In 2024, South Main Mercado unites under Ethnic Heritage Museum and Comprehensive Community Solutions, two pillars of the South Main corridor.

Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc. is an organization that drives fundamental transformation of neighborhoods, communities and the circumstances of those who reside there through facilitation of workforce development that leads to a sustainable wage, meaningful community engagement and affordable housing.

“The goal of CCS is to help strengthen the Rockford and Winnebago County Communities through workforce development, meaningful community engagement and affordable housing. This initiative is achieved through the work that we do with our team members and customers. As an agency, we recognize that we are part of a broader, diverse community. CCS believes that culturally diverse teams of volunteers and employees that reflect the diversity of our customers yield more creative, synergistic, and effective outcomes. The CCS culture is one that embraces the opportunities that exist when we strive for inclusiveness through attracting, developing, and retaining a base of employees that reflects our commitment to help better our community in a diverse and inclusive way. Strong Teams; Strong Results. Diversity & Inclusion is a must!” - A message from CCS Executive Director

Ethnic Heritage Museum Inc.—which owns Ethnic Heritage Museum and Graham-Ginestra House, both located in Heritage Museum Park—is a not-for-profit organization founded to honor and preserve the cultures and history prominent in southwest Rockford, the place where Rockford began.

The purpose of the Ethnic Heritage Museum shall be to promote, preserve, and maintain the historic integrity of all ethnicities in Rockford and especially those who settled first in the southwest segment of the city – African American, Hispanic, Irish, Italian, Lithuanian, and Polish.

The purpose of Graham-Ginestra House shall be to preserve and showcase the historic beauty of the home and to tell the story of the Graham and Ginestra families who resided there.  

EHM shall promote the economic growth of southwest Rockford. EHM shall cooperate with other museums so as to promote and aid in the above and in tourism.