Communities

Past events

May 8, 2008

Cinco de Mayo Gala - National Museum for Mexican Art
5:30 pm–10 pm
The Fairmont Hotel
200 N. Columbus Drive
Imperial Ballroom - B2 level

This gala event features guest auctioneer designer Nate Berkus and music by Angel Melendez and the 911 Mambo Orchestra.

Please RSVP to (312) 738-1503 ext. 3922 or jimenez@nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org, or to purchase tickets online go to www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org  

Courses for Non-Profits
9 am–5 pm
Center for the Professional Development of Non-Profit Organizations
3500 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 300

The center is holding several courses in April and May that could be of interest to non-profits. For more information, please contact Ana Bedard at (773) 907-6357 or abedard@ccc.edu.

May 8: Business Writing for Non-Profits
May 21: Basics of Supervision

Volunteerism: Soaring to New Heights
Chicago Marriott Oak Brook

The 2008 ICOVA conference offers a variety of opportunities for experienced and new volunteer administrators to launch into. The conference offers wonderful opportunities to network with colleagues in the field energize your spirit and rekindle your desires for your profession.

For more information or to register, please click here .

May 5, 2008

Fine Arts for Tots
times am–vary pm
St. Luke's Lutheran Church
2649 N. Francisco Ave.

St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Logan Square and Voice of the City are collaborating to offer "Fine Arts for Tots," a brand newbilingual music and arts program for children from birth to age five!

Fine Arts for Tots is conducted through a partnership between Voice of the City , an arts alliance that has been offering fine arts programming, education and performance in Logan Square since 2001, and St. Luke's Lutheran Church , which has been serving residents of Logan Square for over 100 years.

Fine Arts for Tots is our first official bilingual program, aiming to have classes made up of equal numbers of Spanish- and English-speaking families.

For more information including class dates and times, please click here .

May 3, 2008

5 de Mayo Festival
Navy Pier - Festival Hall and Terrace

This two-day celebration from Sociedad Civica Mexicana is co-sponsored by the Chicago Latino Network and four Latino-oriented radio stations.

For more information, please call (773) 376-8445 or e-mail info@sociedadcivicmexican.org

May 2, 2008

E/Racing Difference, En/Gendering Collaboration
times am–vary pm
Northwestern University
Evanston

This Asian American and Latino Studies conference will include a film screening, an academic panel, and a performance by Chicago Latina theater troupe Teatro Luna.

For times, locations and other information, please click here.

May 1, 2008

Family Fun Centennial Activities
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave.

Did you know that Chicago's botanical gem under glass, the Garfield Park Conservatory, has been home to rare tropical plants for almost 100 years? The Conservatory opened to the public in April 1908.

During the Centennial celebration, the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance is offering a number of fexciting programming events that will enhance the family-oriented visitor's experience of both history and horticulture.

Health Fair
11 am–2 pm
Alivio Medical Center
966 W. 21st St.

This health fair is part of the Week of the Uninsured.

April 30, 2008

Rental Markets, Foreclosures and the Credit Crunch
8:30 am
Chase Bank Auditorium
10 S. Dearborn

The event sponsored by the Urban Land Institute's Chicago District Council will feature speakers Nic Retsinas and Bill Apgar of Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies, along with respondents Ellen Sahli and Bruce Katz of the Brookings Institution and David Schwartz of Waterton Associates.

The evfent is free but pre-registration is required by April 25. Breakfast is served at 8:30 and the program begins at 9. For more information and a registration form, please click here.

April 29, 2008

Open House with new 8th District Commander
6 pm
3420 W. 63rd St.

New District Commander John J. Kupczyk will be on hand to meet and greet on the 15th anniversary of CAPS Appreciation Day. Call (312) 747-8724 with any questions.

April 28, 2008

Near West Task Force of Reconnecting Neighborhoods public meeting
5:30 pm–7 pm
"Major" Adams Community Committee Center
125 N. Hoyne Ave.

This task force will make recommendations for enhanced transit services, retail and improved public infrastructure in three Chicago neighborhoods.

For more information, please contact Metropolitan Planning Council's Reconnecting Neighborhoods Manager Brandon Johnson at (312) 863-6046 or bjohnson@metroplanning.org, or visit the Reconnecting Neighborhods website at www.reconnectingneighborhoods.org/

LISC Urban Forum 2008
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown

This three-day event, the premier conference on neighborhood economic development and commercial revitalization, aims to bridge underserved communities and their commercial markets.

For more information, please see www.liscurbanforum.org

April 26, 2008

Taste of Clemente Silent Auction and Cocktail Reception
6 pm–12 am
Society for the Arts
1112 N. Milwaukee

This fund raiser for the Wildcats Student Health Center at Roberto Clemente will cost $50 per person. For more information, please call (773) 534-0473 or www.TasteofClemente.com

The ABCs of Growing Green
10 am–1 pm
Polaris Charter Academy
620 N. Sawyer

Discover and explore methods of city gardening, organic cooking, and all things "green" during hands-on workshops and a luncheon to support Polaris's schoolwide gardening initiative.

Learn from experts as they take organic products from ground to plate. Adult- and child-oriented workshops will be offered, and families are welcome! Polaris is a new, K-8 public charter school serving Humboldt Park.

Washington Park community planning meeting
Church of the Good Shepherd
5700 S. Prairie Ave.

The Washington Park quality-of-life planning group will meet for the second time.

Equal Voice for America's Families Quality of Life Town Hall meeting
11 am–2 pm
Al Raby High School
3545 W. Fulton Blvd.

Share your thoughts and ideas with others! The purpose of this meeting is to discuss how education, housing and employment are being discussed in your community and by the presidential candidates.

The event is sponsored by NCP lead agency Little Village Community Development Corp., part of the Equal Voice for America's Families campaign. Lunch will be served at the event. Please contact Julian Lazalde at (773) 542-9233 x21 or jlazalde@lvcdc.org for more information.

April 25, 2008

CPS Magnet School Application Deadline

Chicago Public Schools plan to open six magnet schools in 2008-09 and will accept applications through April 25.

Disney II Magnet School, 3815 Kedvale Ave., will offer programming in fine/performing arts and technology.

LaSalle II Magnet School, 1148 N. Honore St., will offer a world language program.

Sir Miles Davis Magnet Academy, 6730 S. Paulina, will offer the district's first-ever children's engineering program.

Joshua D. Kershaw Magnet School, 6450 S. Lowe Ave., will offer the International Baccalaureate programs for K-8.

Oscar Mayer Magnet School, 2250 N. Clifton Ave., will offer the Montessori Program in pre-K and then add a grade each year through fifth grade; IB is offered in 6-8.

John Coonley Regional Gifted Center, 4046 N. Leavitt, will be a new regional gifted center.

To download an application, please see www.cpsmagnet.org/downloads.jsp?rn=116693

April 24, 2008

Below the Radar Screen: The Growing Latino Market in Chicago
7:45 am–9:15 am
Union League Club
65 W. Jackson Blvd.

Speakers at this symposium will include Sylvia Puente, Director of Metropolitan Chicago Initiatives, Latino Institute of Notre Dame; Hipolito “Paul” Roldan, President & CEO, Hispanic Housing Development Corporation; and Eric Salcido, Project Manager, Primestor Development, Inc.

The cost is $40 for ULI members and $50 for non-members. For a flyer and registration form, please click here .

"Game Day" for Girls
4 pm–7 pm
Marquette Park

Healthy Chicago Lawn and Girls in the Game are hosting a Game Day for girls ages 9 to 15 at Marquette Park featuring sports and other fun activities for girls.

If you would like to bring girls from your organization, please contact Ashley Hernandez at (312) 633-4263 or ashley@girlsinthegame.org.

Please click to download a flyer or permission form.

Little Black Pearl's First Annual Health Fair
12 pm–7 pm
1060 W. 47th St.

The fair will include free health screenings, information tables, demonstrations, and other interactive sessions.

If you want to become a vendor, please provide us with information about your services and products.

Please review the following attachments and confirm your attendance by March 21, 2008.

We thank you for your contribution, and are available for any questions or concerns you may have.Please do not hesitate to contact us at (773) 285-1121. You may ask for Leon Haslip (X149) – 773-268-5045 - direct, Chinyera Moody (X190), or Dana Adams (X156).

For more information, please see www.littleblackpearl.org .  

Schmoozefest 2008!
6 pm–9 pm
Macy's on State Street
Narcissus Room
111 N. State St.

American Family Insurance presents this seventh annual Chicago Latino Network networking event. The event features a chance to mix with professionals and entrepreneurs, participate in a raffle drawing, and hear from guest speakers Michelle Alegria of ABC 7 Chicago's 190 North and Cook County State's Attorney Democratic nominee Anita Alvarez.

Advanced tickets must be purchased by Friday, April 18, and cost $40. Tickets at the door will be $50 if available. For more information or to purchase, please contact info@chicagolatinonetwork.com

April 23, 2008

Linking Your CDCs to Local Anchor Institutions
2 pm–3:30 pm
www.lisc.org/resources/experts/

The Field Resources and Learning and Federal Policy units of LISC and The National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations present: "Linking Your CDCs  to Local Anchor Institutions."

Faced with declining federal and state community development funding, CDCs are increasingly looking to
expand partnerships with local employers.  In many cities, the largest local employers are area nonprofit hospitals and universities.

These institutions are often called "anchor institutions" because, unlike private corporations, the nature of their business makes moving difficult, thus increasing the degree to which their success is dependent on community
economic well-being.

This panel will provide an overview of exemplary efforts nationwide, as well as profile two specific cases: highlighting both the benefits in terms of access to expertise and funding, as well as the challenges of building alliances with large nonprofit institutions.

For more information please download this flyer.

Healthy Chicago Lawn coalition meeting
11 am
Holy Cross Hospital
2701 W. 68th St.

April 22, 2008

Spanish Coalition for Jobs celebration
6 pm
Hilton Chicago
720 S. Michigan

Please join the Spanish Coalition to celebrate 36 years of serving the Latino community through education and employment services. Please visit www.scj-usa.org for more details.

Introductory Workshops on Income and Property Taxes
6:30 pm–8 pm
Chicago Public Library, Lozano Branch
1805 S. Loomis Street

The Resurrection Project, in collaboration with Chicago Public Library, Cook County Assessor’s Office and Internal Revenue Service, invites you to learn more about income and property taxes.

On this day, our financial counselors will provide valuable knowledge (in English and Spanish) on exemptions and deductions that could save you hundreds of dollars on your taxes each year.

These workshops, on April 22 and April 24, will take place at the Chicago Public Library, Lozano Branch, starts at 6:30 p.m. and should end by 8 p.m.

The events are free and open to the general public. Space is limited to 30 guests and reservations are required. To RSVP please contact Oliver Marquez at (312) 666-1323 ext. 236.

April 20, 2008

"Know Your Rights" workshops
Epiphany Parish
2524 S. Keeler

Our country is in need of comprehensive immigration reform as U.S. Immigration & Custom Enforcement (ICE) raids are becoming more common, with more families unfairly torn apart as deportations continue.

NCP lead agency The Resurrection Project's commitment to our community and its families feels the obligation of educating our constituency on what to say or do in case of a raid. 

The "Know your Rights" workshop aim to educate the public on their general constitutional and civil rights, as well as information on immigration law and criminal procedure.

These workshops are scheduled for Sunday, April 20, one after the 8 a.m. mass and the other after the noon mass, and on Sunday, April 27, after the 7 p.m. mass at Epiphany Parish.

Please feel free to share this flyer en Espanol.

To learn more about this event please contact Franky Stebbins at fstebbins@resurrectionproject.org or (312) 850-1935 ext. 104.

April 19, 2008

Justice 2008: Planting Seeds for Sustainability
8:30 am–3 pm
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
1852 W. 22nd Pl.

As part of the Archdiocese of Chicago 4th Annual Day of Discovery, Networking and Action, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development is hosting a whole day of events at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.

“Justice 2008: Planting Seeds for Sustainability” will address the issues of food, farming, and sustainability. During the afternoon there will be option for experiential learning provided by local community groups.

To register or for more information contact Joyana Jacoby at (312) 751-7991 or email at jjacoby@archchicago.org

Taller: Cómo Ser Dueño de Casa
9 am–3 pm
Escuela Superior Cristo Rey
1852 W. 22nd Place

Aprenda todo lo necesario en la compra de su primer hogar y más con nuestros talleres de consejería financiera.

Nuestros servicios le pueden orientar en la compra o venta de hogar, a mejorar su historial de crédito, crear presupuestos y a financiar mejorías a su hogar.

Por favor comuníquese con Margie Jaramillo al (312) 666-1323 ext. 229 para registrarse.

Chicago Dia del Nino Family Festival
11 am–4 pm
UIC Pavilion
525 S. Racine

Mark your calendar for the National Museum of Mexican Art's 12th annual Chicago Dia del Nino Family Festival. This free festival is filled with interactive games, art, performances, fitness activities and more.

Block Clean-Up
10 am
6700 S. Artesian

Join with your neighbors to support the 6700 S. Artesian block for one of many such cleanups sponsored by the Block Club Coalition during the spring and summer.

For more information, please call (773) 512-4422.

Earth Day Clean-Ups
9 am–2 pm
Humboldt Park Boathouse
and other locations

Join the Chicago Park District, Friends of the Parks, and a couple hundred volunteers to celebrate Earth Day at the Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1400 N. Sacramento. The cleanup lasts until noon followed by a celebration.

Many other parks throughout Chicago will have similar events. For a list and registration information, please click here. 

The Family-to-Family Education Program in Spanish
10 am–2 pm
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Greater Chicago
1536 W. Chicago Ave.

This six-week course designed for family members of individuals with mental illness focuses on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, OCD, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring addictions.

The emphasis is on the clinical treatment of these illnesses and the knowledge and skills family members will need when faced with such problems.

There is no fee for the course. Please call Abra Kinkopf at (312) 563-0445 to enroll. For more information, please download a flyer in English or Spanish.

April 18, 2008

Professional Development Workshops
8 am–10 am
Donors Forum of Chicago
208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 735

The Donors Forum offers several upcoming professional development workshops for nonprofits. The location is 208 S. LaSalle St. unless indicated:

April 18, 9 a.m. to noon: Grantseeking Primer, at The Philanthropy Center, College of DuPage Library, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

April 22, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Putting Evaluation to Work for You

April 25, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.: How to Improve Board/CEO Relationships

April 30, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: ABC of Individual Giving

May 2, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Incoming Board Chairs: What to Expect and How to Prepare

For more information, please see www.donorsforum.org

April 17, 2008

Instituto del Progreso Latino 30 Years of Progress: A Lifetime of Opportunity
5:30 pm
The Chicago Hilton & Towers
720 S. Michigan Ave.

The Instituto del Progreso Latino, host site for a LISC-sponsored Center for Working Families in Pilsen, celebrates its 30th anniversary.

The event will feature a reception at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m., with live entertainment, a raffle, and a keynote address by Diane C. Swonk, senior managing director and chief economist for Mesirow Financial.

April 16, 2008

Immigrant Community Partner Training
9 am–11 am
Locations vary (see below)

Learn about Illinois Health Connect and how it can help your clients. The workshops will be held on April 16 at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, April 18 at University Center of Lake County in Waukegan, April 23 at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital at Park Ridge, and April 25 at The Township of Cicero's Community Center in Cicero.

For more information or to RSVP, please see http://www.ilmaternal.org/ICPtrainings.htm

"The Right to a Healthy Environment" 2008 Symposium on the Human Rights of Children
Loyola University Center for the Human Rights of Children
Water Tower Campus

Save the date for this three-day symposium featuring a number of child advocacy experts from Loyola University and other institutions around the country and from The Netherlands.

For more information, please download this flyer.

April 14, 2008

Stakeholders Collaborative Forum
9 am–12 pm
UBS Towers Conference Center
1 N. Wacker - Michigan Ball Room (2nd Floor)

Those interested in school health might want to attend this Stakeholders Collaborative Forum to Improve Student Health featuring Roger Platt, M.D., director of New York City's Office of School Health.

Dr. Platt will discuss the joint venture between New York City's Department of Education and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to form the Office of School Health, as well as the city requirement of a nurse in every school.

To RSVP, please e-mail mbravo@lungchicago.org

April 13, 2008

Centennial Birthday Party
12 pm–3 pm
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave.

The Garfield Park Conservatory opened to the public in April 1908 – come celebrate our 100th birthday with us in April 2008!

Join us for a free Centennial Birthday Party full of activities, treats, games and live entertainment. Experience some of the untold stories of the Garfield Park neighborhood through the eyes of those who have lived here at the Conserve-A-Story exhibit, which will open on April 10 in the Community Room.

For more information about programs and events tied to our Centennial visit our website at www.garfieldconservatory.org and www.chicagoasis.org

April 12, 2008

5th Annual Creative Chicago Expo
10 am–4 pm
Chicago Cultural Center
77 E. Randolph St.

This free, day-long fair features 24 workshops and all the top resources, services and spaces for Chicago's art community. Whether you work in dance, music, theater, fashion, design, visual art, writing/spoken word, film/new media or all of the above, there will be information you can use and people you should know.

Put Play in Your Day: YMCA Healthy Kids Day
9:30 am–2 pm
West Communities YMCA
6235 S. Homan Ave.

Come to the Y for food, folks and fun -- a day of fitness, sports, games, informational seminars and prize-winning contests.

For more information, please call (773) 434-0300.

Free help in applying for IRS ITIN
10 am–1 pm
Instituto Del Progreso Latino
2570 S. Blue Island Ave.

Volunteers from the Midwest Tax Clinic and the Internal Revenue Service will be available to assist you in applying to get your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers).

The ITIN is a unique, permanent number for individuals who do not have and are not eligible to obtain a valid Social Security Number (SSN). It is used for tax processing purposes only and does not entitle the holder to Social Security benefits nor does it change employment or immigration status under U.S. law.

For more information or to learn about the requirements please contact Instituto Del Progreso Latino at (773) 890-0055.

ABCs of Homeownership Workshop (English session)
9 am–3 pm
Cristo Rey High School
1852 W. 22nd Place

Learn everything you need to know about purchasing your first home with TRP’s free, bilingual financial counseling and home buyer education workshops.

Our regularly offered services can help you buy and sell a home, improve your credit, create a budget, and finance home improvements. Please contact Margie Jaramillo at (312) 666-1323 ext. 229 to register.

April 11, 2008

Grant Writing 101
9 am–4 pm
Park National Bank, 2nd floor
815 W. 63rd St.

Teamwork Englewood is presenting a session on grant writing as part of its capacity-building workshop series. Please call (773) 602-4508 to register. Click to download a flyer .

Ending the U.S. Health Care Crisis: Single-Payer National Health Insurance in 2008
6 pm–7:30 pm
Northwestern University School of Law
Lincoln Hall
357 E. Chicago Ave.

The American Constitution Society and American Medical Students' Association present this forum featuring U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., author and lead sponsor of The U.S. National Health Insurance Act.

The event is free and open to the public. RSVP is requested to m-carter2010@nlaw.northwestern.edu

April 10, 2008

Salsa Night 2008
6 pm–9 pm
Excalibur Night Club
Dearborn & Ontario

This 13th annual scholarship fund raiser benefits the Hispanocare Student Scholarship Fund. The advance ticket price of $20 ($25 at the door) covers a buffet and two cocktails, and the event features a silent auction.

For more information or to purchase tickets call Hispanocare, a program of Advocate Illinois Medical Center, at (773) 296-7157.

April 9, 2008

Women, Girls and Trauma: Approaches to Gender Responsive Social Services
9 am–4:30 pm
Locations to-be-determined

Over the past 30 years, our knowledge of women's lives has increased dramatically, and we have added significantly to our understanding of the treatment needs of women. This knowledge base has now extended to girls' lives. Save the date for two conferences with Dr. Stephanie Covington, from The Center for Gender and Justice, LaJolla, Calif., at locations TBD.

Please direct questions to Mairita Smiltars, conference coordinator, at (773) 728-0271 or Mairita@LMcAlpine.com, or Katina Cummings, senior policy analyst, health and medicine policy research group, (312) 372-4292 x26, or kcummings@hmprg.org

Studs Terkel Community Media Awards
5 pm–8 pm
Chicago Cultural Center

The annual Studs Terkel Community Media Awards honor outstanding media professionals for excellence in covering and reflefcting Chicago's diverse communities, highlighting reporters who take risks in covering social issues by offering new or unusual perspectives.

For more information, please see www.newstips.org.

April 5, 2008

Aquafina MLB Pitch, Hit & Run Youth Baseball Contest
10 am–1 pm
2100 W. Adams

For more information about this event, please contact Aaron, aboyd@nearwestsidecdc.org or (312) 738-2280.

April 3, 2008

The Produce Mobile
10:30 am
Liberty Temple Full Gospel Church
2301 W. 79th St.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository's Produce Mobile will be making monthly visits to Liberty Temple in early 2008. Fresh produce will be distributed to anyone in need.

Dates for pick-up will be Thursdays Jan. 3, Feb. 7, March 6 and April 3. For more information, please call (773) 737-7843 or download this flyer.

March 31, 2008

Celebrating the Legacy of Cesar E. Chavez
10 am–12 pm
Northeastern Illinois University, Alumni Hall
5500 N. St. Louis Ave.

Speakers, music and performances will celebrate the legacy of Cesar E. Chavez.

For more information, please contact ENLACE at (773) 442-4735.

March 29, 2008

Bloomingdale Trail Visioning Session
10 am–1 pm
Center for Neighborhood Technology
2125 W. North Ave.

Join us to discuss the future Bloomingdale Trail/Linear Park and ideas for accessibility by members of the disability community. Lunch will be provided.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Lucy Gomez-Feliciano at 773 384-4370 ext. 43 or lucygomez@sbcglobal.net

Download the flyer here .

"Lights Out Chicago"
6 pm–9 pm
Kimball Avenue Evangelical Congregational Church
2324 N. Kimball Ave.

Join thousands of other Chicagoans to turn out the lights to draw attention to the need to reduce our consumption of electricity.

At 6 p.m.   we'll gather for a pot luck meal followed by a free screening of the movie, "Mountain Mourning," a documentary on the impact of mountaintop coal removal in West Virginia.

"Mountain Mourning" is a Christians for the Mountains Feature Film: Stunning images, powerful narration and traditional music. Scenes of nature’s beauty are starkly contrasted with scenes of ruin to tell a story of tragedy and hope.

At 8 p.m. we'll turn out the lights for an hour. For more information call (773) 278-1990.

March 28, 2008

Botanical fashion show of the century
7 pm–10 pm
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave.

Experience a variety of artistic floral interpretations in clothing, hats and more, all made from flowers, plants and leaves at this special annual fundraiser for our Centennial year.

This runway soiree is a collaborative event between the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance and Chicago-area florists, and students from the Millinery Department of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. An amazing runway show, entertainment, refreshments and lots of other surprises will make this an affair to remember!

Tickets are $100 for general admission ($75 pre-sale before March 1), and $150 for runway seating. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 773-638-1766 x13.

March 27, 2008

Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children - quarterly meeting
1 pm–5 pm
Gleacher Center
450 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive

The next CLOCC Quarterly Meeting in a new location has been organized by the Research Support Working Group and will be focused on community-based participatory research.

To see an agenda or an RSVP form, please click here.

Illinois African American Coalition for Prevention - quarterly meeting
10 am–2 pm
South Central Community Services
1021 E. 83rd St.

Meet fellow coalition members, network with professionals from across the state, and learn about the ILAACP's $60,000 mini-grant initiative at this quarterly meeting. Special guest speaker will be Steven Guerra, deputy chief of staff for social services in the Office of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich.

March 26, 2008

Getting It Done: New Tools for Communities
UIC Forum
725 W. Roosevelt Road

Neighborhood leaders and community development practitioners from Chicago and around the country will come together for a two-day work session on March 26 and 27 to share how they improve the places they live and work.

The conference, Getting It Done: New Tools for Communities, will be hosted by 16 Chicago neighborhoods that have planned, launched and executed the nation's largest demonstration in comprehensive community development, the New Communities Program (NCP). 

The gathering will bring together hundreds of street-level experts in everything from youth programming and safety to retail development and health care. Chicago practitioners will be joined by counterparts from other cities around the nation that are launching similar comprehensive community development programs.

Please click here for more information .

March 25, 2008

U.S. Secret Service Identity Theft Workshop
1 pm–2:30 pm
8th District Police Station Community Room
3420 W. 63rd St.

Not sure what identity theft is? Worried about identity theft? Want know how to prevent it?

Get the answers to these questions at our Identity Theft Workshop from the U.S. Secret Service. The same agency that protects the president of the United States can help protect your identity. Lunch will be provided.

For more information, call Nick Kollias at (773) 436-1000 x113 or Lenora Dailey at x102.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention workshop
1 pm–2:30 pm
Casa Catalina
4537 S. Ashland

TRP hopes to reduce the incidence of breast and cervical Cancer in our community and would like to encourage females to have a mammogram and Papanicolaou test.

Through our program, women have access to low-cost or no cost services. Insurance is not necessary to participate. To register or for more information contact Araceli Lucio at (312) 850-1935 x105.

March 22, 2008

Youth-led forum on gang violence
10 am–4 pm
Little Village Lawndale High School
3120 S. Kostner Ave.
Chicago

Youth will explore the roots of the violence in their communities at this forum organized by the Telpochcalli Community Education Project in Little Village. Ten workshops will be led by a combination of youth and community leaders and former gang members, with an emphasis on peer-to-peer prevention strategies.

Download a media alert/fact sheet about the workshop.

March 20, 2008

Sugar from the Sun
5:30 pm–7:30 pm
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave.

Bring your family to explore Garfield Park Conservatory after the sun’s gone down at this exciting event brought to you in partnership with the Chicago Park District’s Nature Oasis Program.

We will be highlighting the new Sugar from the Sun exhibit with demonstrations , activities and projects that remind us of how plants make the energy that fuels life on Earth. All ages welcome.

Please call the Chicago Park District at 312-742-5039 to register in advance for this free event.

March 19, 2008

New Englewood business development meeting
5 pm
Park National Bank
815 W. 63rd St., 2nd Floor

Attend a business development meeting sponsored by the New Englewood Village Business Development Council.

Engage in discussions on important topics like enhancing your business, attracting consumers, asset reinvestment, and collaboration, marketing and visibility.

New Englewood Village Business Development Council is devoted to promoting local buying, business support and economic growth. For more information, call (773) 846-4058.

March 18, 2008

Chicago Food Policy Summit
8:30 am–5 pm
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.

Please join Healthy Chicago Lawn at the Chicago Food Policy Summit at the Chicago Cultural Center. Please see http://www.chicagofoodpolicy.org/summit.htm for more information and to register. Healthy Chicago Lawn members need not pay the $20 fee.

Healthy Chicago Lawn is part of a Kellogg grant working on increasing healthy foods and physical activity opportunities in Chicago Lawn and we have helped organize this Summit. There will be a morning panel and afternoon break out session focused on food and fitness.

March 17, 2008

Arts & Aging: Engaging the Communities
9 am–1:30 pm

Professionals in the Cultural Arts and Aging fields are encouraged to participate in a half-day workshop that brings together these groups to discuss how to work together to create initiatives to engage older adults in the arts.

The workshop is free and includes a keynote speaker, panel discussion, lunch with potential partners, a chance to network, and learn about 10 mini-grants ($1,000-$2,500).

Reservations are required and space is limited. Those who would like to participate should contact Patricia O'Malley at (312) 744-4551 or Patricia.OMalley@cityofchicago.org (and note "Arts and Aging info" in the subject line).

March 15, 2008

FREE Chronic Kidney Disease Risk Assessments
NBC5 Healthy Lifestyle Expo
Navy Pier

Stop by the National Kidney Foundation KidneyMobile on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or Sunday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the NBC5 Healthy Lifestyle Expo at Navy Pier for a FREE chronic kidney disease risk assessment.

Kidney specialists will offer attendees health consultations based on the results from the screening, which include a blood pressure check, body mass index calculation and a brief family health questionnaire.

In Illinois more than 600,000 people have chronic kidney disease, and many more may have the disease and not even know it! Early detection can make a huge difference! 

March 14, 2008

Humboldt Park Breast & Cervical Health Partnership launch
8 am–12 pm
Rebano Companerismo Cristiano Church
2435 W. Division St.

Please come help us launch the Humboldt Park Breast & Cervical Health Partnership with a breakfast to honor our Latina women. Special guest speaker will be Dr. Aida Giachello, founder and director of the Midwest Latino Health Research, Policy and Training Center at University of Illinois-Chicago.

To register, please call Darleen Garcia at (773) 772-1141 or Maddi Elga Amill (773) 365-0071.

March 11, 2008

Health Care Reform: Is It Time?
6:15 pm–7:45 pm
Northwestern University - McGaw Pavillion
Daniel Hale Williams Auditorium
240 E. Huron, 2nd Floor (Room 2-320)

2007-2008 Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows present a symposium on health care financing:

Quentin Young, M.D., Health and Medicine Policy Research Group & Physicians for a National Health Program

Richard Epstein, LL.B., The University of Chicago Law School & The Hoover Institution

Moderator: Steven Daugherty, Ph.D, Rush University Medical Center

Panel will be followed by a reception. The event is free, but reservations are strongly recommended.

RSVP by 3/7 to: rsvp@hmprg.org or 312 372-4292 ext. 24

March 8, 2008

Teen Sound-Off!
11 am–12:30 pm
Carter G. Wilson Library
9525 S. Halsted

Learn how your input can make a difference on issues that affect you at this free event. Win free prizes! Hosted by the Institute for Attitude Modification. See www.alistme.com for more information.

Brother to Brother: Beating Barriers to Health
10 am
DuSable Museum of African-American History
57th and South Cottage Grove

The University of Chicago Cancer Center, under the leadership of Dr. Rick Kittles, PhD, a nationally known geneticist, will host the third in a series of community forums. This will be aimed at providing a lively, informative presentation and discussion on cancer prevention and other community health issues. Refreshments will be provided. To RSVP, please call (888) 824-0200, option #2.

March 6, 2008

"Build! People. Places. Policy." An Economic Development Conference for Charitable and Faith Based Institutions
9 am–5 pm
The conference will be held in the Great Hall of the the new Kennedy-King College, located at 740 W. 63rd Street in Englewood. Learn best practices and innovative ideas in building economically sustainable organizations. become a greater asset to your clientele, membership and the communities you serve.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Call 773.602.5042.

Inquires can be emailed to:
KKCCONTINUINGEDUCATION@CCC.EDU

REGISTRATION FEE: $75.
(Includes breakfast, lunch & Continuing Education Certificate of Completion)

"Capacity Building Through Staff and Volunteer Engagement" workshop series
times am–vary pm
University of Illinois Extension
8751 S. Greenwood Ave.

The University of Illinois Extension will hold a winter workshop series designed to assist nonprofit directors and supervisors in finding, developing and keeping dedicated and talented staff and volunteers.

To learn more, please download this brochure.

March 5, 2008

Reconnecting Neighborhoods public meeting
6:30 pm–7:30 pm
Kennicott Park
4434 S. Lake Park Ave.

Ald. Toni Preckwinkle (4th) and NCP lead agency the Quad Communities Development Corp. invite community residents to a series of local meetings in conjunction with the new community development initiative, Reconnecting Neighborhoods.

Residents will have the opportunity to voice opinions about how to make their neighborhood more convenient and vibrant, plan improvement that will increase access to transportation, shopping and jobs, and learn more about transportation and retail amenities in the Quad Communities.

To RSVP, e-mail info@reconnectingneighborhoods.org or call Brandon Johnson at (312) 863-6046.
For more information, please see www.metroplanning.org

March 3, 2008

Healthy Communities/Healthy People "WalkForce"
5 pm–7 pm
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave.

Get ready for a new, healthier YOU ... join the Healthy Communities/Healthy People WalkForce, a movement to improve your health and community.

These simulated walks to the New York Botanical Garden will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays until March 19.

The benefits will include camaraderie, improved health, healthy living tips, monthly nutritional workshops, and a certificate of completion at the end.

For more information, please contact Rishona Taylor at (773) 638-1766 x17 or rmtaylor@garfieldpark.org. 

To download a flyer about WalkForce, please click here.

March 1, 2008