Polish American Association

The Polish American Association (PAA) (Polish: Zrzeszenie Amerykańsko Polskie) is a non-profit human services agency that serves the diverse needs of the Chicago Polish immigrant community.

Originally located in Polish Downtown, the PAA was founded as the Polish Welfare Association in 1922 by a group of prominent Polish businessmen and professionals to provide Polish language social services in Chicago. Since then, PAA has helped generations of immigrant families adjust to life in the United States.

Today, the agency’s bilingual and bicultural services remain critical to meet the growing needs of Chicago’s Polish community. The Polish community constitutes the second largest ethnic group in the Chicago area.

The mission of the Polish American Association, a human service agency, is to serve the diverse needs of the Polish community in the Chicago metro area by providing resources for changing lives, with emphasis on assisting immigrants.

PAA contributes to the vitality of Chicago’s communities by serving more than 3,000 clients per month through 30 programs and services. Program areas include social services, education and employment services, immigrant services, information and advocacy.

PAA’s Social Services offer families, seniors, youth, battered women, the homeless and those seeking to free themselves of substance abuse an opportunity for hope and personal growth. PAA staff provides professional support, advice and hands-on assistance in clients’ first and most comfortable language to transform lives and create happier, more stable home environments for immigrants.

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