The DuPage County Area Project (DuCAP) grew out of the Area Project program developed at the University of Chicago in the 1930’s by sociologist Dr. Clifford R. Shaw, a concept Northwestern University sociologist John McKnight reaffirmed in this century. In the early 1990’s, a group of business and political leaders from DuPage County visited an Area Project model Community Committee program in Chicago, where community leaders shared the belief that “nothing offers a greater chance for raising a child who shares society’s values than a neighborhood where everyone works together in a positive, cooperative way to care for the children growing up in their community.” The DuPage County leaders came away determined to establish similar community groups in DuPage County.

DuCAP incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit agency in 1991. As a separate, self-governing and self- operating non-profit, DuCAP took its place as one of the Statewide Affiliates of the Illinois Council of Area Projects; using their time-proven model of community involvement, advocacy and direct service. DuCAP’s philosophy is to encourage people living in the neighborhood to see their own solutions. Over the past 28 years, DuCAP has assisted in the development of Community Committees, Police Resource Centers, and other community programs in Addison, Bensenville, Glendale Heights, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, Downers Grove, Lisle, Lombard, South Hinsdale, Villa Park, West Chicago, Hanover Park, Wheaton, Wood Dale, and Woodridge. In 2006, DuCAP expanded its efforts into Will County by opening a satellite office in Bolingbrook.

DuCAP expanded services into Romeoville in 2007. DuCAP has developed community leaders in every community we have touched. In addition, numerous youth involved with DuCAP have later worked for our agency as interns during college or as staff after college. Several parents and former youth have started their own businesses or community programs with DuCAP’s guidance and encouragement.