Serving children in need for over 100 years

Founded in 1916
OPRF Infant Welfare Society has focused on the well-being of children for over 100 years. We started as a milk station. Today, we serve more than 3,500 children annually with more than 10,000 visits to our keystone program - the IWS Children’s Clinic.

Early Beginnings
Our history dates back to the early 1900s. As Chicago's population exceeded 1 million, few hospital beds were designated for children. In 1902, the Chicago Women’s Club took action after hearing of a father whose infant son died after being unable to access hospital care. At that time, many children died of curable diseases. Often, their sickness resulted from a lack of clean milk.

Chicago's Healthcare Crisis: A Catalyst for Change
Seeking help from doctors, members of the Chicago Women’s Club organized milk stations where mothers could get clean milk for their babies for little or no money. In January 1916, the Oak Park River Forest station of the Infant Welfare Society was established.

Expanding Services
Later, the group separated from Chicago and became its own organization – the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society. In 1919, a dietician joined the staff and in 1925, a psychiatric social worker. In 1937, OPRF IWS began offering immunizations to children.

Today
We’ve had several locations over time. Today, we’re excited to be in our newly renovated space at 28 Madison Street in Oak Park, Illinois. This state-of-the-art facility offers children and their families access to medical, dental, and behavioral health services in a warm and welcoming environment. Learn about our Programs and Services.