Auburn Gresham Free Tax Site Open Through April 15th!

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

Navy Pier Summer Pop-up Informational Sessions

Attention local artists, makers and retailers, please find this opportunity to pop-up at Navy Pier this summer. Please use this time to yes, represent your service and/or product! To reserve your attendance, just RSVP by emailing Marshell.Elder@cityofchicago.org and let her know which one of the ... more

Breakfast and Blues for Seniors Feb. 24, 2018 rocked the house again

The biannual Breakfast and Blues for Seniors event is always a welcome treat for local residents, volunteers and staff.

Oglesby drumline was the opening performance at the 1st ever Network 11 Educator Awards

Kimberly Henderson@kchenderson38 The Oglesby drumline was the opening performance at the 1st ever Network 11 Educator Awards last night! What a great evening honoring teachers, staff and parents!@ChiPubSchools @CPSNetwork11 @SocialWorks_Chi 8:07 AM - Feb 22, 2019 · Chicago, IL ... more

As Logan Housing Costs Skyrocket, New 100 Percent Affordable Housing Complex ‘Extremely Important’ Step In Right Direction, Ald. Says

Another view of the proposed project at 2602 – 2638 N. Emmett St. Nina Bloom The project would bring 100 units of affordable housing and 4,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space to a city-owned parking lot. LOGAN SQUARE — A long-discussed plan to build an 100 percent affor... more

LSNA's Aldermanic Questionnaire- Run-Off Edition

On Tuesday, March 19, 2019, LSNA hosted a conversation between runoff candidates for the 30th, 31st, 33rd ward, and community members. Wed like to thank the candidates including Deb Mell, Felix Cardona Jr., Rossana Rodriguez, and Jessica Gutierrez for attending. See recordings of their responses ... more

Chicago’s Lincoln Yards Puts Affordable Housing Groups In A Bind

Artist rendering of the Lincoln Yards project. Courtesy of Sterling Bay Joy Aruguete, longtime director of Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation, got a call the other day from a miffed community member. He wanted to know one thing: Was Bickerdike really supporting Lincoln Yards? Bickerdike is... more

LSNA's Aldermanic Candidate Forum Recap and Questionnaire Answers

Forum Recap If you missed LSNAs aldermanic forum last Friday, never fear! You can see an entire recording of the forum on our Facebook Page. Candidates Responses- February 13th, 2019 When we invited candidates to attend our forum we also sent them a questionnaire asking for their stance on m... more

Candidates Promise to Vote No on Mega TIF Bonds at LSNA Aldermanic Forum

Article from the LoganSquarist Residents of Logan Square, Avondale, Hermosa, and Lathrop packed the auditorium at McAuliffe Elementary (1841 N. Springfield Ave.) Feb. 8 to hear aldermanic candidates speak about the Logan Square Neighborhood Association’s Quality of Life plan, released in Dece... 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

Get assistance on paying your electric bill

Keep warm when the weather drops

17th Ward Youth Clean-Up Volunteer Project April 15th and 16th Join Us!

Its time for Spring cleaning and young adults are gearing up again for the 17th Ward Youth Clean-Up Campaign! This year will consist of 2 days of volunteering in the community to spruce up our neighborhood. We’re looking for young adults and volunteers to join us on Monday, April 15th and ... more

Join IMAN's Community Organizing Training

Regardless of the outcomes of todays elections, our city and our communities are facing critical issues, like the need for police accountability and reform, lack of affordable housing, shuttered schools and mental health clinics, and overall lack of resources in neighborhoods on the South and Wes... more

Positive Friday Message on Inclusive Employment from Brenda...

Happy Friday! I (Brenda Palms-Barber) had a great visit to New Orleans last week. I was visiting with members of the New Orleans Business Alliance and the Aspen Skills Academy. They are working together to create new pathways to prosperity for the economically insecure residents in New Orleans. T... more

Be on the right side of history, VOTE for Chicago's Mayor April 2, 2019

Chicago has had just four open-seat mayoral contests over the past 100 years. This includes the primary election this past February 2019. So, no matter how you vote, the April 2, 2019, Chicagos mayoral race will make history. The first African American Mayor of the City of Chicago. The unfortunate... more

Spanish Coalition for Housing Continues to Increase Access to CHA Services

As Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH) completes its third year as part of Community Alliance, the Chicago Housing Authority’s (CHA) Diversity Outreach Initiative, it continues to increase access to CHA programs and services for thousands of families in diverse communities through its hands-o... more

Does a seafood-based diet make sense for you?

Will trading in your carnivorous eating habits for a pescatarian lifestyle automatically place you on track for improving your health? Dr. Senora Nelson, a family medicine physician at Advocate Trinity Hospital, in Chicago, says not necessarily. It all depends on the type and the amount of seafood ... more

A simple chat can help ease the pain

It’s never too soon to speak to your loved ones about end-of-life and other health care decisions. In fact, advance planning can help ease the pain of family members during difficult times. Today, on National Healthcare Decision Day, Rev. Kevin Massey, System Vice President of Mission and Spi... more

Director of Enrollment Management

Get the certification course for Illinois Beverage Alcohol Seller and Server Education Training (BASSET) for free on Saturday May 4, 2019 at Kennedy-King College.

EQLP April Calendar

The April EQLP calendar is available, listing each Task Force meeting date, time and location. See you at the next meeting.

WTTW's Urban Nature explores thriving urban communities

Chicago may be many things, but what comes as a surprise to some is the various subcommunities of nature and vegetation that are thriving among the buildings and homes. For Dave Odd, the alleys and streets are filled with more than rats. The professional forager unearths edible vegetation for some o... 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

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

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

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

Elementary students will be competing in spelling bee Friday

Students in 3rd through 8th grade will be competing from 3 to 5 p.m. April 19 at the Austin library for cash prizes, a trophy and recognition. The event is sponsored by the American Women of Oak Park.

State lawmaker calls for end to violence

State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford and the leader of the UIC Great Cities Institute will stand alongside victims of violence this morning to offer solutions.

Collection fees waived this week at the clerk’s office

Fees are waived through April 18th for moving violations but not for parking or red light camera tickets. You can pay in person or by phone.

Join tonight’s open mic at the Chicago Public Library

Kick off National Poetry Month by sharing a favorite song, dance, poetry or another way youd like to express yourself. The event is from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 at the Austin branch, 5615 W. Race Ave.

Health clinic opens in Austin

PCC Parkside Family Health Center is the 12th PCC health clinic and represents $1.7 million in investment, said Robert J. Urso, president and CEO of PCC Community Wellness Center. “We’re grateful for the privilege to serve this community and deepen our commitment to the West Side.