Each year at LCI, the Morrie Kellman Humanitarian Award is given to someone who embodies Little City’s mission of creating a better world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jack George has quite literally helped build that world at Little City.

Since first coming to Little City in 1976, Jack has used his wealth of knowledge in the real estate and legal worlds to create inclusive communities. When he first came to Little City, Jack said many people still viewed those with developmental disabilities as people with problems who needed help and not people who had their own unique potential. Connecting to the community was a challenge.

“The idea there could be a home in their own neighborhood where people with disabilities lived together was something people pushed back on,” Jack said. “That has drastically changed. People are seeing that it can be a great thing.”

Little City now has 18 Community Integrated Living Facilities thanks in no small part to the leadership and legal real estate knowledge Jack has provided for decades. Those homes allow residents to live in a safe and supportive environment where they can increase their independence, connect to their communities and enjoy the resources so many take for granted.

“We talk about building better futures for those we serve at Little City and Jack George is the reason we have been able to take our vision and build it into something real,” said Rich Bobby, Little City CEO. “We are blessed to have someone with his real estate and legal expertise to guide us, but it is his passion for our mission that makes him truly special.”

Jack has long been considered one of Chicago’s most respected real estate lawyers. He has served as a former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois and Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. He has helped shape Chicago’s skyline, developing projects on iconic streets including Clark and Addison, Wacker and LaSalle among others.

His philanthropic work expands well beyond Little City, also serving in various roles for Xavier University, Old St. Patrick’s Church, Hinsdale Hospital Civic Board and The Stenning Foundation.

Jack said he is truly honored by this recognition, which is named after his good friend Morrie Kellman.

“I always appreciate the recognition but it is the staff at Little City who are working every day that really deserve to be honored,” Jack said. “I couldn’t be more impressed with Little City than I am right now. It’s extremely well respected throughout the whole state and the people there are so knowledgeable and caring and working hard to advocate for the people they serve.”

Little City Invitational 2025 Fundraising Campaign