2019 OMEE Notice of Funding Opportunity For Small Businesses

Program Description $10 million of the grant funding is available for minority-owned businesses Capital access remains the most important factor limiting the establishment of minority-owned businesses. It also inhibits the ability of economic growth in minority and underserved communities.... more

Riverwalk Community Marketplace Opens this Summer

(Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) The announcement for the upcoming opening of the Chicago Riverwalk Community Marketplace. The Community Marketplace will be comprised of minority and women-owned businesses that reflect the diversity and uniqueness of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Be sure to sto... more

Metra gets state funding for two new stations, Auburn Park is back on Track

Metra today added funding for two new stations In Chicago to its capital program after the state of Illinois said it would release the money for the long-awaited projects. The stations will be built at Auburn Park near 79th Street on the Rock Island Line and Peterson and Ridge on the Union Pacific... more

Auburn Gresham Free Tax Site Closes 2019 With Record Returns!

TAX PREPARATION IS OFFERED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS. Sites will stop taking new clients at least one hour before closing or possibly earlier than that during busier sessions. We recommend that you come early! Download Auburn Gresham Below 2019 Auburn Gresham Tax Site Flyer WHO DO WE HE... more

Don’t forget: Turn Your Clocks Ahead and Test Your Smoke Detectors Too This Weekend!

Dear Greater Auburn Gresham Community, This is your friendly reminder from the American Red Cross to turn your clocks ahead one hour this Sunday, March 10 and test your smoke alarms too. The minute you spend testing your smoke alarms could literally save lives – including yours! M... more

LSNA Welcomes New Round of Parent Mentors

Hundreds of new parents graduated on Thursday, June 6th from the Logan Square Neighborhood Association Parent Teacher Mentor Program at Carl Schurz High School. “After demonstrating the dedication and love that the parent mentors put into helping each student, the Parent Mentor Program... more

Parent mentors celebrate graduation, program expansion: ‘Each day I know I accomplish something’

Chicago School Board President Miguel Del Valle greets parent mentor graduates on Thursday, June 6, 2019. Adeshina Emmanuel/Chalkbeat When Hermosa resident Laquita Simmons got hired as a parent mentor at McAuliffe Elementary School last year, she relished the opportunity to keep an eye on her f... more

57 Years at LSNA

57 Years of LSNA, Annual Congress Recap From powerful poetry about our past and future to ratifying our board to listening to the young Operamatic musicians to celebrating the multitude of accomplishments from this year, we celebrated with our members and constituents on Tuesday, May 21, 2019. 2... more

Hundreds Of Logan Square Residents Show Up To Fight For 100% Affordable Housing Complex As Opponents Try To Slow Down Process

LOGAN SQUARE — Roughly 500 residents packed into the Avondale-Logandale Elementary School auditorium Wednesday evening to discuss a controversial plan to build an 100-percent affordable housing complex next to the Logan Square Blue Line station. The proposal, which calls for 100 units of affo... more

Prior to Tonight’s Logan TOD Hearing, Supporters Make Their Final Case

Reverend Paula Cripps-Vallejo of the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance speaks at this mornings press conference. Lynda Lopez On the morning before tonight’s community input meeting for the proposed 100-unit, 100-percent affordable transit-oriented development for the Emmett Street parking ... more

We Are Hiring!

Teamwork Englewood is hiring an Executive Director responsible for the organiations consistent achievement of its mission, financial objectives and compliance with policies and procedures. The ED will implement the strategic goals and objectives of the organization as defined by the Board of Directo... more

2018 Business Plan: Pitch Competition

Join us for the 2018 Business Plan: Pitch Competition where business owners Pitch their business for a chance to win a share of $40,000 cash prizes. See flyer for additional details.

Teamwork Englewood 2017 Spotlight

We are proud to present the TWE 2017 Spotlight. This report showcases the hardwork and dedication of the Teamwork Englewood staff, and the relentless committment of the Greater Englewood community members. Inside, you’ll find highlights of our impressive departments, testimonials from stak... more

Englewood Quality of Life Plan II Celebrates Its One Year Anniversary

On Saturday December 2nd 11AM-12:30PM, at Volunteers of America (6002 S. Halsted), the Englewood community will celebrate the one year anniversary of the Englewood Quality of Life Plan (EQLP). In April 2015, Englewood residents celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the 2005 Englewood Quality of Life Pl... more

Englewood Women's Initiative: Supporting Veterans

Are you a women veteran living in Englewood looking for pathways to success and economic security? If you are, the Englewood Womens Initiative or "EWI" is for you. Women veterans living in Englewood, recognized for honorably serving our nation, are invited to a special EWI session on Wednes... more

Claretian Associates is Looking for an AmeriCorp Vista

Member Duties : The VISTA will 1) research and assist with applications for private and public funding sources for housing and social programs. 2) Evaluate Claretian Associates existing programs and learn best housing practices in Chicago-area special needs housing. 3) Develop materials for tenant s... more

CeaseFire Rally Cries, "Save Our Funding"

Monday afternoon, Claretian Associates’ Ceasefire (Cure Violence) team participated in the rally at city hall to save Ceasefire funding. With $2.8 million in frozen funding, the South Chicago team demonstrates how essential the program is to the community. In a recent interview with a CeaseFir... more

Community Assessment for Early Childhood Services

Claretian Associates is partnering with Metropolitan Family Services and many other community organizations to develop an Early Childhood Network in support of AOK. AOK (All Our Kids) Network is a group of agencies that work with families with young children to make sure that families get the servi... more

Claretian Associates is Partnering with I Am We to South Chicago Youth!

Message from I Am We Executive Board Member, Latisha Thomas I Am We has partnered with Claretian Associates to offer visual and digital storytelling to youth living in South Chicago. We are excited about this endeavor to fill a gap where youth have limited access to art, literacy development, ment... more

Claretian Associates is Looking for a Youth Media Team!

Claretian Associates is searching for a few motivated local youth who are between the ages of 15-21 and would like to learn about film production, create press releases, write blogs, and create engaging social media content to feature on our website and social media platforms. These three youth wi... more

Help support WINGS Metro, domestic violence victims

WINGS Metro is slated to open on February 14, just a few shorts weeks away. They will be providing interim housing to those fleeing domestic violence situations. WINGS is still in need of items before the big opening and is asking the community for support. If you or someone you know is able to don... more

IMAN puts out proposal for Healthy Marketplace Campaign

IMAN is converting a local corner store and neighboring commercial space at 63rd and Racine into a Healthy Marketplace with two businesses. The two businesses will be a small scale grocery and an adjacent establishment aligned with the mission of providing healthy options for the consumer. Learn... more

Cutting Corners for Chanel and Cartier

Asha had worked a string of jobs ranging from admin assistant, to photographer, to pre-K art teacher. She’d taken some career courses at City Colleges. However, the opportunity to find a career path that provided both job satisfaction and the wage she needed as a single mother to support her ... more

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50×50: AN EPIC CITY-WIDE THEATRICAL FLASH MOB! Check out Auburn Gresham This Summer!

Free Street turns 50 this year, so we decided to celebrate by performing in ALL fifty wards of the city… IN ONE DAY! On June 23rd, we will be showing up in a neighborhood near you! We have 10 teams of performers, each performing a different play/piece. So what you see in Roger&rsqu... more

Auburn Gresham GOLD (AGGOLD) Camp Registration is Open!

Auburn Gresham Gold (AG GOLD) Camp 2019 We are now accepting applications! Register at: Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation Office 7901 S. Racine, Chicago, IL Phone: 773-483-3696 Application Fee: $25 per young person Accepting Applications on WEDNESDAYS and THURSDAYS Space is limite... more

AGGOLD Schools Weather the Storms to Mark the End of Successful After School Programs!

Auburn Gresham GOLD, a community driven education program, has been investing in kids since 2006. Thirteen years later, the Greater Auburn Gresham Devleopment Corporation is still adding resources to elementary, middel and high schools in the greater Auburn Grehsam service area. Schools not out jus... more

A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR CHICAGO

4 takeaways from the new mayor’s energy and environment transition committee A guest post by: Joe Dominguez, CEO of ComEd and co-chair of the mayor’s environment transition committee (Article from ComEd PLN Network) May 13 marked a new day for Chicago as Mayor Lori Lightfoot took the... more

Spanish Coalition for Housing Team Honored for Outstanding Efforts in Education

Annual Mujeres Destacadas Awards Recognize Three Women for Their Successes and Dedication CHICAGO (June 11, 2019) – Following a year of increased educational efforts through hands-on workshops, a team of three women from Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH) were honored for their outstanding ... more

EQLP Quarterly Meeting

The second EQLP quarterly meeting for 2019 is Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Each of the five task forces will provide updates on the work theyve been doing this year and plans for future projects.

Father's March

This Saturday come out to the Fathers March presented by "Mr. Dads Fathers Club". It will be from 12-5 pm and there will be free food, fun and games! Bring your kids and come out to celebrate the dads in your life!

A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR CHICAGO

4 takeaways from the new mayor’s energy and environment transition committee A guest post by: Joe Dominguez, CEO of ComEd and co-chair of the mayor’s environment transition committee (Article from ComEd PLN Network) May 13 marked a new day for Chicago as Mayor Lori Lightfoot took the... more

Spanish Coalition for Housing Team Honored for Outstanding Efforts in Education

Annual Mujeres Destacadas Awards Recognize Three Women for Their Successes and Dedication CHICAGO (June 11, 2019) – Following a year of increased educational efforts through hands-on workshops, a team of three women from Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH) were honored for their outstanding ... more

5th/3rd Financial Empowerment eBus in Englewood

The 5th/3rd Financial Empowerment eBus stops in Englewood June 18 Board a 40-foot mobile financial capability classroom that brings empowering financial tools and advice directly to your community. A number of services available, including exploring paths to homeownership, access and review cre... more

June 2nd Registration Deadline Approaching for City Colleges of Chicago’s Summer 2017 Term

Chicagoans who want a quality, affordable education to prepare for further college or career can register now for the 2017 Summer Term at City Colleges of Chicago, the largest community college system in Illinois. One of the seven city colleges, Wright College has a location in Humboldt Park at 1645... more

Engaging community through conversation

Bickerdike welcomed 11 guests for dinner and discussion as part of an On The Table event on May 17, 2017. Held each year in May, On The Table is a special initiative of the Chicago Community Trust (CCT); it is designed to promote community building and the sharing of ideas among diverse groups as th... more

Complete a Health Survey, Earn $40 Visa Giftcard

Researcher Kiarri Kershaw, PhD is conducting a survey on how women use their environment, available resources, and each other to choose the foods they eat. Access to healthy food is a public health issue, but previous research on whether or not improving access to healthy foods improves eating beha... more

Team Hope

As an adult education instructor, many times my classes will present a “first time ever” experience to me. Sometimes it’s things like – first time I raised my voice, first time NO ONE was prepared for their presentation, etc. But with the Wood Products Manufacturing Class w... more

McTeacher’s Night at Western Ave. McDonald's for Roberto Clemente Community Academy

Roberto Clemente Community Academy of CPS held their first McTeacher’s Night at the McDonald’s on Western in Chicago, on Thursday, May 18. A McTeachers Night is organized to help raise money for local schools by having teachers work at McDonalds and then giving a percentage of the nights... more

Three more portals for Smart Communities

The three Southwest neighborhoods in Chicagos Smart Communities program launched their portals yesterday, creating a wide new avenue for interaction among residents, businesses and organizations.They are works in progress, with some empty spaces yet to fill, but already the portals offer new stories... more

Peirce on Daley

Syndicated state and local government columnist Neal Peirces recent summary of Mayor Daleys legacy on the Citistates site will seem fawning to Daleys critics. There is only a brief mention at the end about patronage and corruption, and no mention at all about the privatization controversies that hav... more

Preview: Humboldt Park Launches Its Portal

Its still a work in progress, according to the team that made it happen, but the Humboldt Park Portal, a day after its "soft" launch, looks pretty good to me. It features a nice selection of stories from various contributors and organizations, a packed calendar (Movies in the Park, Jens Jensen birth... more

Take a Tour of Pilsen - by Video or Phone

Weve written here before about how neighborhoods are using multimedia tools to promote their work and their neighborhoods, but couldnt have imagined, even six months ago, how far the groups would come, and how fast.Audio slideshows are now available for 10 neighborhoods as part of the Chicago Commun... more

Front-Yard Signs Call Out Banks on Foreclosures

Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) is "naming names" of banks that are foreclosing on properties on Chicagos Southwest Side, where 7,300 foreclosures have been filed over two years in four area ZIP Codes. The bank names are prominently featured on yard signs that say "Deutsch Bank (or Citibank or J... more

Casa Queretaro, Lake Village East among Winners of Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards

Casa Queretaro will be receiving first place for the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design at the upcoming 24th Annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDA). Gabriel Ignacio Dziekiewicz said he hoped Casa Querétaro would help to def... more

LISC’s Quality-of-Life Planning Bettering Neighborhoods throughout Chicago

Attracting new businesses to West 79th Street is a mission for Carlos Nelson, executive director of the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC), and his associate, Nicole Wheatly. Renovation of a four-story building just west of Halsted Street is expected to begin later this year. G... more

Micro Market Recovery Program Revitalizes Blocks Across Chicago

Anthony and Michelle Johnson and their children in front of the two-flat in the 700 block of North Spaulding Avenue that they purchased through the citys Micro Market Recovery Program (MMRP). They live in the lower portions of the house and rent out the top floor. Photos by Gordon Walek In 2012... more

Catalyzing Change Through Empty Lots on Chicago’s South Side

In Englewood, vacant lots have become beacons of opportunities. An opportunity that isn’t without difficulty and hardship. An opportunity that requires determination, vision and, most importantly, collaboration. Since 2016, Englewood residents have been able to purchase vacant City of Chicago... more

Evelyn’s Food Love Uses LISC Small Business Loan to Bring Hip New Restaurant to Washington Park

Evelyn Shelton realized her ambition to open a Washington Park restaurant, thanks in part to a LISC Small Business loan. Photos by Gordon Walek Evelyn Shelton wants to revitalize Washington Park one triple chocolate chip pancake at a time, and a substantial LISC Small Business loan is allowing ... more

BUILD to hold community pop-up in Austin

The next event will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 21 at Laramie and Washington. All are welcome!

African-American vets to be honored Wednesday

Commemorate Juneteenth at the Garfield Park Golden Dome, 100 N. Central Park Ave., from 12 to 4 p.m. June 19th. The West Side Historical Preservation Society is holding Wednesdays event in collaboration with the Garfield Park Advisory Council.

Dozens of Michele Clark seniors participate in annual grad ride

Divvy donated 70 bikes to seniors of Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School for their second annual ride to eight nearby elementary schools.

Fathers day brunch to focus on changing parenting laws

Join several men, including state Rep. La Shawn Ford, at the free event, which will be held from 12 to 2 p.m. June 16 at Moore Park, 5085 W. Adams St.

Talent contest to be held Saturday

The free show - presented by the 15th Police District and DJ Phantom Inc. - will be held June 15 at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5608 W. Washington Blvd. Doors open at 10 a.m.