About BYNC

The Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council (BYNC) was founded in 1939 by Joseph Meegan, Saul Alinsky, supporting clergy, business owners, union officials, and residents.  BYNC, located at 1751 W. 47th Street in Chicago, is among the oldest not-for-profit community organization in the Unitied States, serving a large area of Chicago’s Southwest Side, which includes the communities of Brighton Park, McKinley Park, and New City.  As chronicled in Upton Sinclair’s now famous book, The Jungle, the Back of the Yards area suffered from social disorganization, unemployment, poor housing, and juvenile delinquency. BYNC was created in response to these growing social issues and continues today to organize residents and bring social services and economic resources to the community.