KLEO Community Family Life Center
KLEO Community Family Life Center is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2007 that delivers emergency shelter, food pantry, workforce development, youth employment, and family support services to underserved South Side families at no cost, funded primarily by government contracts and philanthropy.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What KLEO Community Family Life Center does
KLEO Community Family Life Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2007 by Pastor Torrey L. Barrett in Chicago, Illinois, in response to the killing of his sister Kleo Barrett by domestic violence. The organization delivers a vertically integrated suite of human services to underserved families and youth on Chicago's South Side, including emergency shelter, a food pantry, workforce development, youth employment programming, healthcare navigation, and arts education. Its service model is co-located across multiple physical sites and is delivered at no cost to participants, with revenue derived from a mix of government contracts (City of Chicago agencies including DFSS, Chicago Housing Authority, Chicago Park District, and Chicago Public Library; State of Illinois via Illinois Works), private donations, and corporate sponsors.
Operationally, KLEO runs a 24/7 emergency shelter and a community wellness hub serving survivors of domestic violence and families experiencing housing instability, alongside a food pantry addressing food insecurity. Its workforce development vertical operates pre-apprenticeship pipelines — including the TradeUp program in partnership with Illinois Works — that place participants into skilled trades and the emerging clean energy sector through the CEJA Workforce Hubs. Youth programming includes the Chicago Youth Works partnership (paid summer employment) and the 2026 SCAN Program (Student Career And Networking), a youth violence prevention initiative built around career exposure and mentorship.
The business model is grant-funded and contract-driven: government agencies serve as anchor customers, with philanthropic giving and an annual fundraising gala supplementing operating capital. KLEO has 200+ employees and contractor relationships across shelter operations, case management, workforce training, and program administration. Strategic direction in 2026 emphasizes clean energy workforce development and youth violence prevention as new verticals, signaling an expansion of the addressable population beyond traditional human services constituents.
KLEO Community Family Life Center firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- KLEO Community Family Life Center
- Legal name
- K.L.E.O. Community Family Life Center
- Website
- https://thekleocenter.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- KLEO Community Family Life Center is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2007 that delivers emergency shelter, food pantry, workforce development, youth employment, and family support services to underserved South Side families at no cost, funded primarily by government contracts and philanthropy.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
KLEO Community Family Life Center industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Social Services
- NAICS
- Individual and Family Services (6241), Child and Youth Services (624110), Temporary Shelters (624221), Community Food Services (62421)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Family & Parenting Support Services (BPAGAEAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Safeguarding, Child Protection & Reporting Services (EDAJAIAD), Mental Health Counseling & Therapy Services (K–12) (EDAJALAG)
Keywords
Where KLEO Community Family Life Center is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
KLEO Community Family Life Center business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: KLEO operates as a 501c3 organization receiving tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Donations are solicited through the GiveButter platform and at events such as the annual gala.
- Government Grants and Contracts: Public funding through partnerships with city agencies (DFSS, Chicago Housing Authority) and state programs (Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship). Shelter operations and youth employment programs receive government support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | All services provided free of charge |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
KLEO Community Family Life Center product offering
Product offeringCore offering
KLEO Community Family Life Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization operating on Chicago's South Side that provides emergency shelter, housing stability, workforce development, youth employment, food security, arts education, and community health navigation services. All programs are delivered free of charge to underserved individuals and families, including women, people of color, veterans, migrants, refugees, and justice-involved individuals.
Product overview
KLEO Community Family Life Center operates as a multi-service community organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs addressing economic stability, education access, healthcare, and housing. The core offerings include: KLEO's Love Pantry (food access), TradeUp pre-apprenticeship (workforce training), Chicago Youth Works (youth employment), Chicago Youth Service Corps (civic engagement), After School Matters (arts education), Chicago Community Health Corps (health navigation), Shelter Operations (housing), and the SCAN Program (youth violence prevention). These programs work together to serve the community through a comprehensive approach to poverty alleviation, youth development, and family stability.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- KLEO's Love Pantry Free community food pantry providing fresh groceries and essential food support for individuals and families in need, reducing food insecurity through dignified, welcoming access. Operated in partnership with The Greater Chicago Food Depository at 5500 S. Indiana Ave., Life Center Lower Auditorium.
- TradeUp (Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program) No-cost pre-apprenticeship program preparing participants for careers in construction, solar, and building trades through classroom instruction, hands-on training, and industry certifications. Operated in partnership with Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
- Chicago Youth Works City of Chicago's youth employment program connecting young people with paid summer work experiences, mentorship, career exploration, and long-term opportunity pathways. KLEO serves as a program partner connecting tens of thousands of Chicago youth annually with paid summer employment.
- Chicago Youth Service Corps Program empowering youth to serve their communities through leadership development, civic engagement, collaborative projects, and mentorship with city agencies including DFSS, Chicago Housing Authority, Chicago Park District, and Chicago Public Library.
- After School Matters Performing arts and creative expression program helping young people develop confidence, communication skills, and artistic discipline through music production, theater, spoken word, and creative collaboration. Delivered in partnership with After School Matters, Chicago Public Schools, and Community Arts Partners.
- Chicago Community Health Corps Civic wellness initiative connecting residents to essential health, wellness, and resource coordination services including healthcare navigation, community referrals, and crisis assistance for community members needing help accessing public benefits and social services.
- Shelter Operations Emergency shelter operations providing secure, welcoming environments with bilingual case managers, healthcare partners, trauma-informed care, housing navigation, and wraparound support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness across multiple shelter sites in Chicago.
- SCAN Program Youth stabilization program designed to resolve unmet needs of young people, increase their sense of safety, and strengthen their ability to mitigate future exposures to violence. Launched in 2026 as part of expanded youth violence prevention services.
- PowerForward: Solar Futures Initiative Green jobs and clean energy workforce initiative providing training and career pathways in the solar energy sector as part of KLEO's expanding workforce development portfolio.
Companies that use KLEO Community Family Life Center
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
KLEO Community Family Life Center technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
KLEO Community Family Life Center partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- The Flow FoundationcoreResource center for domestic violence awareness and prevention. Related to KLEO's founding story rooted in domestic violence awareness following the tragic loss of Kleo Barrett.
- DFSS (Chicago Department of Family and Support Services)coreCity agency partnership for Chicago Youth Service Corps program delivering civic leadership and community service opportunities for youth.
- Chicago Housing AuthoritycorePartnership supporting youth service corps programming and housing stability initiatives for Chicago residents.
- Chicago Park DistrictminorPartner for Chicago Youth Service Corps providing community service and civic engagement opportunities for youth.
- Chicago Public LibraryminorPartner for youth service and civic engagement programs through Chicago Youth Service Corps.
- After School MatterscorePartnership delivering youth enrichment through performing arts and creative expression programs at KLEO.
- The Greater Chicago Food DepositorycorePrimary food supplier for KLEO's Love Pantry, providing fresh produce and pantry staples for free community food distribution.
- Fedele & AssociatesminorSponsor for KLEO's Love Pantry food distribution program supporting the community food access initiative.
- Chicago Youth Works (City of Chicago)coreKLEO serves as a program partner connecting tens of thousands of Chicago youth annually with paid summer employment, career exploration, and workforce development opportunities under Mayor Brandon Johnson's expanded youth employment initiative.
- Illinois Works (Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity)coreKLEO operates the TradeUp Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program providing free training for careers in construction, solar and building trades. Program designed to increase qualified apprentices particularly among women, people of color, and veterans.
- Chicago Public SchoolsminorPartner school district for After School Matters programming delivering performing arts education to youth.
- Community Arts PartnersminorArts education partners supporting After School Matters performing arts and creative expression programs.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
KLEO Community Family Life Center competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Chicago Coalition for the Homeless: Chicago-based nonprofit delivering direct shelter, housing, and advocacy services to people experiencing homelessness. Directly comparable to KLEO's shelter operations and housing navigation programs.
- UCAN (Uhlich Children's Advantage Network): Chicago nonprofit serving youth and families through counseling, education, and workforce development programming. Comparable to KLEO on youth-centered programming, trauma-informed services, and Chicago community footprint.
- Safer Foundation: Chicago-based nonprofit providing reentry, workforce development, and supportive services to justice-involved individuals. Directly comparable to KLEO's workforce development and violence-prevention mission; COO Ephraim Eaddy's background includes leadership at Safer.
- Metropolitan Family Services: Chicago-area nonprofit delivering integrated family support services including housing, workforce, youth, and behavioral health. Comparable multi-service family support model with similar Chicago footprint and free, donation- and grant-funded service delivery.
- Thresholds: Chicago-based nonprofit providing mental health, housing, and substance use recovery services. Comparable to KLEO's clinical/case management model and trauma-informed approach, though with a more focused mental health orientation.
- Cara Collective: Chicago-based nonprofit providing workforce training, housing, and reentry support to individuals facing barriers to employment. Comparable to KLEO for its emphasis on workforce development combined with wraparound supportive services for justice-involved and underserved populations.
Others
- After School Matters: Chicago nonprofit delivering arts, sports, and STEM programming to teens. Functions as a core programmatic partner to KLEO for the After School Matters program rather than a direct peer.
- Greater Chicago Food Depository: Regional food bank that is a primary supplier to KLEO's Love Pantry. Not a direct competitor; included as the upstream ecosystem partner enabling KLEO's food distribution program.
Broad incumbents
- Chicago Urban League: Long-standing Chicago civil rights and workforce development nonprofit offering economic empowerment, education, and youth programs. Broader portfolio than KLEO but directly comparable on workforce training, youth services, and community-rooted program delivery on Chicago's South and West sides.
- Heartland Alliance: Major Chicago-based human services nonprofit providing housing, healthcare, legal aid, and refugee/immigrant services. Larger and broader scope than KLEO, but directly comparable on shelter operations, immigration advocacy, and trauma-informed care for vulnerable populations.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights1 record
Customer concentration
KLEO Community Family Life Center social profiles
Digital presenceKLEO Community Family Life Center compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
KLEO Community Family Life Center financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
KLEO Community Family Life Center leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
KLEO Community Family Life Center funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
KLEO Community Family Life Center M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about KLEO Community Family Life Center
What does KLEO Community Family Life Center do?
KLEO Community Family Life Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization operating on Chicago's South Side that provides emergency shelter, housing stability, workforce development, youth employment, food security, arts education, and community health navigation services. All programs are delivered free of charge to underserved individuals and families, including women, people of color, veterans, migrants, refugees, and justice-involved individuals.
Is KLEO Community Family Life Center a public or private company?
KLEO Community Family Life Center is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was KLEO Community Family Life Center founded?
KLEO Community Family Life Center was founded in 2007. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is KLEO Community Family Life Center based?
KLEO Community Family Life Center is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does KLEO Community Family Life Center make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are government Grants and Contracts.
Who are KLEO Community Family Life Center's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, UCAN (Uhlich Children's Advantage Network), Safer Foundation, Metropolitan Family Services, Thresholds and Cara Collective. Others are After School Matters and Greater Chicago Food Depository. Broad incumbents are Chicago Urban League and Heartland Alliance.
Does KLEO Community Family Life Center have an API?
No public API is recorded for KLEO Community Family Life Center.
What industry is KLEO Community Family Life Center in?
KLEO Community Family Life Center's product category is Community Social Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAC, Family & Parenting Support Services, with a secondary code of EDAJAIAD, Safeguarding, Child Protection & Reporting Services. Its NAICS code is 6241 and its SIC code is 8300.