SSA #32 July 17, 2014, Business Workshop Recap

On July 17, 2014, the Greater Auburn- Gresham Development Corporation’s Special Service Area (SSA) #32 held a Business Workshop, for the Auburn-Gresham business community, at Urban Partnership Bank, in the REDLine CTC and Business Center. The workshop topics included the following: How to ... more

The Southside Neighborhood Gospel Fest

The Southside Neighborhood Gospel Fest, on July, 19, 204, from 11am to 7pm, at Ogden Park located 6500 South Racine. Live music, local gospel greats, food trucks, fun and fellowship and much more. Open to the public. A Mayor Rahm Emanuel "Summer of Faith In Action" Event. Download and share the fl... more

African-American Small Business Expo is Saturday at the South Shore Cultural Center

The City of Chicago SmallBusiness Center on the Road series is gearing up for the African-AmericanSmallBusiness Expo with keynote speaker, Desiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing and former White House Social Secretary for President Barack Obama. The free expo will take place on Saturday, July 19... more

Premiere of "The PIllars of Auburn Gresham" Movie

Please join Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago and Landmarks Illinois for a premeier showing the film "The Pillars of Auburn Gresham." The event will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at 700 W. 79th, in the Grand Ballroom of the Salaam Restaurant, 2nd Floor. This even... more

21st Century Request for Proposal Submission

CCLC 21st Century Community Learning Center LOI (Letter of Intent) Intent for possible funding Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GADC) has written Letter of Intent to apply for FY 2015 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grant funds. GADC will be working together... more

Parent Mentor Program Graduates Record Number Of Classroom Tutors

The statewide Parent Mentor Program, which started in Chicagos Logan Square neighborhood 19 years ago, graduated 582 parents on Tuesday. The parents tutored children daily this academic year in 67 Illinois schools. The 582 parents who got their diplomas represent the largest-ever graduating class... more

Thank you Parent Mentors. 2014 Graduation Video.

Graduating Seniors Testify to Elev8’s Strengths

Graduating Seniors Testify to Elev8’s Strengths “I had no clue what I was going to do with my life after high school,” said Kaylor Oscar. “The health center helped me manage my weight, which introduced me to the study of science, which led me to want to become a forensic che... more

LSNA 52nd Congress Tackles Housing And Education

The Logan Square Neighborhood Association 52nd Annual Congress convened at Funston Elementary School‘s auditorium (2010 N. Central Park Ave.) last week. Neighborhood activists, community groups and elected officials gathered to discuss issues such as immigration, housing and education. The C... more

Logan Square Group Holds Vigil For Ames, Turns Spotlight On Kelvyn Park High

Hundreds of concerned parents and community members rallied at a vocal Logan Square meeting Tuesday night and then marched through the neighborhood with candles in hand to protest a recent Chicago Board of Education decision to turn Ames Middle School into a military academy. The protesters also vo... more

Mariano's to Open Store in Bronzeville-DNA Info Chicago

BRONZEVILLE — Marianos plans to open a store at Pershing Road and King Drive, with construction to begin next year. Mayor Rahm Emanuel made the announcement Wednesday in Bronzeville with Roundys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Mariano. Ald. William Burns (4th) called it a symbol of ... more

47th Street Clean & Green

QCDC, CAPS, and both the 3rd and 4th Ward Aldermanic offices participated in Clean and Green on 47th Street from Cottage Grove Avenue to Michigan Avenue on Saturday, April 26th. Numerous businesses along the corridor participated. Simply Soups Salads, and Sandwiches, along with McDonalds and Abundan... more

South Side Eats: Unwrap the Fantastic Roti at Cafe Trinidad in Bronzeville

The two island country is one of the oldest inhabited areas of the Caribbean, so its cuisine is influenced by many flavors, including those from Africa, India, China, Britain, and others. For full article, CLICK HERE.

The University of Chicago Launches UChicago Local

UChicago Local will offer programs and tools for business owners and job seekers in neighborhoods around the University. The first phase focuses on local business support, including efforts to make local vendors a larger part of University and UChicago Medicine procurement. That includes an intensiv... more

Chicago Unveils New Small Business Push

The Emanuel administration today announced a new program intended to increase the number of contracts that neighborhood businesses win from Chicagos largest employers. The initiative is being launched by World Business Chicago, the public-private partnership that more typically focuses on recruitin... more

“Teamwork Englewood Announces New Executive Director”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 16, 2014 CONTACT: Elder Willard Payton Chair, Board of Directors Teamwork Englewood, 773-488-6600 wpayton@teamworkenglewood.org Perry L. Gunn Executive Director Teamwork Englewood 773-488-6600 pgunn@teamworkenglewood.org “Teamwork Englewood Announces New E... more

Englewood Solidarity Day

Were taking it to the people! A targeted, door-to-door community canvass to connect with neighbors and share information on local resources and events: Affordable Healthcare So Fresh Saturdays "Wednesdays at Wood Street" Farm Stand Englewood Votes (voter registration) For more information cont... more

False Job Announcement Linked to Teamwork Englewood

June 19th 2014 For Immediate Release False Job Announcement Linked to Teamwork Englewood CHICAGO (June 19th 2014) - In the last few weeks Teamwork Englewood has received an influx of calls, office visits and emails about a false and misleading job announcement for the CTA apprentice program and h... more

Making Englewood/West Englewood STABLE & STRONG.

Making Englewood/West Englewood STABLE and STRONG Lead by Agora Community Services Corporation, is an event in partnership of the STABLE Project consortium of HUD approved housing counseling agencies, the Black Star Project Weatherization Program, 007th District CAPS and US Bank to launched to enco... more

Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS Join to Bring Free HIV Testing to Chicago

As part of its ongoing commitment to fight HIV/AIDS, Walgreens is collaborating with Greater Than AIDS to help offer free HIV testing in support of National HIV Testing Day, June 27. Free testing provided by health departments and AIDS service organizations will be available to the public with no ap... more

WPC Announces Resignation of Executive Director

The Board of Directors for the Washington Park Consortium (WPC) announced today that executive director Brandon F. Johnson has resigned to pursue other opportunities. “I am tremendously proud of the strides Washington Park Consortium has made in support and technical assistance to Wa... more

Red Line South Reconstruction Project

Cermak-Chinatown to 95th/Dan Ryan • May 2013 – October 2013 CTA is rebuilding the south Red Line from just north of Cermak-Chinatown to 95th/Dan Ryan. The work will benefit Red Line riders for decades to come—through faster travel times, increased reliability, and spruced-up statio... more

The Crisis of Black Male Joblessness in Milwaukee: Trends, Explanations, and Policy Options

ABOUT THIS REPORT Since the late 1990s, issues surrounding race and employment have been a central research focus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Center for Economic Development (UWMCED). In a series of reports, the Center has analyzed racial disparities in employment in the Milwaukee regio... more

Alderman Willie Cochran Discusses His Vote on on the Speed Zone Cameras and the Infrastructure Trust Ordinances

Greetings to all: Over the last two weeks the City Council has had two matters, Speed Zone Cameras and The Infrastructure Trust that were voted on. These matters have been in discussion for approximately six (6) weeks. Over that period of time thorough discussion were had and questions and ... more

Alderman Pat Dowell Discusses Her Vote on on the Speed Zone Cameras and the Infrastructure Trust Ordinances

At the two most recent City Council meetings, I cast votes on two ordinances that will affect all residents of the city. I cast a no vote for the ordinance authorizing placement of speed cameras near schools and parks and voted in favor of the Chicago Infrastructure Trust ordinance. (See ordinance ... more

Woodlawn Health and Human Services Community Information Meeting

Tuesday, July 16, 2013 July 15, 2013 Please join the Network of Woodlawn, the Woodlawn Health and Human Services Consortium (WHHC) , and other Woodlawn health and human services providers for a discussion about Woodlawn’s health and human services. Secretary Michelle Saddler, Illinois De... more

UIC Seeks Breast Cancer Research Study Volunteers

Tuesday, July 16, 2013 Wesley Walker Breast Cancer Survivors Move Forward Moving forward — that’s what researchers at the Institute for Health Research and Policy want to help African American breast cancer survivors do. Moving Forward is also the name of a community-based weight loss ... more

Woodlawn Rolls Out Network of Woodlawn's Education Strategy to Community Residents

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 Woodlawn residents, stakeholders invited to participate in community meeting to guide the future of local schools Network of Woodlawn and Woodlawn Children’s Promise Community to host 10/27 meeting, the first in the Future of Woodlawn series (Chicago) … Th... more

State of Illinois Invests $2 million towards Decreasing the Digital Divide in South Side Communities

Tuesday, October 16, 2012 Governor Quinn Announces First Winner of Illinois Gigabit Communities Challenge State’s $2 Million Seed Investment Will Jumpstart Fiber Optic and Wireless Network in Mid-South Side Chicago Neighborhoods; Help Create Over 50 Jobs CHICAGO – October 16, 2012.... more

Woodlawn Public Safety Alliance Continues to Organize and Pray to Stop the Violence

Tuesday, October 16, 2012 W.Walker The Woodlawn Public Safety Alliance will be leading a prayer vigil and march around the 6300 block of S. Rhodes on Thursday, October 18th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The vigil and march is part of a response strategy to call attention to the escalation of youth violenc... more

South Chicago Parent Cafe Training Institute

Hosted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and Claretian Associates, Parent Café is training South Chicago leaders and residents who wish to work collaboratively to improve positive outcomes for families in the neighborhood. All training participants must be willing to work collaboratively w... more

South Chicagoan Turns 96!

Since 1933, Ms. Velma Robinson has been a resident of the South Chicago community. Hailing from Clarksdale, Mississippi at the age of 14, her and her family sought economic opportunity among the steel industry along with countless other African American families migrating from the south. As a young ... more

Positions Opening - Safe Passages for School Year 2014-2015

Accepting applications for community watcher positions for schools: Bowen, Corliss High Schools and Burnham Elementary School. To see if you are a perfect candidate for the position, please click here to review the job posting. Applications will be available on the following dates and location... more

Position Now Open - Development/Marketing Manager

Claretian Associates is hiring for the following position: A full-time Development/Marketing Manager to develop, implement, and manager our fundraising, grant processing, and to develop our marketing material and public relations. Click on the title for more details and how to apply. The posi... more

Summer Youth Employment @ Claretian Associates

When applying, look for job title MAPSCorps @ Claretian Associates and check it on the After School Matters website. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older, and can be entering junior or senior year in high school (can be entering junior year or a graduating senior) to apply for ASM. Youth wi... more

SWOP applies for an ISBE 21st Century Community Learning Center grant for 2014-15

Wednesday, July 16, 2014 The Southwest Organizing Project intends to apply to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant in partnership with Marquette Elementary School. The 21st CCLC will allow SWOP to expand educational, social-emotional, and en... more

SWOP LEADERS MAKE HISTORY AT DRIVER’S LICENSE BILL SIGNING

On January 28, SWOP leaders watched as Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed the highway safety legislation into law. Illinois makes history by becoming the first state in over a decade that had the courage to work in a bipartisan manner to pass driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants.... more

SWOP’s "Reclaiming Southwest Chicago" Housing Campaign Moves Forward

SWOP SWOP continues to move on its effort to respond to the large numbers of vacant buildings plaguing the Southwest side by submitting a funding proposal to the Illinois Attorney General office as part of their request for proposals for the National Foreclosure Settlement Awards. Back in July 2012... more

SWOP’s Next NAI Citizenship Workshop is March 23rd at Daley Community College

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Since 2005, the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) has been a lead organization in the in the New Americans Initiative (NAI). Through NAI, administered by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) in partnership with the Illinois Department of ... more

Two Greater Southwest Development Corporation (GSDC) Employees Become U.S. Citizens through SWOP’s New Americans Initiative (NAI)

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 Last month, Nick Kollias and Rob Navarro of the Greater Southwest Development Corporation (GSDC) became U.S. Citizens through the Southwest Organizing Project’s (SWOP) New Americans Initiative (NAI). SWOP’s NAI is a state program that educates and assists eligib... more

New Hoops in the Hood video

Monday, December 19, 2011 For the last several years, Tu Multimedia, through videos and audio slideshows, has been documenting Hoops in the Hood, the summer basketball program that LISC/Chicago supports in communities throughout the city. Heres the latest.....

Hoops in the Hood

Monday, December 19, 2011

Historic Gately Stadium Reopens
After Sweeping Renovation

Friday, November 11, 2011 Football players from eight public schools and South Side park districts that share decades-old Gately Stadium in Roseland gathered on Oct. 14 to celebrate a renovation that includes a new synthetic turf field, scoreboard, lighting and seating. They were joined just before ... more

Hoops in the Hood:
Profile of Volunteer Coach Darren Tillis

Friday, November 11, 2011 Community volunteers are an integral part of all successful neighborhood efforts – including Hoops in the Hood, a partnership of LISC/Chicago and organizations in 11 neighborhoods to offer summer sports programs focused on building youth engagement, leadership and co... more

From Learn and Earn to Slam and Jam

Friday, November 11, 2011 John McCarron “There’s no time to get in trouble.” If the Near North Unity Project needed a motto this summer, Shelby Tharpe surely nailed it. It was a sticky-hot Friday afternoon and the 13-year-old was conferring with his buddy, Leon Wilbut, near basketb... more

Accion Chicago Success Story

After I moved to Chicago from Guatemala, I worked in several daycare centers, getting experience for the day when I could open my own center. Three years ago I started My First Steps Daycare with one child and one bed. Today we have seven beds. My daughter and another employee work with me, and we ... more

Pastor Wilfredo De Jesús Celebrates Clemente's 40th

Pastor Wilfredo De Jesús Celebrates Clementes 40th from Roberto Clemente on Vimeo. In September 2014, Roberto Clemente Community Academy will celebrate 40 years of providing education to the Humboldt Park community. Join us in reflecting on 40 years as we release interviews with local commu... more

Desde MÉXICO CABARET MISTERIO TEMPORADA EN CHICAGO

Cabaret Misterio es una compañía de teatro cabaret, fundada y dirigida por Andrés Carreño desde el 2004. Su repertorio abarca teatro para niños y espectáculos de cabaret para adultos. Un sello de la compañía es el uso de dramaturgia original, ... more

Seed Chicago: Historia de Éxito

Dana es la dueña de Bright Endeavors y la creadora de una nueva iniciativa llamada “Good Glass Chicago”, en la cual recicla envases de vidrio y la rellena con cera para crear velas pequeñas. Una vez terminadas, estas velas son vendidas a tiendas y restaurantes. El programa ... more

Help needed with WBEZ story about Pilsen history

Hi Pilsen friends. I’m the West Side reporter of @WBEZ, Chicago’s big public-radio station. I need your help with a story about Pilsen. I need to find people who moved to the neighborhood in the 1940s, 1950s or 1960s — and who made that move as adults. They need not have remained ... more

Accion Chicago Success Story: My First Steps Daycare

The nine children who attend My First Steps Daycare spend portions of each day in different sections of the new colorful and spacious room designedl especially for them by Maritza Barios de Argueta, the daycares owner. "There is a pay area, reading nook, learning corner, snack space, and of course, ... more

Seed Chicago: Historia de Éxito

Dana es la dueña de Bright Endeavors y la creadora de una nueva iniciativa llamada “Good Glass Chicago”, en la cual recicla envases de vidrio y la rellena con cera para crear velas pequeñas. Una vez terminadas, estas velas son vendidas a tiendas y restaurantes. El programa ... more

Seed Chicago Success Stories

Dana Emanuel Dana at Bright Endeavors has created a new initiative called Good Glass Chicago which recycles used and empty glass candle votives. Through a work-training program for young mothers these votives are refilled and then sold to venues and restaurants. They were able to rai... more

SBA offers Spanish language Affordable Care Act 101 webinars

Health care continues to be an important issue for small business owners. The Small Business Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, and Small Business Majority are committed to helping businesses navigate the changes and opportunities in health care through the Affordable Care Act... more

Different Benefits For Your Family’s Different Situations

National Family Month takes place each year from Mother’s Day in May to Father’s Day in June, and coincides with the end of the school year when families are able to spend even more time together. It is the perfect time to spend more time focusing on each member of your family. Social ... more

Obamacare Learning Curve a Challenge for Health Nonprofits

Nine months into implementation of the Affordable Care Act, nonprofit health organizations are being swamped by questions from consumers who signed up for insurance coverage with little understanding of how it works, writes The Washington Post. Lingering technical problems with the federal and sta... more

SSA #32 July 17 Business Workshop Recap

On July 17, 2014, the Greater Auburn- Gresham Development Corporation’s Special Service Area (SSA) #32 held a Business Workshop, for the Auburn-Gresham business community, at Urban Partnership Bank, in the REDLine CTC and Business Center. The workshop topics included the following: How t... more

"The Pillars of Auburn Gresham" Movie Premiere

Please join Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago and Landmarks Illinois for a premeier showing the film "The Pillars of Auburn Gresham." The event will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at 700 W. 79th, in the Grand Ballroom of the Salaam Restaurant, 2nd Floor. This even... more

Largest Vegetarian Food Festival In Nearby Naperville IL Returns This August

VEGGIE FEST, ONE OF THE LARGEST VEGETARIAN FOOD FESTIVAL IN NORTH AMERICA, RETURNS TO NAPERVILLE, IL AUGUST 9-10 (Naperville, IL) Its almost time to fill up your car with your friends and family and head to the 9th Annual Veggie Fest, the largest vegetarian food and lifestyle festival in North Amer... more

African-American Small Business Expo is 7/19 at the South Shore Cultural Center

The City of Chicago SmallBusiness Center on the Road series is gearing up for the African-AmericanSmallBusiness Expo with keynote speaker, Desiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing and former White House Social Secretary for President Barack Obama. The free expo will take place on Saturday, July 19,... more

Spoken Word Talent Competition 2014

“The winner will not only be judged on style and delivery, but their content must be clean and family friendly. We don’t allow our participants to use any derogatory or negative language in their spoken word piece in our competitions,” said Taj Jones, the organization founder and d... more

Future Angels of Englewood

My name is Avery Sterling and Im a mentee in the One Summer Chicago Plus Program at the Peace community Center and my mentor is Ms. Chyrisse Dunnorm. My mentor has taught me a lot of things such as how to balance work while attending school, how to dress properly for an interview, having priorities,... more

Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks at Hamilton Park

Back by citywide demand! Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks returns this summer and brings William Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream, FREE FOR ALL, to 18 neighborhood parks across Chicago. As in previous years, a specially equipped truck will roll into each park, a stage will unfold, and a company... more

One Summer Chicago Plus: Peace Center

My name is Tony Robinson and Im a mentee in the OSC plus at the Peace Community Center and my mentor is Ms. Chyrisse Dunnorm. She has helped me to learn many life lessons. First, I learned about the importance of balancing work, school, and family to your advantage so you can succeed in life the bes... more

One Summer Chicago Plus Program

Hello, My name is Jerome Falkner and Im a mentee for One summer Chicago, my site is the Peace Community center and my mentor is Chyrisse Dunnorm. My Mentor taught me alot of things I need to do in order to be successful in achieving my education and furthering my job career. ilearned that inorder to... more

Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center Contributes $26.1 Million in Community Benefits

Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center (PSMEMC) contributed more than $26.1 million in community benefits to residents of the West Town, Belmont Cragin, Hermosa, Logan Square and Humboldt Park neighborhoods of Chicago, including outreach efforts that helped 90,669 people in 2013, announce... more

West Humboldt Park: PlayStreets Events 2014

The West Humboldt Park Development Council (WHPDC) will organize 3 PlayStreets events in the West Humboldt Park Community on the following dates: Saturday, August 2 – 900 Block of North Springfield Saturday, August 30 – 3600 Block of West Ohio Saturday, September 6 – 700 Block of... more

Accion Chicago Client Story

The nine children who attend My First Steps Daycare spend portions of each day in deifferent sections of the new colorful and spacious room designed especially for them by Maritza Barios de Argueta, the daycares owner. "There is a pay area, reading nook, learning corner, snack space, and of course, ... more

Chicago Latin Jazz Festival back in Humboldt Park

The Annual Chicago Latin Jazz Festival will be held during the week - end of July 18-19, 2014, at the Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1301 North Sacramento, in Chicago. The festivalis sponsored by the Jazz Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Park District, as part of the Chicago Jazz Festival, and the Ch... more

Seed Chicago: Historia de Éxito

Dana es la dueña de Bright Endeavors y la creadora de una nueva iniciativa llamada “Good Glass Chicago”, en la cual recicla envases de vidrio y la rellena con cera para crear velas pequeñas. Una vez terminadas, estas velas son vendidas a tiendas y restaurantes. El programa ... 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

Big Data + Large Lots = Fast Start for City Program

As weeds go, the blooming thistles that decorate the vacant lots along the 2700 block of West Gladys Avenue aren’t so bad to look at. Wade into the lavender-topped greenery, however, and you quickly realize why Marie Cole, who owns one of the tidy houses across the street, is intent on gaini... more

Neighborhoods Beckon with Summer Activities

Knowing that Chicago summers are short and winters long can generate some urgency to get outdoors once the weather turns warm. Fortunately, LISC’s neighborhood partners are organizing their usual full schedules of activities, including Hoops in the Hood, the Jazz Festival at Seward Park, food ... more

WINGS Shelter Coming to Southwest Side

Survivors of domestic violence on the city’s Southwest Side will soon have somewhere to turn for emergency housing and comprehensive social services. WINGS Metro — a 40-bed shelter tentatively scheduled to open early next year in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood — will also include s... more

Response to Violence: Build "Culture of Peace"

At a recent symposium on safety, Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn said, "Investing in community development IS crime fighting." But what do those seven words mean? And how do they apply here in Chicago, where nearly every weekend we see new headlines about gun violence and homicides? LISC Chi... more

Graduating Seniors Testify to Elev8’s Strengths

“I had no clue what I was going to do with my life after high school,” said Kaylor Oscar. “The health center helped me manage my weight, which introduced me to the study of science, which led me to want to become a forensic chemist.” “It helped me with public speakin... more

Low Wage Workers Forum, TONIGHT 2/11, 6 p.m.

The surge of groups speaking today for low wage workers is unprecedented in Chicago. What do they want? Who are they? What’s likely to happen? Tonight – Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. these workers, the groups that represent them, and the community organizations and others that are standing behind... more

Students promote Martin Luther King’s values

Uplift High students participating in the Peace Ambassadors program will be honored Friday, January 17, 9:30 a.m., at 900 W. Wilson.

The Obama tour

Marking the fifth anniversary of Barack Obamas election as president, Forgotten Chicago is offering a tour of the Chicago sites from Obamas life in Chicago on November 10.

Ames parent mobilize

Ames Middle School parents will canvas the neighborhood Saturday morning to spread the word about community meetings at the school Tuesday at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Foreclosures and the black community

Author Laura Gottesdiener will discuss her new book, "A Dream Foreclosed: Black America and the Fight for a Place to Call Home," joined by activists from the Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign and Residents Association of Greater Englewood, on Wednesday, October 30, 6 p.m., at the Center for the Study o... more

U. of. C Students Look to uPass to Alleviate Commuting Struggles

Administrators at the University of Chicago are discussing bringing the CTA’s uPass to the school. Students have long complained about the lack of a uPass and their inability to readily access the CTA and downtown Chicago. Hamid Bendaas, a member of the Student Government Association at University o... more

The Golden Glow of Christmas brings holiday cheer to Lombard this summer

Christmas comes only once a year – unless you’re one of the 1,000-plus worldwide members of the Golden Glow of Christmas Past. With enthusiasm for every facet of the holidays, from antique glass ornaments to lighting and sleigh bells, Golden Glow’s aim since starting in 1981 has be... more

Saving the Lakes, one beach at a time

Kai Konyha hopped off a yellow school bus at the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve in Highland Park on a hot sunny Friday afternoon for Great Lakes Action Day. The Shedd Aquarium partnered with Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, one of the oldest metropolitan conservation organizations. The partnership is des... more

Southside Children’s Safe Haven

Donzell Matthews is spending his summers at a church on the Southside. It’s not going well. The Rev. Adonna Davis Reid said Matthews, who is part of the Safe Haven program at the South Shore United Methodist Church is one of the most eccentric as well as violent of his peers in the program. “I [R... more

Not Pretty, but Fun as you learn Kulturkueche (Sausage Making)

Dank Haus presents Sausage Making on July 24th. You can view the details (and buy a ticket — this is not a free activity here.) Are you ready to grind a whole pork shoulder? Austrian Chef Martin of Alpine Brand Sausages will guide you through the art of Wurst. Students will make 3-4 sausages from br... more

In the News: Lewis says she's not stepping down

Karen Lewis, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, says she isn’t stepping down over an “inappropriate joke she made about Education Secretary Arne Duncan. While her remarks were insensitive, they were just 120 seconds of her 35-minute speech at a social justice event in Seattle last month, Lewi... more

CPS moves forward on principal prep program, single hs application

At a low-key board meeting, district officials told members they are formally looking for partners to better prepare principals. Also, board members approved a contract for the development of a singular application for high schools to take the place of the hodge podge of applications that parents mu... more

No time to waste on longer day

 Chicago’s children deserve better. The majority of the city’s public school students today are not being prepared for success in this increasingly competitive global economy. Without dramatic change, it is unlikely that Chicago students living in poverty today will even have the chance to live a mi... more

In the News: Groups ready to battle over closings

Community groups around Chicago have begun revving up for what likely will be a fierce battle to keep neighborhood schools open as CPS prepares to announce this years list of school closings and consolidations. (Tribune) All prospective Chicago Public Schools students would have to go through an ap... more

In the News: City schools face Common Core struggle

Some of the best Chicago public schools are struggling to measure up to the recently adopted tougher Common Core curriculum, according to the Tribune. Also, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard announced Monday a new online tool that will allow the public to read school reports for ea... more

Dozens of schools meet closings criteria

About 140 schools, most on the South Side, meet all the key components of the district’s draft criteria to be eligible for closing. This week, the district is holding community forums on the proposed criteria. Sometime after Nov. 21, CEO Jean-Claude Brizard will issue final guidelines. A week and a... more

Ready to buy your CSA? Great! Find your pick up location, choose your season(s), and CSA size (for Summer, there’s individual and family sized). The 2431 Sawyer pick-up location is SOLD OUT for the year, but there’s more room... Read More

Get your tickets to our one-of-a-kind Spring fundraiser!

Growing Home is proud to host our 12th Annual Benefit Dinner and Auction at Salvage One on May 20th, 2014 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Join us for an exciting evening to celebrate our innovative community development in Chicago over the... Read More

Javier’s great news

Javier, a 2011 Growing Home grad, is now working full-time at East Balt, a commercial bakery on Chicago’s south side that’s been around more than 50 years.  It’s a good-paying union job with full benefits, year-round. Javier came... Read More

The Future of Cook County Boot Camp

“Boot camp is what did it for me.  It gave me better insight into life, and I respect the values it left in me. —DeAndre Brooks, 2012 Growing Home graduate and current Urban Farm Assistant “I don’t think... Read More

We need equality in the criminal justice system

The Chicago Tribune recently published a letter to the editor by Growing Home’s executive director Harry Rhodes. The letter demands equality in the criminal justice system, as exemplified by the recent ruling not to send Beanie Baby executive... Read More

Cancer survivor’s difficult road to hit smooth pavement across America

Evan Bartlett’s life began with a huge challenge. At four months old, he was diagnosed with a life-threatening form of cancer and given a 65 percent chance of surviving.

Color Jam brings back vinyl

Have you noticed the pop of color in Chicagos Loop? You may have touched it and not even realized. Color Jam, an art installation by multimedia artist Jessica Stockholder, blankets the corner of State and Adams.

CTA financial statements reflect positive steps in efficiency and emissions

A push to lower emissions and some smart commodity buying led the CTA to a drastic reduction in operating costs.

A raw idea: Owners changing up pets' diets

Before dogs were domesticated, they ate what they killed -- and they certainly didnt cook it. Now, a new diet designed with that simple philosophy in mind is picking up steam in the pet industry. Some dog owners say it makes their pups healthier and happier, but others say its just not worth the... more

Last chance to see Venus phenomenon, in this lifetime

Last chance to see Venus phenomenon, in this lifetime venuschicago Venus Transit Venussplash Transit of Venus dazzles thousands at Adler Planetarium Venus trek across the sun tracked by thousands at the Adler

Temporary Pubic Art Installations to Animate Vacant Spaces: Phoenix, AZ

The National Endowment for the Arts’ Our Town grant program supports creative placemaking projects in communities that improve the local quality of life, encourage greater creative activity, foster stronger community identity and a sense of place, and revitalize economic development. This cas... more

Community development’s unseen benefit? Good health

The community development world has had a big "Aha!” moment. The work we’ve been doing for decades—revitalizing low-income neighborhoods—doesn’t just create decent housing and economic stability, it helps people stay healthy. It turns out that how healthy we all are is... more

Healthy Food Access Portal

The Healthy Food Access Portal is a comprehensive collection of information and resources on healthy food access and financing developed by The Food Trust, PolicyLink and The Reinvestment Fund. "The Portal is designed to help people access resources related to healthy food access policy efforts, f... more

Active Living Research website

The Active Living Research website provides research-based tools and resources to help practitioners, policy-makers, and advocates create more activity-friendly environments. Active Living Research, funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has a goal of supporting and sharing research... more

Centers for Disease Control Healthy Community Design Initiative website

The Center for Disease Control’s Healthy Community Design Initiative website works to improve public health by promoting healthy community design. The website houses research that identifies the links between health and community design, tools such as the Health Impact Assessment, and ways t... more

New day dawns in Pullman

George Pullman had a couple of good reasons for building his railcar manufacturing plant and workers’ village on Chicago’s far South Side in 1881. One, land was cheaper there than near the city center. And, two, it was so far from downtown that his employees would be isolated from the &l... more

Homebuyer Fair Taps Instinct to Buy

They arrived, often two-by-two, like pilgrims to Mecca, drawn by the dream of homeownership to the soaring architecture of West Pullman’s Kroc Community Center on 119th Street. They came from Back of the Yards, Cicero, Chatham, Humboldt Park, and a handful of other neighborhoods, from one end ... more

In Logan Square and Hermosa, home buyers on the hunt

Vanessa Valentin and James Rudyk aren’t exactly salesmen – they’re respectively a community organizer and executive director for the Northwest Side Housing Center – but they recently demonstrated the art of persuasion while leading a trolley-full of potential home buyers thro... more

NSP: Where it's been, where it's going

Katie Ludwig discussing the Neighborhood Stabilization Program at a public meeting on Chicagos South Side. Gordon Walek Writer Bill Healy recently spoke with Katie Ludwig, an assistant commissioner dealing with foreclosure mitigation in the Chicago’s Department of Housing and Economic Deve... more

Mayor hails first fruit of foreclosure fight

Alicia Ivy is fed up with the foreclosure blight dragging down her block in West Humboldt Park and was only too happy, on the sunny first Friday of 2012, to give Mayor Rahm Emanuel a walking tour of the lowlights. “This is what we’re up against,” Ivy said, waving at a boarded-up, g... more

Measuring an Era

Demond Drummer wasn’t at all shocked to get such a heartfelt endorsement of the impact of what he teaches as the tech organizer at Teamwork Englewood. But how it was delivered was a bit of a surprise. One afternoon, while walking down the street in Englewood, one of his former students from a... more

Job Search 2.0

A hard-working student at Kennedy-King College in Englewood, Gabrielle Thompkins has turned to the Smart Communities program in a lot of ways. Help finding a job is just the most recent example. Thompkins is one of thousands of residents in the five Smart Communities who’ve taken computer tra... more

Report: Web Use Way Up in Smart Communities

Residents participating in LISC Chicagos Smart Communities program are using high-speed Internet more frequently, but greater access to affordable broadband at home remains an issue for at-risk communities, according to new research released by Broadband Illinois. The "Measuring Change in Internet ... more

Small, Smart and Ready

At Reciclarte Studio, Leticia Rodarte’s art gallery on Ashland Avenue, almost everything for sale is made from recycled materials, much of it by Rodarte herself. It’s a fun, funky kind of store—the type of place that brings in visitors from across Chicago to Pilsen. But Rodarte k... more

Lessons for Life

It’s yet another mercilessly hot July day in Chicago—the temperature hovers at 94 degrees outside—yet class is in session. More than a dozen local residents are sitting at computer workstations in Englewood’s FamilyNet Center at Kennedy-King College for a free, 90-minute co... more