About Rush at Sankofa
Therapy you can trust. Connect with affordable and accessible mental health providers rooted in community-centered care and skilled in helping you navigate life’s challenges — through individual and group therapy sessions.
- Help when you need it most: From resource assistance, help with navigating the health care system or managing a new diagnosis, our team is here for you. We’ll listen to what matters most to you and connect you with the services that can help you live your healthiest life.
- Support managing chronic conditions: You don’t have to manage your health alone. Our health promotion and disease intervention programs for long‑term conditions — such as diabetes and high blood pressure — connect you with wellness experts, evidence-based interventions, and community members who understand what you’re going through. Together, we can help you manage your condition with confidence.
- Caregiver support: Caring for a family member or friend who needs physical, emotional, or social support can be both rewarding and challenging. Our nationally recognized Caring for Caregivers program offers support to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and balance your loved one’s needs with your own.
Be a Part of a Wellness Network
Conveniently located on Madison Street in West Garfield Park, the center is more than a clinic. It’s a one-of-a-kind community-powered hub for health and wellness, providing real help now and investing in opportunities and resources designed to strengthen the West Side from within. Here, every partner strengthens the others — meaning your care and services are all connected.
Programs and Events
Starting with healthy beginnings, we work together to help people live well, age well, and build healthier communities.
Our youth programs (ages 4 - 18) are designed to teach healthy habits from a young age to nourish the mind and build a bright future.
Our wellness programs emphasize everyday health, mental resilience, chronic disease management, and long‑term well‑being.
Health Legacy Program
The Health Legacy Program (HLP) is a free six-week workshop for women of color that meets twice weekly and focuses on building healthy habits through exercise, nutrition education, goal setting and supportive group discussions.
To register or learn more: Contact program coordinator Daniela Mitchem at (312) 947-0469.
Take Charge of Your Diabetes
Take Charge of Your Diabetes is a free 6-week workshop for people with type 2 diabetes that builds skills and confidence to better manage health through topics like nutrition, exercise, blood sugar management, communication, and goal setting.
To register or learn more: Call (800) 757-0202.
Our healthy aging programs are designed for older adults (ages 60+). These sessions promote healthy aging and equip participants with tools to maintain both physical and mental strength.
Walk With Ease
Walk With Ease is a group walking program created by the Arthritis Foundation and offered by Rush Generations. Participants meet three times a week to walk at their own pace, learn health tips and build strength, flexibility, and motivation together.
To register or learn more: Call (800) 757-0202.
Our Food is Medicine program hosts monthly food distributions in partnership with One Box, One Community around the community for those in need. Each meal box includes healthy fresh produce and shelf-stable items.
Parking and Public Transportation
Parking: There is free street parking around the Sankofa Village Wellness Center. There is also a small parking lot behind the building for patients only, in addition to street parking.
Public Transportation: CTA bus Route 20 serves the center along Madison Street.
Learn More About Rush Sankofa and Schedule an Appointment
For general information about Rush Sankofa: Please call (312) 942-8976. You can also email us at Sankofa@rush.edu.
If you’d like to schedule a therapy appointment: Call (800) 757‑0202.
Your Wellness Team
Mental Health Care and Therapy Providers
Maleek Ratliff, LCSW
Kenisha Green, LCSW
Innocent Orokoh, LSW
Chantanique Burdine, LCSW
Ruth Kahssai, LCSW
Our mental health therapists provide support through a culturally attuned perspective and are dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of the residents of Chicago's West Side. Our therapists provide a safe and caring space for you to manage stress, navigate tough moments, and learn skills that promote health and wellbeing. They are trained in trauma-informed treatment and use various evidence-based approaches to meet your needs. Our therapists recognize the whole person and will work with you to ensure your treatment is intentional and adapted to your needs.
Community Health Workers Providers
Esequiel Salas
Leonora Watson-London
Salvador Castaneda
Tyler Flowers
Natalia Mojica
The Community Health Worker Hub is your go‑to place for personalized support. Our dedicated team of community health workers helps connect you with the essentials: food resources, transportation options, housing support, benefits, and easy‑to‑understand health information.
Program Managers Providers
Shawn Parra, LCSW
Padraic Stanley, LCSW, MSW
Resources for the Help You May Need
Find more resources to get the help you may need today. Our Community Resource Hub was created to connect individuals and families with essential supports for healthy, stable lives.
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