economic Progress helps hard-working, low-income families move from financial uncertainty to financial security. 

Local in service but national in voice, we achieve our mission in three ways: 

• We provide trusted tax and financial counseling, giving Illinois families the tools to make sound choices. 
  
• We lead a national coalition  of organizations that promote economic progress for low-wage workers and their families. 
  
• We advance policies and practices to create a financial system that works for all.  

With offices in both Chicago and Springfield, Illinois, the Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Learn more about our work.

Our History

The Center for Economic Progress was founded in 1990 by Michael O’Connor, a veteran public benefits lawyer. Formerly the Center for Law and Human Services, the agency first focused on helping homeless families and individuals access services.